Dracut Fire Department Recognizes Dedicated Service and Lifesaving in Annual Awards Ceremony

The Rev. Larry Zimmerman, who has spent more than 20 years as the chaplain of the Dracut Fire Department, listens intently as Chief Michael Cunha explains why the department awarded Rev. Zimmerman with the Distinguished Service Medal — an award typically reserved only for firefighters (Photo Courtesy Dracut Fire Department)

DRACUT — It takes more than just heroics and hose lines to run a fire department, and on Tuesday night the Dracut Fire Department recognized a man who has shepherded firefighters through tragedies, traditions, and even deaths.

The Rev. Larry Zimmerman worked as a pastor in Dracut for 33 years, and even after retirement continued to serve as the chaplain of the Dracut Fire Department, providing a heart and soul to a department that has survived its share of hard times.

He was recognized during the department’s annual awards ceremony with an award typically reserved only for firefighters — the Distinguished Service Medal.

“Your 20 years of services represent a tremendous commitment to the members of the Dracut Fire Department,” said Chief Michael Cunha. “Your compassion, dedication, and willingness to stand beside our members during some of the most difficult moments of their lives have made a lasting difference.”

Rev. Zimmerman was one of several people recognized by the department on Tuesday night in an annual awards ceremony attended by about 75 people in Harvey J. Gagnon Harmony Hall.

Also receiving the Distinguished Service Medal were Capt. Michael Siegler, Lt. Joel Howard, and Firefighter Chris Gagne.

Capt. Siegler received the award for revitalizing the department’s SAFE and Senior SAFE programs, which educate students and seniors about fire prevention.

Capt. Siegler modernized the department’s educational materials and made the entire Dracut community safer by doing so.

“Capt. Siegler dedicated countless hours outside of his normal responsibilities rewriting lesson plans, developing new presentations, and converting years of educational material into a streamlined digital format,” said Chief Cunha. “More importantly, he ensured that the curriculum reflects today’s fire safety challenges and is relatable to the children and families we serve, making our message more engaging, more effective, and more impactful.”

Lt. Howard and Firefighter Gagne were recognized for putting in countless hours of work to prepare for the launch of a new Dracut Fire Department Dive Team.

With the Merrimack River, Lake Mascuppic and Long Pond in town, the dive team will give the department the ability to respond quickly to emergencies on the water.

Lt. Howard and Firefighter Gagne volunteered their time to talk to and train with other dive teams, to learn, to form policies and procedures, and to secure equipment for the complex and potentially dangerous task of emergency response diving.

“Their dedication, initiative, and leadership have positioned the Dracut Fire Department to provide critical rescue capability that will serve our community for many years to come,” said Chief Cunha. “More importantly, they accomplished all of this voluntarily and well beyond the expectations of their assigned duties.”

A Unit Citation was given to Lt. Jonathan Carroca, Lt. Sean Russell, and Firefighter Michael Stewart for working together to secure two aggressive dogs and then save the life of a 62-year-old man last year. Lowell General Hospital Paramedics Michael Donoghue and Jorge Ribeiro, and Pridestar Trinity EMS EMTs Christopher Barrett and Courteney Hentz also received commendations for taking part in the lifesaving effort.

“Every member of the crew played a critical role, demonstrating the training, professionalism, and commitment that define the Dracut Fire Department, Lowell General Hospital Paramedics, and Pridestar Trinity EMS,” said Chief Cunha.

Rev. Zimmerman was not the only civilian recognized. Marlene Hillman, who spent 42 years in EMS, including 39 as a Lowell General Hospital paramedic, was also acknowledged for supporting and giving confidence to Dracut Fire crews for decades.

“Over the course of 40 plus years, she has undoubtedly cared for thousands of patients and worked alongside countless firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, nurses and physicians, but the impact of a career like hers isn’t measured only by the number of patients treated or calls answered,” Chief Cunha said. “It’s measured by the people she helped, the people she taught, the crews she supported, and the confidence she gave those around her.”

The ceremony also included the swearing in and pinning of the department’s newest firefighter, Richard DeLacy, as well as the recognition of firefighters with 10, 20 and 30 years of service.

Lt. Jonathan Carroca, Lt. Chris Leavitt, Lt. Shane O’Donnell and Firefighter John Conole were recognized for 10 years of service, Capt. Kevin Bigold was recognized for 20 years of service, and Firefighter Chris Coalter was recognized for 30 years of service.

“Over the past year, our members have responded to thousands of calls. They have walked into situations most people would run away from. They have trained, practiced, taught, mentored, maintained equipment, worked behind the scenes and supported their fellow firefighters,” Chief Cunha said. “Sometimes the most important things we do never make the news and never receive recognition, but they still matter.”

Lt. Shane O’Donnell, President of IAFF Local 2586, said thank you to all those whose dedication didn’t win awards, and to all of the families who support Dracut firefighters.

“Every time that bell rings, regardless of the outcome of the last call, our members get up, put on their gear, and go out looking for a way to make a difference,” Lt. O’Donnell said. “That resilience is something this community should be proud of.”