Forty‑five Fall River firefighters were presented with medals at Kuss Middle School auditorium on Friday, October 16, 2026, in recognition of their rescue of 53 people from the July 12, 2025 Gabriel House fire.
The blaze at the assisted‑living facility claimed ten lives and left dozens injured, making it one of the deadliest fires in Massachusetts history. The ceremony highlighted the bravery of the firefighters who saved the majority of occupants during the incident.