Dedham Fire Honored At Firefighter Of The Year Awards

DEDHAM, MA — Members of the Dedham Fire Department were honored Tuesday for their response to a plane crash in Westwood.

Lieutenant/EMT Michael Huff, Firefighter Steven Burke, Firefighter/EMT Justin Callaghan and Firefighter Kevin O'Brien all received a citation at the 2017 Firefighter of the Year award reception held Tuesday for their response to a plane crash in Westwood.

On July 16, 2016, Dedham Fire assisted in the response to a plane crash in a heavily wooded area of Westwood, a few miles away from Norwood Airport. The location was extremely difficult and required all rescue equipment – including hose-lines, fire extinguishers, chain saws, portable extrication equipment – be carried in by members in full gear. Fire and police worked together to reach the crash site and remove a large tree that had fallen directly on the small plane. Then, they cut the roof of the aircraft and removed the first person from the plane and out of the woods, all within 17 minutes from first arrival. Crews from Canton, Norwood and Walpole Fire Departments also provided mutual aid that led to the rapid extrication of the second person and out of the woods. The pilot has serious injuries but made a full recovery. Unfortunately, the passenger, identified as Hylie "Lee" Hutchens of Norwood, died a few days later.

In total, 33 awards were presented to various fire departments.

Information in this article was provided by the state Department of Fire Services.
Image via Walpole Fire Department