Middleboro first responders recognized for life-saving actions while aiding Lakeville firefighter
Lakeville Fire Chief Michael O'Brien shakes hands with Officer Aidan Nemer of the Middleboro Police Department at the Tuesday Select Board meeting. Photos by Sam Tucker
Members of the Lakeville Fire, Middleboro Fire, and Middleboro Police Departments pose along with Lakeville Select Board members.
Lakeville Fire Chief Michael O'Brien shakes hands with Officer Aidan Nemer of the Middleboro Police Department at the Tuesday Select Board meeting. Photos by Sam Tucker
Members of the Lakeville Fire, Middleboro Fire, and Middleboro Police Departments pose along with Lakeville Select Board members.
LAKEVILLE — Lakeville town officials formally recognized two Middleboro first responders who provided life-saving aid to the Lakeville deputy fire chief who was seriously injured during a December house collapse.
At the Tuesday select board meeting, board members presented formal citations to Lieutenant Ben Delaney of the Middleboro Fire Department and Officer Aidan Nemer of the Middleboro Police Department in recognition of their actions at the fatal Dec. 7 fire in Middleboro.
The Ashley Lane condominium fire in Middlebro left one person dead, and injured three others — including the Lakeville Deputy Fire Chief Pam Garant. Lakeville firefighters responded to the scene under a mutal aid agreement between the neighboring towns.
During the fire response, Garant was trapped after the burning structure partially collapsed. Delaney and Nemer quickly worked together to free Garant from the burning debris and bring her to a safe area for medical treatment.
“We've all worked together on a very regular basis. We appreciate [the board] in taking the time to recognize our efforts,” Middleboro Fire Chief Owen Thompson said. “Obviously, what you guys did on that day is what we train for.”
Lakeville Fire Chief Michael O’Brien said Delaney and Nemar’s quick thinking and critical decision making was paramount during the “critical moment where one of our own needed to be helped.”
Members of the Lakeville Fire, Middleboro Fire, and Middleboro Police Departments were in attendance for the recognition. Garant is still recovering from her injuries and has not returned to the department yet, O'Brien said.
