Hingham Heroes Honored For Responding to Boston Marathon Explosions

Four Hingham police officers and two firefighter paramedics were honored at Thursday's selectmen meeting for their roles in helping the city of Boston during the week of the Marathon explosions.

Hingham firefighters James Sheard and Kaitlyn Shinney each received certificates of accommodation for saving lives during the marathon.

Shinney was at the finish line when the bombs exploded.  Instead of taking caution, she immediately ran towards the explosions, identified herself as a paramedic and began performing triage and stabilizing patients, Chief Mark Duff explained.

“Her reactions directly resulted in the saving of lives and the calming of patients who were severely inured,” Duff said.

Sheard was also at the marathon, Duff explained.  He was with wife part as part of the Massachusetts Disaster Medical Assistance Team stationed along marathon route in Natick when he was called to the Childrn’s Hospital.  

At the hospital he performed triage, organized staff and resources and worked with the radio systems. Sheard is no stranger for helping during tragedy. He also assisted New York on September 11, 2001.  He was not at Thursday’s meeting to receive his certificate.

were all assigned to assist Boston hours after the marathon explosions. 

The officers provided security for hospitals, infrastructure and for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden during their visits, Hingham Police Chief  Michael Peraino explained. They also participated in the house to house search of suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in Watertown on Friday, April 19. Each of the four officers worked 12-16 hour shifts leading up to the arrest of Tsarnaev. 

“Each of these officers performed dangerous and difficult and sometimes tedious tasks with discipline, dedication and professionalism,” Peraino said.  “I’m very proud of all these officers, as I know the town is.”

While many of the officers would not speak of their roles, Lt. Norkaitis who grew up in Dorchester and came from a family of police offers said he was honored to serve his hometown of Boston at a time of crisis.

“Being a Boston kid, originally from Dorchester, I have a strong, strong connection to the city of Boston,” Norkaitis said. “ Coming from a family of police officers, it’s our duty and responsibility to maintain the safety and security of the city of Boston and all of those surrounding communities as well.”

The three Hingham selectman each thanked the officers and paramedics before they received their certificates. 

Selectman Irma Lauter referred to these local heroes  as ”rockstars.” She looked into the town camera and told the young ones watching at home to look at these responders as role models.

“To all of you young people, who are at home and will be watching this tape: You constantly look for role models.  You’re looking in the wrong place.  Don’t look at your sports heroes; don’t look at your rock stars.  We have rock stars right here.”

Watch the attached videos from Thursday's ceremony.