Tewksbury Civil Servant Awardees
Tewksbury, MA Finest: Honoring the 2025 Civil Servant of the Year Awardees
On August 16, 2025, Veterans and First Responders Ministry, Inc. held its first-ever Civil Servants Day: Touching Souls at Tewksbury United Methodist Church—a moving tribute to the courage and commitment of local heroes and exemplary citizens. The celebration featured outdoor festivities and culminated in a special indoor ceremony presenting the Civil Servant of the Year award. Details of the honorees are listed below:
Officer Dennis Kelleher — Heroic Action Award
When a residential fire tore through a Tewksbury home earlier this year, Officer Dennis Kelleher didn’t wait for backup. He ran directly into the smoke-filled structure, rescuing trapped residents and saving multiple lives before fire crews arrived. His bravery was described by local coverage as “nothing short of heroic.”
But Kelleher’s impact goes far beyond emergency response. He’s a devoted husband, father, and volunteer soccer coach—known for his quiet leadership and unwavering dedication to building a more united, compassionate town. Whether mentoring kids on the field or risking his life in crisis, Officer Kelleher embodies the kind of service that transforms lives.
Firefighter Blake Hery — Heroic Action Award
On December 23, 2024, a quiet afternoon in Tewksbury turned into a powerful testament to courage and teamwork. At 2:55 p.m., a 911 call reported a 64-year-old resident was unresponsive and not breathing. Dispatcher Rebecca Maccaro immediately sprang into action, guiding the caller—his daughter—through CPR with calm and precision.
Officer Ryan Sheehan was first on the scene and began chest compressions. But it was off-duty Firefighter/EMT Blake Hery, nearby at the time, who saw Sheehan rushing in and instinctively joined the effort. Without hesitation, Blake cleared the area and took over CPR, working seamlessly with arriving police and fire crews. Their combined response, including the use of an AED, led to a remarkable outcome: the patient regained a pulse and began breathing before being transported to Lowell General Hospital.
This moment of selfless service and quick thinking earned Blake Hery the Civil Servant of the Year award—recognizing not just his skill, but his commitment to protecting life, even when off duty. His actions remind us that true heroes don’t wait for the call—they answer it wherever they are.
Brian Aylward — Community Role Model & Outstanding Veteran Support of the Year
For over two decades, Brian Aylward has been a pillar of veteran support in Tewksbury and an outstanding role model citizen for their youth. As a beloved football coach and high school teacher, he’s spent more than 20 years hosting Veterans Day ceremonies at Tewksbury Memorial High School and shaping their youths' minds, ensuring that students and families never forget the sacrifices made by those who served.
Aylward’s impact reached even deeper than the Veterans Day event... He organized a community fundraiser that raised over $6,000 to fulfill a veteran’s final wish: to return home and be buried beside his brother, who lost his life in Vietnam. It was a gesture of profound respect and compassion—one that united the town in honoring legacy, sacrifice, and love.
Brian Aylward’s dedication to veterans and youth alike makes him more than a teacher or coach. He’s a bridge between generations, a steward of remembrance, and a role model whose actions speak louder than words.
Vincent Oliva - Outstanding Role Model & Veteran of the Year
Vincent Oliva has been a pillar of strength and mentorship for Tewksbury’s veteran community. As longtime Commander of VFW Post 8164, he’s led with humility and heart—guiding younger vets, championing youth programs, and fostering unity across generations. Vinnie’s impact goes beyond leadership; he’s a role model who shows up, checks in, and reminds every veteran they’re never alone. His life is a living testimony to service, integrity, and brotherhood.
As we close this chapter of celebration and gratitude, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees who have made this year truly remarkable. Your courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service have not only uplifted those around you—they’ve become the steady heartbeat of Tewksbury. In times of challenge and triumph alike, you are the ones Tewksbury turns to for strength, hope, and unity. Thank you for being the example, the anchor, and the inspiration. Here's to a future shaped by your leadership and heart.
On August 16, 2025, Veterans and First Responders Ministry, Inc. held its first-ever Civil Servants Day: Touching Souls at Tewksbury United Methodist Church—a moving tribute to the courage and commitment of local heroes and exemplary citizens. The celebration featured outdoor festivities and culminated in a special indoor ceremony presenting the Civil Servant of the Year award. Details of the honorees are listed below:
Officer Dennis Kelleher — Heroic Action Award
When a residential fire tore through a Tewksbury home earlier this year, Officer Dennis Kelleher didn’t wait for backup. He ran directly into the smoke-filled structure, rescuing trapped residents and saving multiple lives before fire crews arrived. His bravery was described by local coverage as “nothing short of heroic.”
But Kelleher’s impact goes far beyond emergency response. He’s a devoted husband, father, and volunteer soccer coach—known for his quiet leadership and unwavering dedication to building a more united, compassionate town. Whether mentoring kids on the field or risking his life in crisis, Officer Kelleher embodies the kind of service that transforms lives.
Firefighter Blake Hery — Heroic Action Award
On December 23, 2024, a quiet afternoon in Tewksbury turned into a powerful testament to courage and teamwork. At 2:55 p.m., a 911 call reported a 64-year-old resident was unresponsive and not breathing. Dispatcher Rebecca Maccaro immediately sprang into action, guiding the caller—his daughter—through CPR with calm and precision.
Officer Ryan Sheehan was first on the scene and began chest compressions. But it was off-duty Firefighter/EMT Blake Hery, nearby at the time, who saw Sheehan rushing in and instinctively joined the effort. Without hesitation, Blake cleared the area and took over CPR, working seamlessly with arriving police and fire crews. Their combined response, including the use of an AED, led to a remarkable outcome: the patient regained a pulse and began breathing before being transported to Lowell General Hospital.
This moment of selfless service and quick thinking earned Blake Hery the Civil Servant of the Year award—recognizing not just his skill, but his commitment to protecting life, even when off duty. His actions remind us that true heroes don’t wait for the call—they answer it wherever they are.
Brian Aylward — Community Role Model & Outstanding Veteran Support of the Year
For over two decades, Brian Aylward has been a pillar of veteran support in Tewksbury and an outstanding role model citizen for their youth. As a beloved football coach and high school teacher, he’s spent more than 20 years hosting Veterans Day ceremonies at Tewksbury Memorial High School and shaping their youths' minds, ensuring that students and families never forget the sacrifices made by those who served.
Aylward’s impact reached even deeper than the Veterans Day event... He organized a community fundraiser that raised over $6,000 to fulfill a veteran’s final wish: to return home and be buried beside his brother, who lost his life in Vietnam. It was a gesture of profound respect and compassion—one that united the town in honoring legacy, sacrifice, and love.
Brian Aylward’s dedication to veterans and youth alike makes him more than a teacher or coach. He’s a bridge between generations, a steward of remembrance, and a role model whose actions speak louder than words.
Vincent Oliva - Outstanding Role Model & Veteran of the Year
Vincent Oliva has been a pillar of strength and mentorship for Tewksbury’s veteran community. As longtime Commander of VFW Post 8164, he’s led with humility and heart—guiding younger vets, championing youth programs, and fostering unity across generations. Vinnie’s impact goes beyond leadership; he’s a role model who shows up, checks in, and reminds every veteran they’re never alone. His life is a living testimony to service, integrity, and brotherhood.
As we close this chapter of celebration and gratitude, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees who have made this year truly remarkable. Your courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service have not only uplifted those around you—they’ve become the steady heartbeat of Tewksbury. In times of challenge and triumph alike, you are the ones Tewksbury turns to for strength, hope, and unity. Thank you for being the example, the anchor, and the inspiration. Here's to a future shaped by your leadership and heart.
Watch event recording here
Posted in Recognition of Service
Posted in Heroes, civil servants, awards, heroic, role models, police officer, fireman, veteran
Posted in Heroes, civil servants, awards, heroic, role models, police officer, fireman, veteran
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