Narragansett student honored for heroic actions

Narragansett student honored for heroic actions

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

Ethan Curcio, 16, center, was honored Tuesday for his heroic actions in saving his family from a burning house fire on New Year’s Eve.

TEMPLETON — Narragansett Regional High School student Ethan Curcio, 16, was honored Tuesday for his heroic actions after saving his family from a burning house fire on New Year’s Eve.

“The only thing that got us out of there was our son,” said Faith Curcio, Ethan’s mother. “We’re here because of him.”

Winchendon Fire Chief Thomas Smith and Templeton’s School Resource Officer Steven Flis presented the high school junior, who was surrounded by his family, with a certificate of bravery.


“You went above and beyond your duty,” said Vice Principal Thomas Miller, commending Ethan’s actions.

At approximately 3:25 a.m. on Dec. 31, a fire started at the family’s historic home at 61 Weller Street in Winchendon, which housed seven people.

Ethan’s harrowing night began when he awoke to find his second-floor bedroom full of smoke. Rather than panic, he made his way out to the hall and into his parent’s bedroom to wake them up.

According to Ms. Curcio, there were no smoke detectors or alarms going off to alert the family of the danger.

After rousing his parents, Ethan then went to check on his sister, who uses a wheelchair. He helped her down the stairs and into her chair before waking up one of the house’s tenants and heading out the back porch and driveway, where the family piled into their car to combat the freezing temperatures.

The family also had several animals, most of which made it out to safety thanks to Ethan’s efforts.

The fire totally devastated the historic 4,500 square-foot home, which was recently readdressed from 61 High Street to 61 Weller Street.

According to Chief Smith the cause of the fire is still under investigation, although it started around the chimney area.

The fire burned for several hours and required the help of six surrounding fire departments to bring it under control.

While Ethan insists his actions that night were “common sense”, Chief Smith said his reaction was extraordinary, as most would run out of the house first without thinking of others.

“Ethan makes it sound very simple, that it’s a common thing to want to help and wake everybody up, but it’s really not,”  Chief Smith explained. “The first instinct is to get out, and he should be really proud of himself that he didn’t just think about himself, but that his first thoughts were about his family.”

Chief Smith also said Ethan’s actions saved not only his family, but also went a long way in helping firefighters when they arrived on scene.

“When we get there, having to go in and search for people makes our job difficult as well,” he said. “It’s a huge thing he did, and it’s something he should be proud of.”

Two benefits will be held in February to help the family through this difficult time. On Feb. 21, Gardner’s Polish American Citizens Club will be holding a musical event and on Feb. 22, the Curcio Family Fire Benefit will take place at 7 p.m. at Winchendon’s American Legion. The Patriot Riders, Fire and Iron 857 Station Motor-cycle Club and the Vietnam Veterans of America will sponsor the event.

Donations are welcomed, with music, an auction and raffle prizes on hand.