Mansfield honors Officer Christopher Sorge and neighbor James Spencer for response to Willow Street fire

The Mansfield Select Board and public-safety leaders presented citations and proclamations Wednesday recognizing Police Officer Christopher Sorge and neighbor James Spencer for their responses to a wind‑driven structure fire on Willow Street on April 20, 2025.

Officer Christopher Sorge was commended for arriving first on scene, providing an on‑scene size‑up and radio report that recommended a second alarm, and for helping firefighters by deploying and hand‑dragging a four‑inch supply line and assisting with water‑supply operations under dangerous, wind‑driven conditions. Town fire investigators and chiefs told the board those actions materially aided early fire‑ground operations and limited extension of the blaze to a neighboring historic property.

James Spencer was recognized after public-safety staff said he entered the home under heavy smoke, located a female resident and assisted her to safety. The town presented Spencer with a citation for heroism noting he entered approximately three feet into a smoke-filled environment and guided the resident out. The chiefs and the board thanked both men and also highlighted the coordinated efforts of police and multiple fire units on scene.

Select Board members and department chiefs praised the “humility and professionalism” of first responders and residents who assisted during the incident. The board read proclamations and presented formal citations; the town said it would deliver one proclamation to Spencer at his home per his preference.