Members of the Maynard Fire Department stand with Tom Viscariello (fourth from right), who was saved by the department, during a citation ceremony recognizing members for their life-saving efforts after Viscariello suffered a medical emergency last month. (Photo Courtesy Maynard Fire) 
Members of the Maynard Fire Department stand with Tom Viscariello, a man who was saved by the department, during a citation ceremony recognizing members for their life-saving efforts after Viscariello suffered a medical emergency last month. (Photo Courtesy Maynard Fire)
MAYNARD — Chief Angela Lawless is pleased to share that Maynard Fire Department members were awarded a citation of recognition for their efforts to save a life in September.
Maynard Fire members were recognized during a ceremony held Tuesday, Oct. 15, during a Select Board meeting at Town Hall. Recipients included Maynard Fire Captain Craig Desjardins, Firefighter Niccole Chiasson, Firefighter Eric Frechette, Firefighter Travis Gross, Firefighter Brian Kramer, Firefighter Alan Portis, Dispatcher Sarah Barakat, and PRO ALS Emerson Hospital Paramedic Joel Jacobson.
Tom Viscariello, the man who was saved, was also in attendance to reconnect with the first responders who saved his life.
On Sept. 5, Maynard Fire was dispatched to an urgent care on Parker Street for reports of an adult male suffering what was believed to be a heart attack.
Upon arrival, Maynard Firefighters located Viscariello on the ground of the lobby and immediately prepared him for transport.
However, before leaving the parking lot, Viscariello became unconscious, and crews began to perform CPR compressions and then used an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Maynard Fire was able to stabilize Viscariello and transported him to a local hospital.
Due to the quick actions and attentiveness of firefighters and paramedics, Viscariello was able to make a full recovery and was discharged two days after the incident.
Viscariello was so thankful for Maynard Fire’s efforts that he reached out personally to Chief Lawless to thank the firefighters on duty that day for their care and commitment.
“My recovery has been remarkable, as I walked out of Lahey Clinic less than 48 hours later with one stent and a great prognosis. I am alive today because of the efforts of many, but due to MFD,” said Viscariello via email.
During the ceremony, staff were presented with a citation of recognition by the Select Board. Chief Lawless also spoke about the dedication and commitment to service that department members displayed during the response.
“I want to recognize my staff for their incredible commitment to our community and the safety of our residents,” said Chief Lawless. “Captain Desjardins, Firefighters Chiasson, Frechette, Gross, Kramer, Portis, Dispatcher Barakat, and PRO Paramedic Jacobson, truly embody what it means to go above and beyond during a call. Their professionalism and dedication make them incredible assets not just to our department, but to our community.”
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