1 Summer St.
Maynard, MA 01754
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net
Maynard Fire Department Presents Several Awards to New and Veteran Firefighters
MAYNARD — Fire Chief Anthony Stowers announces that several of Maynard’s firefighters were honored before the September 16 Board of Selectman’s meeting for their bravery and service to the community.
In front of family, friends, State Representative Kate Hogan and State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan, these awards recognized new members of the Maynard Fire Department, as well as the acknowledgement of two firefighter’s longtime commitment to the Department.
Commemorating the end of their extensive probationary period, Firefighters Sean Layton and Michael Parr were pinned and formally welcomed to the Maynard Fire Department.
Captain Sean Kiley, appointed Captain in 2012 was also pinned following his probationary period. Captain Kiley is a distinguished firefighter who was named Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year for Community Service in 2012.
“We are very proud of the hard work that these three firefighters did to prove they were ready to join and help lead our department,” Chief Stowers said.
Two awards were also given to honor firefighters who have been serving for more than three decades on the fire department. Call Firefighter Sean Murphy completed more than 35 years of service, and Firefighter Gerry Byrne, who just retired over the summer, served for a total of 39 years.
“Giving your community nearly four decades of your life truly takes a special breed,” Chief Stowers said. “We all look up to Firefighters Murphy and Byrne. They set the standard through their work and commitment to serving others.”
The Department also issued two unit citations to Maynard Fire Department Group 4 for efforts above and beyond the call of duty.
Firefighters in Group 4, twice in a three-month span, showed extraordinary skill, bravery, and determination when they were called upon to save lives in their community.
The first incident that a citation was awarded for involved Captain Sean Kiley, Firefighter Tim Gray, Firefighter Mark Tomyl, Firefighter Angela Lawless and Firefighter Sean Layton. The second citation, for the other incident was awarded to Captain Walter Latta Jr., Firefighter Tim Gray, Firefighter Patrick Hakey, Firefighter Angela Lawless and Firefighter Michael Parr. Both incidents involved firefighters responding to a medical emergency, in which a patient was in cardiac arrest. In both instances the responding firefighters were able to restore a pulse to the patient in the critical first few minutes of the emergency.
“These firefighters, quite literally, brought patients back to life by relying on their training and skill,” Chief Stowers said. “They represent the highest caliber of first responder, and I am very proud to go to work with them every day.”
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