Barnstable Area Firefighters Take Home Awards At Ceremony

News release from Town of Barnstable.

WORCESTER, MA — Gov. Maura Healey, Secretary of Public Safety & Security Terrence Reidy, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine recognized outstanding acts of bravery, heroism and service on Monday, November 18, 2024 at the 35th annual Firefighter of the Year Awards ceremony.

“Over the past several weeks, Massachusetts residents have seen firefighters heroically working to protect their communities from an unprecedented wildfire season,” Healey said in a statement. “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 Firefighter of the Year Awards honor the extraordinary bravery and dedication of our firefighters, who protect and serve Massachusetts communities with unmatched skill and selflessness,” Reidy said. “These honorees exemplify the courage and professionalism that define the fire service. On behalf of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, I extend heartfelt gratitude to these heroes and their families for their remarkable service and sacrifice.”

This year’s awards were presented to 139 firefighters from 22 communities across Massachusetts. They reflect individual, group, and off-duty responses at two dozen emergency scenes and included four individual citations for meritorious conduct, 18 group citations, and 15 Medals of Valor. Three firefighters were recognized for outstanding community service, and one was honored for a 35-year career in fire prevention, protection, and education.

Barnstable Fire Department

Norman Knight Award for Excellence in Community Service

Captain Brian Tyson

Cotuit Fire Department

Norman Knight Award for Excellence in Community Service

Firefighter/Paramedic Christian Gardiner

Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Lee

Hyannis Fire Department

Group Citation for Meritorious Conduct

Firefighter Theodore Duchesney

Firefighter Andrew Hennessy

Firefighter/Paramedic Brendan Macdonald

Hyannis Fire Department

Group Citation for Meritorious Conduct

Firefighter Chester Coggeshall

Firefighter Jeffrey Erving

Since their inception in 1990, the Firefighter of the Year Awards have grown from a simple ceremony to the premier annual event for the Massachusetts fire service, honoring the Commonwealth’s firefighters and recognizing their invaluable contributions to all our communities.