NAHANT — Chief Austin Antrim and the Nahant Fire Department proudly announce that Senior Firefighter Frank Pappalardo and Firefighter Matthew Canty have been recognized at the state’s 33rd Annual Firefighter of the Year Awards. (Photo Below)
Firefighters Pappalardo and Cantywere awarded the Medal of Valor, for their life saving actions, by Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Secretary Terrence M. Reidy, and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey at a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 18, at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The ceremony was hosted by WCVB-TV anchor Doug Meehan.
Gov. Baker said it is an honor to recognize the awardees for their bravery and commitment to the safety of the Commonwealth. He added that he is proud of the men and women in fire services for their devotion to helping their communities in times of need, and especially in life-threatening situations during which they put the safety of others first.
On Dec. 23, 2021, Nahant Fire responded to a single-story house fire on Maple Avenue. Upon arrival, Nahant Police reported that they located an individual who was trapped in a bathroom inside the burning building. Chief Antrim declared a working fire
calling all Nahant firefighters and mutual aid partners for assistance.
Firefighters Pappalardo and Canty forced entry through the front door of thehome
and began attacking the fire with a hose line. They then located the wheelchair bound man in the bathroom and were able to remove him from the home. Firefighters Pappalardo and Canty returned their attention the fire as is spread from the first floor into the attic.
Firefighter Canty resumed attacking the fireaggressively. Firefighter Pappalardo continued searching the home, and located a resident who was unconscious on the kitchen floor. He called for Firefighter Canty’s assistance. The pair picked up the woman and carried her outside to safety.
“Without the aggressive actions and bravery of Firefighters Pappalardo and Canty, this fire would have had a far more tragic ending,” Chief Antrim said. “Their dedication and professionalism has not gone unnoticed. Both the Department and Town are incredibly proud that their heroic actions are being recognized.”
The other recognition and award recipients represent the fire departments of Ashby, Bellingham, Bolton, Eastham, Fall River, Hopkinton, Lawrence, Lynn, Natick, New Bedford, North Attleborough, Springfield, Stoughton, and Tewksbury.
About the Firefighter of the Year Awards
Since its inception in 1990, the Firefighter of the Year Awards has grown from a simple ceremony to the premier annual event for Massachusetts fire services, honoring remarkable acts of courage, service, and sacrifice by the Commonwealth’s firefighters and recognizing their invaluable contributions to the communities they serve.
Firefighter Matthew Canty, second from left, and Senior Firefighter Frank Pappalardo, second from right, stand with Fire Chief Austin Antrim, left, and Town Administrator Antonio Barletta, right, after being awarded Medals of Valor during the 33rd Annual Firefighter of the Year Awards. (Photo Courtesy Nahant Fire Department)
