Crime & Safety

3 Braintree Firefighters Commended for Saving Lives

The firefighters helped save the lives of two people in two separate CPR incidents in one day last month.

Three Braintree firefighters were honored recently by Chief James O'Brien for their efforts using CPR on two victims in one day last month.

Lt. Fred Viola and firefighters John Gallagher and Brian Connors were given commendations for their acts, described below in a letter from O'Brien to the firefighters.

"Please accept this commendation for your actions on Friday, November 22nd, 2013.

"At 9:20 a.m., a vehicle pulled onto the ramp at headquarters station. The driver got out and notified the dispatcher that his brother was in the car having great difficulty breathing.  

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"Engine 4’s crew, consisting of LT. Fred Viola, FF John Gallagher and FF Brian Connors, rushed outside to the car. The patient had collapsed outside the car and went into cardiac arrest. Engine 4’s crew promptly began CPR and successfully revived the victim, who was then transported to [South Shore Hospital], where he is now recovering.

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"At 9:30 p.m. that evening, Engine 4’s crew responded to 8 Boscobel St. for a 'difficulty breathing' call. LT. Viola, FF Gallagher and FF Connors treated a chronic respiratory patient who was in respiratory distress. 

"Upon being placed in the ambulance, the victim stopped breathing. Yet again, the Engine 4 crew successfully resuscitated the patient, with help from the crew at Fallon. The patient was then taken to [South Shore Hospital], and has since been released.

"It is my strong opinion that your heroic actions of that day and evening saved the lives of two victims. This is a testament to your knowledge, integrity, and dedication to the fire service. To say you each are a great asset to our department and the Town of Braintree would be an understatement.

"Again, please accept this commendation, as well as my sincere appreciation and respect for a job well done.

Sincerely,

James O'Brien

Chief of Department"


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