Active-duty Mass. firefighter dies unexpectedly, funeral arrangements announced
Funeral arrangements have been announced for an active-duty North Andover firefighter who died unexpectedly last week.
Jeffrey Deschenes, 54, died at a local hospital after experiencing a medical emergency at home, North Andover town officials announced in a Friday press release. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
'Firefighter Deschenes was an extraordinarily dedicated and knowledgeable firefighter and emergency medical services expert,' the release reads.
Deschenes began his fire services career with the Lawrence Fire Department in 2000, serving 12 years there before transferring to North Andover in 2012, town officials said. He was assigned as the town's first EMS coordinator in 2019.
'He brought the department into the forefront of pre-hospital care,' the release reads.
While serving as the EMS Coordinator, Deschenes instituted a community CPR program, a car seat installation program and a community EMS program, town officials said. He introduced new equipment, protocols and technology into the department, 'creating a highly respected service in the region.'
'Jeff Deschenes brought the North Andover Fire Department into the modern era of emergency medicine and treatment, and his life's work undoubtedly saved and improved the lives of countless people,' North Andover Fire Chief John Weir said in the release. 'He was a quiet hero in our community and a true brother in the fire service.'
Deschenes was a decorated firefighter, having been named a Firefighter of the Year by state officials in 2019 for his response to the deadly 2018 Merrimack Valley natural gas disaster. He also received the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award, among other awards.
'Jeff's impact reached far beyond his firefighting duties, touching the lives of many in the Merrimack Valley and the region,' Deputy Fire Chief Graham Rowe said in the release. 'He was always willing to lend a helping hand in any way possible, looking out for his fellow firefighters, friends, family and the community.'
Deschenes' wake has been scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home in Methuen, town officials announced Monday. There will be a firefighter dress uniform walkthrough prior to the wake at 8:45 a.m.
Firefighters will reassemble outside the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. for an honorable procession to Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen where Deschenes' funeral service is set to follow at 1 p.m., officials said.
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