Stoneham Firefighters Honored During 36th Annual Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards

STONEHAM — Chief Matthew Grafton is proud to announce that eight Stoneham firefighters were honored at the 36th Annual Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards for their heroic actions.

Stoneham Fire Department members, Capt. Dave Eastman, Lt. Rick Darragh, and Firefighters Sean Devlin, Dan Kelleher, Dominic DeSimone, Miles Plant, Jim McLaughlin Jr., and Chris Humber are from Group 1 and were awarded the Governor’s Citation for Meritorious Conduct during the annual ceremony held in Worcester.

Group 1 was honored for their teamwork and professionalism during three fires last year, which occurred within a 24-hour shift. 

On Nov. 14, at approximately 2:12 p.m., Stoneham Fire responded to Marble Street for reports of a kitchen fire in a three-story apartment building without sprinklers. While en route, dispatch notified Group 1 that a resident was trapped by heavy smoke and heat.

Upon arrival, Stoneham Fire observed light smoke coming from an apartment. Capt. Eastman immediately declared a working fire, requesting mutual aid from Winchester Fire. The resident who was trapped had called dispatch to share his location within the home and was calling for help from a third-floor window upon arrival. 

Engine 1, operated by Firefighter Devlin, Lt. Darrah, and Firefighter Kelleher, stretched a hose line and began an attack on the fire on the third floor, while Firefighters DeSimone and Plant established a water supply. A second alarm was struck, bringing additional resources to the scene.

Firefighters Humber and McLaughlin positioned Ladder 1 to the side of the building and assisted the resident down the aerial ladder to safety just as heavy smoke started venting from the window. Another resident who suffered burns was able to exit the building on their own and was transported to an area hospital by Armstrong Ambulance. Crews also conducted a search after reports of a second trapped occupant, who was later confirmed not to be home.

On Nov. 14, at about 10:10 p.m., Stoneham Fire Group 1 was dispatched to Franklin Street for a fire involving a malfunctioning massage device. The fire caused damage to a window sill, trim, and blinds. Crews checked for extension with a thermal imager and extinguished remaining hot spots. The resident suffered minor injuries.

On Nov. 15, at about 5:17 a.m., the Stoneham Fire Group 1 night shift responded to an attic fire on Gould Street. Heavy black smoke was coming from the roof when crews arrived, and all residents had already evacuated.

Firefighters Humber, McLaughlin Jr. and Plant positioned Ladder 1 to ventilate the roof. The Engine 1 pump was operated by Firefighter Devlin, while Lt. Darragh and Firefighter Kelleher brought in the attack line. Engine 2, operated by Firefighters DeSimone and Chabak, established a water supply from a hydrant.

While trying to climb a roof ladder to vent the roof, Firefighter Humber’s foot and hand went through the soft roof, which was weakened by the ongoing flames. Humber was able to get himself off of the roof before he fell through. Crews worked quickly to cut the ventilation hole due to the poor roof conditions. Engine 1 attempted to get water on the fire through an attic hatch with limited access. As conditions worsened, Capt. Eastman changed to a defensive attack and called for a second alarm, bringing in additional resources and mutual aid to the scene.

Throughout the 24-hour shift and the three incidents, Group 1 was able to effectively work together, utilizing their skills and expertise to safely manage three scenes in an effective manner while operating with only eight firefighters on duty. Despite battling challenging circumstances after managing these incidents, no firefighters were injured. 

“With only eight firefighters on duty, these incidents were overwhelming for crews to deal with in a 17-hour span, and yet Group 1 was able to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain composure during high-level situations, resulting in no serious injuries to personnel and one successful rescue,” said Chief Grafton. “Stoneham Fire is committed to the safety of our residents, and firefighters from Group 1 showed what it means to go above and beyond in times of crisis. I could not be more proud of their efforts.”

The Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year Awards are held annually to honor and recognize firefighters across the commonwealth who have exhibited heroic, life-saving actions throughout the year.  For more information about the Firefighter of the Year Awards, click here.