Latest news with #FirefighteroftheYear
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
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. Westover Job Corps students rally to decry opportunities lost New Jersey is removing Tesla chargers from its turnpike. What about Mass.? This is what it's like on Martha's Vineyard after ICE raids Worcester activist critical of city manager faces one-year city hall ban N.H. man convicted of violently raping three Boston women gets decades in prison Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘A quiet hero': Mass. department mourning unexpected death of active-duty firefighter
A fire department in the Bay State's Merrimack Valley is mourning the unexpected death of an active-duty firefighter. Firefighter Jeffrey Deschenes died this week at a local hospital after experiencing a medical emergency, North Andover Fire Chief John Weir and Deputy Chief Graham Rowe announced Friday. He was 54. Deschenes was named North Andover's first EMS Coordinator in 2019 and is credited with bringing the fire department to the forefront of pre-hospital care. '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,' Chief Weir said in a statement. 'He was a quiet hero in our community and a true brother in the fire service. He will be missed. I speak on behalf of all the men and women of the North Andover Fire Department in extending my heartfelt sympathies to Jeff's wife, children, and his entire family. We mourn this loss with you.' Deschenes was also named a Firefighter of the Year by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2019 for his response to the 2018 Merrimack Valley natural gas disaster, in addition to earning an array of other accolades. 'Jeff's impact reached far beyond his firefighting duties, touching the lives of many in the Merrimack Valley and the region,' Deputy Chief Rowe said in a statement. '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 began his career with the Lawrence Fire Department in 2000 and served 12 years there before transferring to North Andover in 2012. Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues added, 'The Town of North Andover mourns the loss of a good and dedicated firefighter, friend, and a true professional. Our community offers its unwavering support to his family at home and his family in the firehouse during their time of need.' Deschenes is survived by his wife and two children. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Village of Horseheads firefighter arrested after child exploitation investigation
HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WETM) – A former Village of Horseheads firefighter has been arrested following a child exploitation investigation conducted by the New York State Police. Alexander W. Lowman, 27, was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, on the charges of promoting a sexual performance by a child (class D felony) and possessing a sexual performance by a child (class E felony), as stated in a release from the New York State Police. Corning funeral director arrested in Pa predator sting Officials say Lowman was charged with the crimes after an investigation conducted by the State Police Horseheads Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Troop E Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), Troop E Forensic Investigation Unit, State Police Horseheads Uniform Force and the Village of Horseheads Police Department after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. As a part of the investigation, officials say state police executed a search warrant on April 18 at a home on Tifft Ave in the Village of Horseheads. At this time, officials say that numerous electronic devices were taken for forensic examination by the CCU. As a result, Lowman was arrested on the aforementioned charges and processed in court. He was then released pending further court action. Bath man arrested after child sex abuse materials investigation Before his arrest, Lowman served as a volunteer with the Village of Horseheads Fire Department. In September of 2022, Lowman was recognized as Firefighter of the Year by the Horseheads Kiwanis Club, according to a Facebook post on the fire department's page. In response to his arrest, the Village of Horseheads Mayor Kevin Adams released the following statement: The Village of Horseheads has been informed of the arrest of a volunteer fire department member on serious criminal charges. Effective immediately, the individual has been suspended from all duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The Village takes these allegations seriously. We cooperate fully with the appropriate law enforcement agencies and will continue monitoring the situation closely. We emphasize that the actions of one individual do not reflect the integrity and commitment of our entire fire service. The Village of Horseheads deeply values the dedication and selflessness of our volunteer firefighters. Their service to our community is essential, and we remain grateful for their continued professionalism and sacrifice. Kevin D. Adams, Mayor of the Village of Horseheads Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hopewell: Fire causes extensive damage to St. James Catholic Church, under investigation
Authorities in Hopewell are investigating what caused a fire on May 14 at St. James Catholic Church that broke out around 9:41 p.m. Hopewell Fire & EMS responded to it swiftly. The blaze was contained to the building, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties. The church suffered extensive damage. Heavy smoke and flames were visible when firefighters arrived on the scene within four minutes of being dispatched. Crews immediately initiated fire suppression tactics, working efficiently to bring the fire under control. First responders conducted a thorough search of the premises and did not discover any occupants inside. No civilian injuries were reported. Mutual Aid assistance was requested and Chesterfield County Fire & EMS and Colonial Heights Fire & EMS responded to the scene to assist in firefighting efforts as well as fire investigations. 'We're here for people year-round' Petersburg names 2024 Firefighter of the Year. He credits his family as his driving force. You're invited Petersburg: Armed Forces Day celebration with live music, fun activities, food trucks 'Our firefighters acted quickly and professionally to contain the fire and protect lives and property,' Hopewell Fire Chief Ben Ruppert said in a statement. 'We are grateful that no one was hurt and appreciate the teamwork displayed by our department and our neighboring localities.' The Hopewell Fire Marshal's Office is currently investigating the cause of the fire. Further details will be released as they become available. Anyone with tips or information is encouraged to call the Hopewell Fire Marshal's Office at 804-541-2290. Are you a bookworm? Hopewell-Prince George Friends of the Library host book sale: Fill bag for only $2 Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@ follow @KHiggins_PI on X and @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram. Your support is vital to local journalism. Please . This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Hopewell fire: Church suffers extensive damage, under investigation
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Arkansas firefighters honored at National Memorial in Maryland
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Two Arkansas firefighters are among 140 being honored this weekend at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's Memorial Weekend in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Phil Christensen, who served the Fort Smith community, was named Firefighter of the Year in 2000 and received several other recognitions throughout his career. He died on February 11, 2023, after a nine-year battle with brain cancer. 'His career was distinguished by bravery and leadership…' Christensen's memorial entry on reads. 'As the most decorated firefighter in the history of the Fort Smith Fire Department, his achievements spoke to his unwavering commitment to his profession and the community he served.' Mercy Fort Smith unveils ER and ICU expansion Jim McCammon, who spent nearly 30 years in intermittent service with the Harrison Fire Department, also played a role in creating the town's fire code enforcement division. He died in 2019 at the age of 64. McCammon's memorial entry reads, 'A friend once said, 'If you needed a man covering your back, this was the man.' The annual memorial event recognizes firefighters from across the United States who have died in the line of duty or due to duty-related causes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
