society snippets
Dr. Michael Hirsh, right, Co-founder of the annual Goods for Guns buyback, is presented with a 2020 TEAM Award by Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early. WORCESTER - Praised as a “living hero” for his surgical skills, dedication to the Goods for Guns program and public health advocacy, Dr. Michael P. Hirsh was honored with a Team Excellence and Merit Award in a ceremony at the Worcester County Courthouse on Wednesday. “I’m totally verklempt,” Hirsh said, using the Yiddish word meaning overcome with emotion, as he received the award from Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. “This is such a wonderful event.” Early created the TEAM Award last year to recognize outstanding achievements and service in public safety. Hirsh is director of pediatric surgery at UMass Memorial Medical Center and co-director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids. He was promoted last year to assistant vice provost for wellness and health promotion at UMass Memorial and is also medical director of the Worcester Department of Public Health. Hirsh is perhaps best known locally for co-founding the annual Goods for Guns buyback program, which officials said has collected nearly 4,000 unwanted guns in communities from Worcester to Springfield. “He sees a problem and makes it his mission to fix it,” said Early. “He embodies a passion, a passion for saving lives.” Worcester Health Commissioner Dr. Mattie Castiel and City
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Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. both referenced Hirsh’s “delicate touch” in approaching both public health and surgical matters. “He never makes you feel like you’re being lectured to ... he speaks to you as an equal,” Augustus said. “Having that voice and delicate touch is such an asset for the community ... he is a leader in so many ways and does it quietly and gently, and we thank you for it.” Castiel teared up as she talked about emulating Hirsh. “I thought I would like to grow up to be like you,” Castiel said. Worcester Deputy Police Chief Ed McGinn called Hirsh a “living hero” for working with police to help make the city safer. “Your passion is so clearly evident in everything you do,” McGinn said. “Worcester is a safe place ... you have to give it to people like Dr. Hirsh.”
Cyrus Moulton, Telegram & Gazette Staff Reprinted with the permission of the Telegram and Gazette Photo provided by Worcester Telegram & Gazette Photo
