Norfolk County Correctional Officer Receives Meritorious Recognition from Commonwealth for Lifesaving Efforts

Thanks to the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.

WORCESTER, MA – Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officer Brett LeClerc was honored with a Meritorious Recognition at the Correctional Employee of the Year Awards ceremony in Worcester on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. He was recognized for his lifesaving efforts to rescue two children from an automobile accident.

Sheriff Patrick McDermott praised Officer LeClerc’s quick thinking and heroism. “Brett was in the right place at the right time, but more importantly, he was the right person,” said Sheriff McDermott. “Because of his bravery and quick actions, two children were able to return to their families and a grave tragedy was averted. We are proud to be able to work alongside a hero like Brett LeClerc, and this award is very well-deserved.”

LeClerc was working a detail shift on I-95 when a multi-car accident occurred. He noticed that the airbags in one car had blown out and the car appeared to be on fire, and a grandmother and two children were inside the car. After removing the grandmother from the front seat, LeClerc was able to break the windows with his flashlight and remove the two children who were trapped in the back. He then kept the children safe on the side of the road until emergency personnel arrived.

Officer LeClerc was presented the award by Office of Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy and Undersecretary Andrew Peck at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The award is sponsored by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC), and the Massachusetts Sheriff’s Association for DOC employees and County Sheriff Departments.