By Owen Boss
Boston Herald
BOSTON — Police Commissioner William B. Evans is hailing a group of quick-thinking Hub police officers for helping to save the lives of two Boston cops who were shot and critically wounded in East Boston last night.
Evans said officers responding to a fight between roommates on Gladstone Street were fired upon by 33-year-old Kirk Figueroa, who shot and wounded Officer Richard Cintolo, a 28-year veteran of the department, and Officer Matt Morris, a 12-year veteran. Figueroa, of East Boston, was killed by police.
“I got to commend the officers for rushing into that building with no fear whatsoever to rescue two fellow officers,” Evans said at a press conference this afternoon. “Officer Morris was hit in one of the main arteries in his leg. The officers were quick to put their hands and as well apply a tourniquet — which doctors later said probably saved his life —while officers also gave immediate first aid to Officer Cintolo.”
Evans also praised the staff at Tufts Medical Center, who are supporting the nine officers who were involved in the shoot-out, and the physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital, who stabilized the two wounded officers.
Evans said both Morris and Cintolo are still in critical condition.
“I think we’re very fortunate here in the city to have such great hospitals,” Evans said. “They’ve received tremendous care, and we’re still praying ... and hoping that they make a full recovery.”
Mayor Martin J. Walsh also praised the bravery of all of the officers involved.
“Police work is a difficult job ... in Boston this is another example of our officers doing the right thing and doing their job,” Walsh said.