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For immediate release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019

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Local Man Reunites with Members of the Gloucester Fire and Police Departments Who Saved His Life

From left: Fire Lt. Chad Mota, Deputy Fire Chief Andrew McRobb, Medic Student Ishi King, Police Sgt. Brian Aiello, Fred Vecchione, Police Patrolman Josiah Aberle, Paramedic Jak Letien and Paramedic James Hannon III. (Courtesy Photo City of Gloucester)

GLOUCESTER — Members of the Gloucester Police and Fire Departments met with a man yesterday whose life they helped save from cardiac arrest this October.

On Tuesday, members of both departments met Fred Vecchione, of Rockport, at the Gloucester Fire Headquarters on School Street so he could thank them for helping to save his life.

“We’re thankful that Mr. Vecchione is doing well, and wish him and his family the best,” Fire Chief Eric Smith said. “It was truly special for those who responded that day to meet him and see that he is doing well, and it was kind of him to visit.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, members of the Gloucester Police and Fire Departments responded to Cripple Cove for a report of a man who had collapsed. Officer Josiah Aberle, Police Sgt. Brian Aiello and Deputy Fire Chief Andrew McRobb were the first to arrive on scene and began to administer emergency medical services to Vecchione, who was in cardiac arrest.

Upon arrival, Paramedics Jak Letien and James Hannon III took over medical care of Vecchione, with assistance from other first responders on scene. Before he was even inside an ambulance, Vecchione’s heart began to beat again and today, he has made a full recovery.

“Everyone who responded to this incident demonstrated that they have truly honed their training and, by collaborating and moving swiftly, they were able to save a man’s life,” Police Chief Conley said. “We’re very proud of the work each of them did that day, and grateful to know Mr. Vecchione is doing well.”

“This incident is a testament to the hard work that our police and fire departments are doing every day in Gloucester,” Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said. “They train incredibly hard to be ready to respond to a myriad of situations, and their response to this situation was truly commendable.”

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