NEW BEDFORD — The New Bedford Police Department has issued the following release, recognizing the heroic efforts of one of its own:

We are proud of our New Bedford Police Officer Nathan Pimentel, who rescued six people from a burning building at 282 Tinkham St. early Wednesday.

He also helped to alert the fire department to a 56-year-old woman who was found in her second floor apartment, unresponsive.

Officer Pimentel was the first to arrive on the scene. He was immediately able to evacuate three males from the second floor, as well as three females from the first floor prior to the fire department's arrival.

After removing these individuals, he was then informed that a female may still be inside the second floor apartment in a bedroom, which seemed to be where the fire had originated.

His efforts started a chain of heroic events that displayed great teamwork among city law enforcement, fire and emergency medical teams.

The woman had no pulse when she was removed from the building by the fire department. She was revived by emergency medical personnel and transported to St. Luke's Hospital and then to Rhode Island Hospital.

Sadly, she did not survive. But everyone made heroic efforts to give her every chance. And Officer Pimental's rescue of the residents represents the department's commitment to public service and safety.

Great job by NBPD, NBFD and EMS.

--New Bedford Police

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