Tuesday, February 24, 2026

To All,

On Monday, February 23, 2026, members of New Bedford Police and New Bedford Fire responded to the residence of 207 Highland Street, on reports of a house fire in the basement of the home. The initial cause of the fire was later determined to be an electric heater in the basement area of the home.

Upon arrival to the area, due to the heavy snow conditions, Highland Street was impassable for vehicles. Police Officers and Firefighters began to make their way to the home on foot through the high snow, and upon reaching the home saw that the occupants were outside. One of the occupants had sustained minor burn injuries to both of their hands. Due to the high levels of snow, many of our city ambulances were either busy with other calls for service or unfortunately stuck in the snow themselves, unable to move (not due to a lack of plowing from our DPI workers, who were out there, and are still out there, for long hours plowing the streets). Because of this, once they were able to do so, the injured party was transported by one of the Firefighters to St. Luke’s Hospital in one of their command vehicles.

While all of this was happening, the occupants of the home were still standing outside, in the freezing cold, strong winds, and snowy conditions. We were able to secure blankets for them from within the home, but it was not enough to keep them warm. Neighbors in the area saw everything that was going on, and at that point they did something that embodies the word “community”. They came out, and not only did they assist us in clearing out a pathway for the displaced occupants, but they also offered their home for them until the Red Cross could make their way there to pick them up. DPI was also able to make their way to plow the street so that the fire engine could make its way down.

This is not being written to get any congratulations for the first responders who arrived on scene, as we did what we do any other day of the week, but instead this is being written as a reminder of how strong our community is. With a house fire going on, in the middle of one of the worst blizzards this area has ever seen, our community came together to offer shelter, warmth, and food for their displaced neighbors. The members of our community who came together to assist those in need reminded us of why we do what we do as first responders, helping people in need.

Thank you to the people of New Bedford, who embody the word “community”. You saw people in need and without hesitation you stepped up to assist them in any way you could. The people of our city are a part of the reason as to why we have such pride in serving you.

In Unity and Respect,

Officer Lorenzo Gonzalez III

NBPU President