Decades of Service, Moments That Matter: Attleboro Honors Its Firefighters

Attleboro, Mass. — October 20 —  Firefighters and paramedics with the Attleboro Fire Department were recognized for decades of service, meritorious conduct and lifesaving efforts during the department's annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony at Bray Auditorium in Attleboro High School.

The ceremony brought together first responders, elected officials, family members, friends and community residents, including people whose lives were saved by Attleboro firefighters and paramedics.

Mayor Cathleen DeSimone, Fire Chief Scott LaChance and Assistant Fire Chief Perkins opened the ceremony with remarks recognizing the department's commitment to public safety and the work performed by its members throughout the year.

Chief LaChance said the incidents recognized during the ceremony demonstrated the professionalism, courage and compassion firefighters and paramedics bring to their work.

The evening included a swearing-in ceremony, service awards, meritorious conduct recognition and reunions between cardiac arrest survivors and the first responders who helped save their lives.

Swearing-in and Years of Service

Mayor DeSimone administered the oath of office to three firefighter-paramedics: Jeff Langlois, Nick Costa and Josh Sautherland.

The department also recognized members for reaching significant career milestones.

• 20 years: Lieutenant Andrew Nunes
• 30 years: District Chief Gerry Brogan, Firefighter Paul Jacques and Firefighter Brian Sweeney
• 35 years: Firefighter Greg Jolly

The service awards recognized decades of commitment to the residents of Attleboro and the fire service.

Meritorious Conduct Awards

Members were recognized for their actions during several emergency incidents that required coordinated operations, technical skills and a commitment to protecting life and property.

Cumberland Street Barn Fire — November 12, 2025

At approximately 3:30 p.m., firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 40 Cumberland Street. Crews arrived to find a large barn heavily involved in fire, with flames threatening an attached residence.

Firefighters worked to direct occupants to safety, contain the fire and protect the nearby home. Crews also attempted to rescue horses trapped inside the burning barn.

The incident involved intense heat and dangerous conditions. Firefighters sustained burns while carrying out rescue operations. Multiple animals were rescued, although one horse died in the fire. The barn was considered a total loss.

The coordinated actions of the crews helped prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby residence.

Thacher Street Structure Fire — February 25, 2026

At approximately 5:25 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to 263 Thacher Street for a reported structure fire with a possible occupant trapped inside.

The response followed a historic snowfall that left more than three feet of snow in the area, with drifts reaching approximately five feet in some locations.

Firefighters encountered difficult access and operating conditions as they began fire suppression and search operations. Crews worked to locate potential victims while attacking the fire and navigating the snow-covered scene.

During the incident, one firefighter experienced a medical emergency. Fellow firefighters provided care while other members continued operations.

The incident highlighted the need for crews to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining fire suppression, search and firefighter safety operations.

West Street Motor Vehicle Crash and Extrication — August 17, 2026

At approximately 8:35 a.m., firefighters responded to a serious motor vehicle crash on West Street near Berwick Road.

Crews found a heavily damaged vehicle with a 19-year-old male trapped inside. Firefighters used multiple hydraulic rescue tools, commonly known as the Jaws of Life, while stabilizing the vehicle and working to remove portions of the wreckage.

Firefighter-paramedics provided advanced medical care while rescue crews continued the extrication. After approximately 38 minutes of coordinated work, firefighters freed the patient.

The incident demonstrated the importance of technical rescue training, vehicle stabilization, patient care and coordinated operations during a time-sensitive rescue.

Assistant Fire Chief Perkins said the department's members consistently meet difficult challenges through teamwork, commitment and a willingness to put others first.

Cardiac Arrest Survivors Reunite With Their Rescuers

One of the evening's most memorable moments came as three cardiac arrest survivors were reunited with the firefighters and paramedics who helped save their lives.

EMS District Chief Steve Stellakis introduced each incident and described the actions taken by responding personnel.

The firefighters and paramedics involved in the rescues were called to the stage. One by one, the survivors joined them, accompanied by family members, to personally thank the first responders whose actions helped them survive.

The reunions included embraces, expressions of gratitude and emotional moments for the survivors, their families and the emergency personnel involved.

For firefighters and paramedics, the opportunity to meet survivors after an emergency is not always part of the job. Crews provide care, transport patients and return to service, often without learning what happens after the patient reaches the hospital.

The reunions gave members an opportunity to see the lasting impact of their work and the lives that continued after the emergency.

Lieutenant Corey Blais said meeting a person who survived cardiac arrest and hearing about the life they continue to live can mean more than an award or formal recognition.

The moments also highlighted the broader chain of survival, including dispatchers, firefighters, paramedics, hospital personnel and others involved in emergency medical care.