Lowell High Sophomore receives 2010
Citizen's Safety Award
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
For his heroic actions last October, Lowell High School sophomore
Daniel Soto received the 2010 Citizen’s Safety Award from the
Massachusetts Safety Officers League, as well as other
commendations.
During a ceremony May 25 in the Cyrus Irish Auditorium at Lowell
High School, state and local officials honored Daniel Soto, 16,
for risking his own life and saving a woman from drowning in a
city canal.
“Today’s just one part of what makes me proud to be part of this
school,” LHS Headmaster Edward Rozmiarek told a large crowd of
students and teachers gathered in the auditorium for the ceremony.
“Every now and then in life, something extraordinary comes about,
and today we’re here to recognize one of those extraordinary
occurrences.”
According to Lowell Police Department Safety First Officer Paul
Corcoran, Daniel was on his way for a haircut with some friends
just before 3 p.m. on October 15, 2010 when he noticed a barefoot
57-year-old woman standing by the Lower Pawtucket Canal on Central
Street. The water temperature was frigid.
Daniel cautiously approached the distraught woman, and he urged
his friends to dial 9-1-1. Within moments, the woman jumped and
swam toward the middle of the canal, Corcoran said.
“Daniel saw this happening in front of him and wasted no time,”
Officer Corcoran said.
Daniel jumped into the water, wrapped an arm around the woman like
a lifeguard, and pulled her to safety. Daniel told The Sun at the
time that he didn’t view his actions as unusual, because he felt
as though he was just helping someone in need.
But everyone honoring Daniel agreed his actions were truly
special.
“Everyone, I want you to look up to Daniel because there’s a true
hero,” Corcoran said.
For his heroism, Daniel also received the Citizen’s Service Medal
from the Lowell Police Department. Deputy Police Superintendent
Arthur Ryan Jr. presented Daniel with the medal and praised his
efforts.
In addition, Daniel received a citation from Governor Deval
Patrick, presented by Rachel Kaprielian, Registrar from the
state’s Registry of Motor Vehicles. “Every single one of you can
have those stand-up moments at any point in time,” Kaprielian
said. “So never forget that every single one of you can be a
hero.”
Lowell Superintendent of Schools Chris A. Scott summed up the
event when she congratulated Daniel saying, “Daniel,
congratulations! You’re doing us proud today.” |
