For Immediate Release
Contact: Casey Shea 508-368-7229
WEST BOYLSTON– Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. today honored five West Boylston first responders who resuscitated a man in cardiac arrest earlier this year.
Lieutenant Colby Fiske, Deputy Bob O’Connell, Firefighter Bill Nicholson, Firefighter Eric Larson along with West Boylston Police Sgt. Anthony Papandrea were presented with the District Attorney’s Team Excellence and Merit — TEAM — Award, which recognizes outstanding service by those in public safety.
“It is not just about knowing what to do, but being able to act under intense pressure,” Mr. Early said. “This emergency could have had a very different outcome, but thanks to the five hardworking individuals here today, this man can celebrate the holidays with his loved ones.”
On the morning of March 12, first responders were dispatched to the home of 41-year-old Alex Jones. Upon arrival they found Jones unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Preforming life-saving CPR and Advanced Cardiac Life Support care, they were able to resuscitate Jones at the scene. He was able to make a full recovery.
“We are forever grateful,” said Jones, who attended the awards ceremony on Monday with his wife and two young sons.
“The Department has had other saves since March, but this one hit close to home for us all where the patient was so young and healthy prior to this incident,” said West Boylston Fire Chief Thomas Welsh. “These EMTs and police officers did not just give Alex his life back, they gave a young son his dad, an unborn baby the chance to meet his father, a wife her husband, parents across the globe their son and friends their friend back.”
Mr. Early created the TEAM Award in 2019 to recognize public safety employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. Contact the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office at (508) 755-8601 to nominate someone for this award.
