For Immediate Release

Friday, Jan. 25, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Easton Fire Department Receives Award for Response to Officer-Involved Shooting

EASTON — Chief Kevin Partridge is pleased to announce that the Easton Fire Department received an award this week for their response to an officer-involved shooting last month.

Bristol North EMS held their second annual awards conference at Plainridge Casino in Plainville on Wednesday, Jan. 23. The Easton Fire Department received an award in the category of “Exceptional Response,” which was accepted by Chief Partridge.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, members of the Easton Fire Department responded to the intersection of Bay Road and Allen Road for a report of a man who had been shot.

Upon arrival, paramedics came upon a 29-year-old Hyde Park man who was suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The man had allegedly crashed into another vehicle while fleeing from police and then pulled out what officers believed was a gun and was subsequently fired upon by the officers.

The Easton Fire ambulance crew made it to the scene within three minutes, along with Dr. Henry Crowley, the town’s service medical director. They immediately provided medical care to the patient. Despite the suspect’s serious injuries, he was at times uncooperative and combative with medics who were trying to provide him care.

He was able to be stabilized and transported to the ambulance and was taken to a local hospital where he survived his injuries.

“There is no doubt that they saved this patient’s life,” a letter from Steward Good Samaritan Medical Center and Bristol North EMS said. The letter was sent to Chief Partridge to notify him that the department was receiving the award.

Recognized for their efforts on the call were Dr. Crowley and the members of Easton Fire Department Group 2:

• Capt. Kyle Riendeau
• Lt. Jon Carroll
• Firefighter Jeff Dupuis
• Firefighter James Baptiste
• Firefighter Matt Allain
• Firefighter William Wolffe
• Firefighter John White
• Firefighter Shawn Goyette

“It was an honor to receive this award for our department’s response to what was a very hectic scene upon arrival,” Chief Partridge said. “Our firefighters are highly trained and consistently uphold the utmost professionalism when responding to any type of call. I would like to congratulate them for receiving this award and recognition by their peers in the EMS service.”

Bristol North EMS is an EMS council made up of local fire departments and public and private ambulance services in partnership with three hospitals in northern Bristol County – Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton and Morton Hospital in Taunton. The group offers training sessions and instructors for EMS professionals in the region.

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