07/29/2026
For Immediate Release
July 28, 2026
Dudley Police Officer and Firefighter/Paramedics Receive Regional STORK Award for Helping Deliver Baby Girl
The Town of Dudley is proud to recognize five first responders who were honored with the Central Massachusetts STORK Award for their extraordinary teamwork and compassionate care in helping safely deliver a baby girl during an emergency medical call earlier this year.
The award recipients are:
Officer Luis Pacheco, Dudley Police Department
Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Sheehan
Firefighter/Paramedic Alex Buck
Firefighter/Paramedic Cole McKinstry
Firefighter/Paramedic Nathaniel Bushain
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, at approximately 5:54 p.m., Officer Pacheco and Dudley EMS personnel responded to a residence on Truman Drive for a report of a woman in active labor. Upon arriving, the team quickly assessed the situation and assisted the expectant mother with the delivery of a healthy baby girl before she could be transported to the hospital.
“Most emergency calls do not end with everyone smiling—or with Dudley welcoming a brand-new resident,” Town Administrator Jonathan Ruda said. “This was an extraordinary moment, and Officer Pacheco and Firefighter/Paramedics Sheehan, Buck, McKinstry, and Bushain handled it exactly as we would expect: calmly, professionally, and with genuine compassion for the family.”
The Central Massachusetts STORK Award recognizes emergency responders who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, calmness, and compassionate care while assisting with out-of-hospital births. The award notes that it is “a rare privilege for EMS professionals to be present for life’s most joyful moments” and commends recipients for their meaningful role in welcoming a new baby into the world.
During a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, Police Chief Marek Karlowicz highlighted the significance of the recognition.
“Last Friday, Central Mass EMS presented five STORK Awards to four firefighters and Officer Luis Pacheco,” he said. “It's probably one of the scariest and happiest moments in a parent’s life, and our officer and the four paramedics were there to help the parents through it.”
Chief Karlowicz also issued a formal Letter of Commendation to Officer Pacheco, praising his prompt response, professionalism, and teamwork with Dudley EMS.
“Your prompt response, care, and combined teamwork with the Dudley EMS personnel successfully delivered a baby girl. In our line of work, we see a lot of tragic calls, but you were able to experience a life entering this world, one of the happiest moments in a mother's life,” the Chief wrote.
He further noted that Officer Pacheco's actions, alongside those of Dudley Fire Department personnel, “reflect great credit upon yourself, this department, and the Town of Dudley.”
Mr. Ruda agreed.
“Our police officers and firefighter/paramedics train every day to help people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, so it is especially wonderful to celebrate a call that ended with the arrival of a healthy baby girl. I could not be prouder of this team, and I suspect this may be the youngest person ever to receive the full Dudley public safety welcome,” he said.
www.dudleyma.gov
