NORTHAMPTON — To show appreciation for two life-saving calls made last year, the Florence VFW Post 8006 held a ceremony for 10 firefighters and paramedics on Feb. 25, highlighting their efforts.
“We started police and firefighter ceremonies this year,” said VFW Commander Tom Pease. “We provide a meal and award certificates of appreciation … for outstanding service.”
The first call was made on Feb. 20, 2018. Dispatched for a medical call, the emergency responders discovered the patient lying in bed in their second-floor bedroom. The crew learned that the patient had a history of severe chest pain and suffered from a heart attack once before. With a heart monitor attached, they concluded that the patient was having another heart attack and transported the person immediately to the Cath Lab at Baystate Medical Center. After proper treatment, the patient fully recovered.
The firefighters and paramedics on that call were Kara Ledoux, Shawn Crimmins, and Captain Matthew Lemberg.
The second call occurred on June 29, 2018, when emergency responders responded to a report of a home birth with complications. After calling for a second ambulance, the crew diagnosed the patient and carried her down two flights of stairs to the ambulance. The baby, in distress, required immediate attention from the crew. To assist the two patients simultaneously, the crew split into two teams, and because of the quick action, both the mother and baby survived and are healthy.
The crew dispatched to that second call included the following firefighters, paramedics, and an EMT: Caleb Langer, Dustin Culver, Ian Bigda, Keith Darnold, Meagan Pike, Candice Bogalhas, and Wendy Bryant.
After a social hour and dinner, recipients received their citations from the VFW. Those honored were joined by Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz, VFW Commander Tom Pease, and Northampton Fire Chief Duane Nichols. Firefighters and paramedics Keith Darnold and Meghan Pike were unable to attend the event.
The VFW plans to host ceremonies honoring both firefighters and police officers who have provided outstanding service every year.