Derry Knight, Hero in June fire critical after fall from roof
By SUZANNE BATES, Union Leader Correspondent
The owner of a local construction company who helped save three women from a burning house in Hudson last June is in critical condition in a Massachusetts hospital after falling from a roof. Steve Nadeau, owner of 24-7 Construction, was working on the roof of a commercial building near Worcester, Mass., Thursday, when he fell 25 feet through a hole that had been cut for a vent.
His injuries are extensive, including fractured facial bones, a fractured pelvis, bruised lungs and a shattered wrist, according to Steven Davis, who has worked with Nadeau for five years. Nadeau is being treated at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.
Nadeau's son, Steve Nadeau Jr., said yesterday his father is a generous man who volunteers his resources and time to help his family, friends and the community. He's involved with the Knights of Columbus (Member of Derry #3035 Council) and spends the only two weekends he takes off each year volunteering at Camp Fatima, a Catholic camp for boys.
Nadeau, 42, and his wife have four other children and three grandchildren. Nadeau Jr., who is a senior at Campbell High School, said the family and community have rallied around his father. Jerome's Deli in Londonderry brought the family food Thursday night; his uncle and cousin have volunteered to help with the business; and a fund is being set up for the family by Davis and other 24-7 employees. Davis said Nadeau is facing a lengthy, difficult recovery, and he and the other employees wanted to do something for Nadeau's family. Davis said Nadeau is hard-working, often putting in a seven-day week -- which is where the name of his construction company comes from.
He is also well-known and liked by the community, said Davis. "He's a community guy, through and through," he said. "He'll only shop at local businesses. He's very conscious about the community." Nadeau was called a hero after helping save three women from a burning home in Hudson in June. He and two other men, who were working on another home nearby, battled through flames and smoke to get the three women, including one in a wheelchair, out of the house.
Donations can be made to the Steve Nadeau Recovery Fund at TD Banknorth in Londonderry in person or by mail. The bank's address is 62 Nashua Road, Londonderry 03053.