Firefighters, Residents Recognized For Service To Community; Lobstermen Who Saved Teens Lauded

CHATHAM – Firefighters and residents who saved lives through heroic actions were recognized in a ceremony Monday, including lobstermen who rescued two teenagers after their boat overturned in the North Inlet.

 Ray Joseph and Judd St. Albins were heading out for a day’s lobstering about 6:45 a.m. on Aug. 20. They noticed a small boat following them through the often treacherous inlet, where the surf can be unpredictable. Then they saw that the boat, a 17-foot center console, had capsized, throwing the two teens on board into the rough waters.

 Joseph said he turned to St. Albins and said, “We’ve got to get them.”

 “They needed help,” he said. “There was nobody else there.”

 The boys were clinging to the hull of their vessel as the two lobstermen, who have been fishing together for more than two decades, turned their boat around, knowing that the waves in the inlet would soon sweep the young men away. They plucked both from the water to safety.

 “We were just put in a situation and we dealt with it,” Joseph said. “I’m glad we were able to get them.”

 “Without hesitation and with complete disregard for their own safety, the two men aboard that boat entered the treacherous surf zone and rescued both individuals, saving their lives in the process,” Harbormaster Jason Holm said when presenting Joseph and St. Albins with a Community Lifesaving Award.

 Operating under “extreme pressure,” the two lobstermen “demonstrated remarkable composure, clarity and expert boat handling skills exemplifying the highest standards of emergency response,” Assistant Harbormaster Marshall Burke said, reading from the award. “Their selfless concern for others, coupled with their quick thinking, and unwavering resolve, reflects the very best of civic duty and community compassion.”

 Holm said the two teens, who are not being identified, were “very thankful. I think they truly understand the severity of what went down.”

 Fire Chief Justin Tavano also presented a community lifesaving award to resident Naomi Norcross, who came across a person in traumatic cardiac arrest at Saltwater Farm in South Chatham and immediately reported it to the department.

 “Her clear communication and composure guided emergency responders directly to the scene, leading to timely lifesaving care,” he said. “Naomi’s selfless concern and quick thinking in a moment of crisis reflect the highest ideals of civic responsibility and community compassion.”

 Tavano also presented five unit lifesaving awards, recognizing members of the department whose teamwork saved lives or prevented unnecessary pain, suffering or injury.

 Recognized for their response to last November’s “extremely difficult and intense” vehicle crash at Larry’s P.X. were Deputy Chief Ryan Clarke, Capt. RJ Silverster, Capt. David Ready, Capt. Ryan Holmes, Capt. Michael Lopriore, Lt. Tim Hunter, Inspector Rich Shevory, firefighter/paramedics Nicholas Ruggiere and Bill Delande, and firefighter/EMTs Thomas Devlin, Kristen Taylor, Ryan Friel, David Caruso and Kali Burnham.

 For providing triage after a boat accident on Nov. 22, 2024, Silverster and Ruggiere were recognized. Caruso, firefighter/paramedic Vance Bates and firefighter/EMT Connor Brickley were recognized for saving a life on a call last December. And Brickley and Delande were recognized for saving patients while off duty during two separate choking incidents in Chatham and Orleans.

 Lt. Tim Hunter was recognized with a merit award for his work with the firefighting program at Cape Cod Technical High School. Silverster received a performance award for consistently performing at a high standard. He was also recognized for his efforts in helping with the response to Hurricane Helene in North Carolina last year.

 Firefighters were recognized for their years of service with the department. Recognized for five years of service were Caruso, Burnham, firefighter/EMT Daniel Deering and administrative assistant Ellie Ward; for 10 years of service, firefighter/paramedic Harrison Fietz, firefighter/paramedic Rachel McGrath, firefighter/paramedic Nicholas Pelkey and Lopriore; for 15 years, Caruso, Ruggiere and firefighter/paramedic William Field; Silvester and Shevory were recognized for 20 years on the department; Capt. Mark Higgins, Lt. Gerard Smith, Hunter, Lt. Scott Long, Delande and Bates were recognized for 25 years of service; retired firefighter Kevin Moore was recognized for his 30 years of service; and Capt. Ready received recognition for 35 years of service.

Monday’s ceremony recognized the “extraordinary individuals” in the department and the community who, “without hesitation, put their lives on the line to save others,” Tavano said.