From left, Whitman Firefighters/Paramedics Joseph Lasko, Justin Everson, Jerry Thompson, Russell Lucas and Zachary Baldwin received a Group Citation for Meritorious Conduct at the 35th Annual Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards. (Photo courtesy Massachusetts Department of Fire Services)
WHITMAN — Chief Timothy Clancy and the Whitman Fire Department are proud to report that five of the Town’s firefighters were honored by Gov. Maura Healey, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine, Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy and others Monday at the 35th Annual Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards.
Whitman Firefighters/Paramedics Zachary Baldwin, Russell Lucas, Jerry Thompson, Justin Everson and Joseph Lasko were honored with a Group Citation for Meritorious Conduct.
The five firefighters jumped into action to save the life of one of their own, tending to a shift commander who suffered a potentially fatal medical emergency while they were all responding to another, unrelated medical incident reported at a local home in the early afternoon of Christmas Day 2023. After the six Whitman Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene, in a fire engine, an ambulance and a car, the five firefighters noticed that the shift commander suddenly started having difficulty speaking while trying to communicate over the radio.
“They recognized the shift commander was experiencing a medical emergency and shifted him to the ambulance,” Chief Clancy said. “The original patient was managed by a single paramedic.”
As a result of their swift actions, the shift commander and the original patient received the vital emergency care they needed.
“We are thrilled to report he has made a full recovery and has returned to duty,” Chief Clancy said.
The Whitman firefighters were among 139 firefighters from 22 communities across Massachusetts who were recognized for outstanding acts of bravery, heroism and service at a ceremony in Worcester on Monday.
“This was a highly stressful situation that required these paramedics to manage one of their own members suffering from a life-threatening medical event,” Chief Clancy said. “They successfully managed the situation and performed admirably.”
Gov. Healey, State Fire Marshal Davine and Secretary Reidy led the awards ceremony at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.
“Over the past several weeks, Massachusetts residents have seen firefighters heroically working to protect their communities from an unprecedented wildfire season,” Gov. Healey said. “But the truth is that our firefighters demonstrate brave action, selfless compassion and deep commitment to their cities and towns every single day. The Firefighter of the Year Awards are a way to celebrate the heroes who never hesitate to answer a call for help.”
The firefighters recognized at the 35th annual ceremony represent the Amesbury Fire Department, Attleboro Fire Department, Barnstable Fire Department, Brockton Fire Department, Chicopee Fire Department, Cotuit Fire Department, Dartmouth Fire District 1, Falmouth Fire Department, Hyannis Fire Department, Lawrence Fire Department, Lowell Fire Department, New Bedford Fire Department, Newton Fire Department, North Attleboro Fire Department, Orange Fire Department, Plymouth Fire Department, Salisbury Fire Department, Springfield Fire Department, Westborough Fire Department, Whitman Fire Department, Woburn Fire Department, and Worcester Fire Department.
“Being a firefighter isn’t just a job — it’s a calling,” State Fire Marshal Davine said. “It takes us to classrooms and senior centers. It puts us on ladders, ropes, hose lines, and rescue boats. The dozens of scenarios behind this year’s awards reflect the depth and variety of the fire service mission. And the recipients all reflect extraordinary courage and determination to serve others regardless of the danger to themselves.”
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