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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
