For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Groveland, Georgetown and Newburyport Police Recognized for Life Saving Actions

GROVELAND– Groveland Police Chief Jeffrey T. Gillen, Georgetown Police Chief Donald C. Cudmore and Newburyport Marshal Mark Murray are pleased to announce that members of all three departments were recognized yesterday for saving a man’s life.

On Feb. 12, during two ceremonies — at 1 p.m. in Groveland during an informal open house and at 7:30 p.m. at a City Council meeting in Newburyport — officials recognized Groveland’s Sgt. Eric Gorski and Detective Steve Petrone, Georgetown Sgt. Kevin DeFeo and Newburyport Lt. Matthew Simons for their response after a Georgetown man crashed his car into a telephone pole and was left unconscious.

In Groveland, officers received citations from the Board of Selectmen, presented by Chairman Michael Wood and Personnel Director Denise Dembkoski. In Newburyport, Mayor Donna Holaday presented a citation to Lt Simons. He also received citations from state Sen. Kathleen O’Connor Ives and state Rep. James Kelcourse, along with a citation from Gov. Charlie Baker, which was presented by Rep. Kelcourse.

“This was a true collaborative effort between the Groveland, Georgetown and Newburyport Police Departments,” Chief Gillen said. “I want to commend these officers for their quick and efficient police work, which ultimately saved this man’s life.”

On Saturday, Jan. 27, Sgt. Gorski and Detective Petrone responded to a report of a single motor vehicle crash with personal injury on School Street and Salem Street, in the area of the Tea Garden in Groveland. Given the close proximity to Georgetown, Sgt. DeFeo also arrived on scene to assist.

Upon arrival, officers located Lt. Simons, who was off duty at the time, administering CPR to a 57-year-old Georgetown man. Detective Petrone and Sgt. DeFeo assisted with an AED and continued chest compressions until the man regained consciousness. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated and is expected to recover.

An investigation into the incident revealed that the Georgetown man was traveling north on School Street when he is believed to have suffered a medical event, causing his vehicle to cross over the southbound lane and travel up onto a curb before crashing head-on into a telephone pole.

Lt. Simons, who was driving on the southbound side of School Street noticed something off about the vehicle’s path of travel, and after looking in his rear-view mirror, saw the crash occur. He immediately turned around, pulled the unconscious victim from his car and began providing aid.

“This is a prime example of the fact that a police officer’s job does not stop when their shift ends,” Marshal Murray said. “Lt. Simons is a dedicated public servant whose keen observation skills allowed him to recognize the signs of a crash before it even took place. His dedication and professionalism to his job is a testament to his character.”

“These officers should be proud of themselves for their work that day,” Chief Cudmore said. “Our partnerships with neighboring police departments are vital in providing our residents with the best quality service, especially in emergency situations like what occurred during this motor vehicle crash.”

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