From left, Plymouth Firefighter James Brown, Lt. Jimmy Preston, Firefighter Joshua Daubert, Lt. James Kneeland, and Chief Neil Foley pose for an on-stage photo. Daubert, center, was honored with a Citation for Meritorious Conduct. (Photo courtesy Plymouth Fire Department)
PLYMOUTH — Chief Neil Foley and the Plymouth Fire Department are proud to announce that Plymouth Firefighter Joshua Daubert was honored by Gov. Maura Healey, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine, Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy and others Monday at the 35th Annual Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards.
Daubert was honored with the Citation for Meritorious Conduct following an early morning, off-duty rescue in June.
On June 6, shortly before sunrise, Plymouth Firefighter Daubert was off-duty and in attendance at the Leo F. Demarsh Boat Ramp for a charity fishing charter event to benefit local veterans. As they were preparing for the event, Firefighter Daubert and civilian Jake Smith noticed a man in a small electric mobility scooter struggling to navigate the gangway.
“Due to the steep angle of the gangway caused by an extreme low tide, the man lost control of the scooter and fell into the water,” Chief Foley wrote in his nomination of Daubert for the award. “Without hesitation, Josh and Jake jumped into action, diving into the cold 50-degree water to rescue the victim, who was unable to swim and in danger of drowning.”
Firefighter Daubert was in the right place at the right time. He had the training, but most importantly, he had the courage to jump into action.
“Without any hesitation at all, Josh jumped in the water,” Chief Foley recalled. “The man wasn’t able to swim or keep his head up out of the water. Josh grabbed him and brought him to safety on a nearby dock.”
Daubert was among 139 firefighters from 22 communities across Massachusetts who were recognized for outstanding acts of bravery, heroism and service at the ceremony in Worcester on Monday.
“I think that this rescue shows Josh is in the right profession,” Chief Foley said. “Prior to coming to us, he served in the military. He’s a veteran who served his country, and now he’s a firefighter, serving his community. Around the clock he’s ready to respond.”
Hundreds attended the award ceremony earlier this week.
“I’d like to congratulate all of the people in the fire service who were nominated,” Chief Foley said. “They represent the very best of us.”
Gov. Healey, State Fire Marshal Davine, and Secretary Reidy led the awards ceremony at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.
“Over the past several weeks, Massachusetts residents have seen firefighters heroically working to protect their communities from an unprecedented wildfire season,” Gov. Healey said. “But the truth is that our firefighters demonstrate brave action, selfless compassion and deep commitment to their cities and towns every single day. The Firefighter of the Year Awards are a way to celebrate the heroes who never hesitate to answer a call for help.”
The firefighters recognized at the 35th annual ceremony represent the Amesbury Fire Department, Attleboro Fire Department, Barnstable Fire Department, Brockton Fire Department, Chicopee Fire Department, Cotuit Fire Department, Dartmouth Fire District 1, Falmouth Fire Department, Hyannis Fire Department, Lawrence Fire Department, Lowell Fire Department, New Bedford Fire Department, Newton Fire Department, North Attleboro Fire Department, Orange Fire Department, Plymouth Fire Department, Salisbury Fire Department, Springfield Fire Department, Westborough Fire Department, Whitman Fire Department, Woburn Fire Department, and Worcester Fire Department.
“Being a firefighter isn’t just a job — it’s a calling,” State Fire Marshal Davine said. “It takes us to classrooms and senior centers. It puts us on ladders, ropes, hose lines, and rescue boats. The dozens of scenarios behind this year’s awards reflect the depth and variety of the fire service mission. And the recipients all reflect extraordinary courage and determination to serve others regardless of the danger to themselves.”
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Plymouth Firefighter Joshua Daubert, center, was honored with the Citation for Meritorious Conduct at the 35th Annual Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards on Monday. To the right, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine were in attendance to help honor the night’s winners. (Photos courtesy Plymouth Fire Department)
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