ATTLEBORO – The Attleboro Fire Department held its annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, October 20, at the Attleboro High School Bray Auditorium, bringing together first responders, elected officials, family members, friends, and members of the community, including residents whose lives were saved by Attleboro firefighters and paramedics.
The auditorium was filled as the department celebrated the dedication, bravery, and lifesaving efforts of its members.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from Mayor Cathleen DeSimone, Fire Chief Scott LaChance, and Assistant Fire Chief Perkins. Each expressed their appreciation for the men and women of the Attleboro Fire Department and emphasized the important role they play in protecting and serving the community.
Throughout the evening, a common message was shared: Every day, Attleboro firefighters and paramedics make a difference in the lives of others. While much of their work takes place without public recognition, their dedication, compassion, and commitment to service do not go unnoticed.
“Every day, the men and women of the Attleboro Fire Department answer the call to help others, often under extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances,” said Fire Chief Scott LaChance. “The incidents recognized tonight are examples of the professionalism, courage, and compassion our members demonstrate throughout the year. I am incredibly proud of this department and the dedication our firefighters and paramedics show to the people of Attleboro. Tonight is an opportunity to recognize their efforts and remind them that the work they do truly makes a difference.”
Swearing-In Ceremony and Years of Service Recognition
Mayor DeSimone administered the oath of office to three firefighter-paramedics: Jeff Langlois, Nick Costa, and Josh Sautherland.
The department also recognized several members for reaching significant career milestones, honoring their decades of commitment to the City of Attleboro.
- 20 Years of Service: Lieutenant Andrew Nunes
- 30 Years of Service: District Chief Gerry Brogan, Firefighter Paul Jacques, and Firefighter Brian Sweeney
- 35 Years of Service: Firefighter Greg Jolly
These milestones represent decades of sacrifice, dedication, and service to the residents of Attleboro.
Meritorious Conduct Awards
Members of the department were recognized for their actions during several challenging emergency incidents in which firefighters demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to protecting life and property.
Cumberland Street Barn Fire – November 12, 2025
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 40 Cumberland Street.
Arriving crews encountered a large barn heavily involved in fire, with flames threatening an attached residence. Firefighters immediately worked to direct occupants to safety, contain the rapidly spreading fire, and protect the home.
Despite intense heat and dangerous conditions, firefighters also worked to rescue multiple horses trapped within the burning structure. During these efforts, firefighters sustained burns while carrying out their rescue operations.
Their selfless actions demonstrated extraordinary courage and a willingness to place themselves in harm’s way to protect both human and animal life.
Thacher Street Structure Fire – February 25, 2026
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at approximately 5:25 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to 263 Thacher Street for a reported structure fire with possible occupants trapped inside.
The incident occurred following a historic snowfall that left more than three feet of snow across the area, with drifts reaching approximately five feet in some locations.
Despite severely challenging access and operating conditions, firefighters reached the scene and immediately began aggressive fire suppression and search operations. Crews worked simultaneously to locate potential victims and extinguish the fire while navigating the dangerous conditions created by the snow and fire.
During the incident, one firefighter experienced a medical emergency. Fellow firefighters quickly provided care while other crews maintained their focus on the ongoing emergency. The incident highlighted the department’s resilience, teamwork, and ability to adapt to extraordinary circumstances while continuing to protect the community.
West Street Motor Vehicle Crash and Extrication – August 17, 2026
On Monday, August 17, 2026, at approximately 8:35 a.m., firefighters responded to a serious motor vehicle crash on West Street near Berwick Road.
A 19-year-old male was heavily entrapped inside the wreckage of a vehicle, requiring a complex and technically demanding rescue operation.
Firefighters utilized multiple hydraulic rescue tools, commonly known as the Jaws of Life, while carefully stabilizing the damaged vehicle. Throughout the operation, firefighter-paramedics provided advanced medical care to the patient as rescue crews worked to remove portions of the vehicle around him. After 38 minutes of coordinated extrication efforts, firefighters successfully freed the patient.
The incident demonstrated the critical importance of training, technical rescue capabilities, advanced emergency medical care, and teamwork during time-sensitive emergencies.
“Being a firefighter is about much more than responding to emergencies. It requires sacrifice, commitment, teamwork, and a willingness to put others before yourself,” said Assistant Fire Chief Perkins. “Our members face challenging situations every day, and they consistently rise to meet those challenges. What makes this department special is the people who make up its ranks. Their dedication to this community and to one another deserves to be recognized, and tonight is about honoring that commitment.”
A Powerful Reunion: Cardiac Arrest Survivors Meet Their Rescuers
Perhaps the most emotional and memorable portion of the evening came as the department recognized firefighters and paramedics whose lifesaving efforts resulted in three individuals surviving cardiac arrest.
EMS District Chief Steve Stellakis introduced each incident, explaining the circumstances surrounding the emergency and the actions taken by responding personnel.
As the firefighters and paramedics involved in each rescue were called to the stage, the audience was given an opportunity to see the faces behind the lifesaving work performed every day. Then came a moment that few in attendance will forget.
One by one, three cardiac arrest survivors were reunited with the first responders who helped save their lives.
Accompanied by their families, the survivors had the opportunity to personally thank the firefighters and paramedics whose quick actions, medical expertise, and determination gave them another chance at life.
The reunions brought emotional embraces, heartfelt expressions of gratitude, and tears throughout the auditorium.
For the survivors and their families, it was an opportunity to thank the individuals who helped make it possible for them to share more birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments together.
For the firefighters and paramedics, it was a rare opportunity to witness the lasting impact of their work. First responders frequently encounter people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. They provide care, transport patients to the hospital, and return to service, often never learning the eventual outcome.
These reunions offered something special: the opportunity to see those patients standing before them, surrounded by loved ones, alive because of the coordinated efforts of first responders and the larger emergency medical care system.
“In this profession, we see a lot of difficult things. We meet people on what is often the worst day of their lives, and many times, we never find out what happens after we leave them at the hospital,” said Lieutenant Corey Blais. “To be able to stand face-to-face with someone you helped save, shake their hand, give them a hug, and hear about the life they’re continuing to live is something special. We don’t always get to see the positive outcomes of what we do. Moments like tonight remind us why we chose this profession and that the work we do really does make a difference. Seeing these individuals here with their families, knowing they get to make more memories together, means more than any award or recognition ever could.”
The emotional moments served as a powerful reminder that behind every emergency call is a person, a family, and a life that matters.
While the ceremony recognized individual accomplishments, these reunions also highlighted the collective efforts of dispatchers, firefighters, paramedics, hospital personnel, and everyone involved in the chain of survival.
A Night of Recognition and Appreciation
The evening concluded with closing remarks and another expression of appreciation for the dedicated men and women of the Attleboro Fire Department.
The ceremony served as a reminder that the work of a firefighter extends far beyond responding to fires and emergencies. It is about protecting neighbors, supporting families, helping people through their most difficult moments, and making a lasting difference in the community.
Whether through decades of dedicated service, acts of extraordinary bravery, or the successful resuscitation of a cardiac arrest patient, the evening celebrated the professionalism, compassion, and commitment of Attleboro’s firefighters and paramedics.
The Attleboro Fire Department congratulates all those recognized and thanks its members for their continued dedication to the residents and visitors of the City of Attleboro.
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