Lifesaving is a heroic, often emotional and in the case of Rochester Fire Chief Scott Weigel, ironic event, considering he was the loved one in need of rescue on August 14.
The September 28, Rochester Fire Department Awards ceremony held at Rochester Memorial School gave the chief a public opportunity to thank not only the team of first responders who saved his life during a critical cardiac event at his home but his wife Susan.
Mrs. Weigel was the recipient of a Civilian Lifesaving Award for her part in getting her husband (and Rochester’s chief protector against such catastrophe) the help he needed to be alive today.
A decade ago, Chief Weigel campaigned for the town to invest in a battery-operated CPR device that would ultimately save his own life this past summer. Citizens from the Tri-Towns learned about the device while recently training on CPR at the Rochester Senior Center.
First responders recognized with Lifesaving awards for their roles in getting the chief to safety and recovery included: from the Rochester Fire Department, Deputy Chief Albert Weigel, Captain Jeffrey Weigel, Firefighter/EMT Andrew Weigel, Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Mentzer, Firefighter Harrison Harding, Paramedic Jessica Desroches; from the Rochester Police Department, Sergeant Alyson Rego, Patrolman Emmanuel Matias; from the Freetown FD, Deputy Chief Harrie Ashley and Captain Neal LaFleur and Registered Nurse Lindsay Harding.
RFD Lieutenant Kevin Richard told the crowd that on May 17, Harrison and Lindsay Harding, EMT Sarah O’Connor and paramedic Jeffrey Brum were recognized by Southcoast Hospital Group with the Medical Director’s Service Award for Excellence in Prehospital Medical Care for their responsive actions to a cardiac arrest in February.
ROCCC dispatchers Tyler Reardon and Joseph Farmer were recognized with 911 Lifesaving awards, Firefighter/EMT Tracy Eldridge and Paramedic Benjamin Garlington were presented with Certificates of Recognition, and Bradley Barrows received a Civilian Recognition award.
Richard reported to the gathering that Barrows, who could not be present, had not been trained on CPR since Cub Scouts and, at age 32, relied on instructions from dispatchers.
The following Rochester FD personnel were promoted: Lieutenant – Michael Amato, Steven Grenier, Daniel Ferreira, Andy Weigel and Robert Lafferiere; Captain – Walter Gonet and Kevin Richard; and Deputy Chief Jeffrey Eldridge.
On a night when standing ovations were repeatedly warranted, one of the loudest ovations went to RFD Deputy Chief Ward Benner when he was recognized for his unmatched, 62-years length of service. Benner was among four RFD members with 50 or more years, joined by Glenn Lawrence (52 years), Robert Reed (60 years) and Arthur Benner (52 years.)
Ward Benner, along with retired Chief Oren Robinson and Lieutenant Scott Chadwick (posthumously) were recognized with RFD Retired and Lifelong Member awards.
Brian and Bruce Ouellette were honored for 45 years of service, while Chief Weigel, Deputy Chief Weigel, Paul Ciaburri and Raymond Coutu were honored for 40 years of service. Captain Jeffrey Eldridge, Lieutenant Walter Gonet and Firefighter/EMT Daniel Ferreira were honored for 35 years of service.
Also honored for length of service: 30 years – James Holden and Robert Lafferiere; 25 years – Lieutenant Kevin Richard, Tracy Eldridge, Wendy Ashworth, Alex Wheeler and Steven Grenier; 20 years – Michael Amato, Harrison Harding, Stephen Bobrowiecki and Robert Lake.
The event drew participation from the surrounding community, as David DeBest of the Lakeville FD and Brockton Firefighters Pipes and Drums provided music. Rochester FD and PD presented colors, and Alyssa Costa and Lily Lafountain sang the national anthem. State Department of Fire Safety retired Chaplin James Tilbe offered an invocation.
Rochester Fire Department
By Mick Colageo