Concord Firefighter Brings Community Together Through Song

CONCORD, MA — Concord first responders are getting creative in their service to the community. To help the community feel connected without breaking social distancing rules, one firefighter serenaded Concordians over Facebook, right from the firehouse.

Firefighter Evan Foisy is known as the musician in the department, so when Concord Fire Chief Thomas Judge heard about his efforts to sing for residents, he wasn't surprised. "It's not unusual to see him do something like this," said. Judge

Foisy came up with the idea to sing for the community and garnered the help of the crew on duty on Wednesday — the video was published to the fire department's Facebook page with the caption "Very different days we are all experiencing. Music for many of us is a go to."

Set up on one of the department fire trucks, Foisy played his acoustic rendition of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me." In the introduction to his video, Foisy acknowledges the challenges many residents face while dealing with the coronavirus crisis and reminds the community to come together.

"It's important to remember we're not alone — we have friends, family and we are here for you," Foisy said in his video, "I thought this song was fitting."

The video received an outpouring of support, with over 100 shares and 200 likes. Within an hour, comments rolled under the post, praising Foisy and the department. One resident wrote, "We stand by you and all of Concord Fire. Stay safe, be well. We appreciate all that you do," another viewer wrote, "Thanks for sharing brought tears to my eyes. Stay safe."

Foisy isn't the only one making an effort to let residents feel connected during uncertain times. On Friday, Firefighter Lindsay McGloughlin read "Spark the Firefighter" to help parents in Concord keep little ones entertained.

"The great thing about these videos is that these firefighters are doing this completely on their own," Judge said, "I love to see it."