Holliston Heroes Recognized by Legion Post 47

Posted on by Chris Cain
Holiston Reporter

On Sunday, September 12, 2021, first responders, public safety officials, governmental leaders gathered to witness the annual awarding of the American Legion’s Medal of Merit to fifteen of Holliston’s Finest and Bravest. This year the Legion dusted off its “Unsung Citizen” Award to recognize a totally unsuspecting local gem who was just there to make sure the show went on.

The top photo captures Select Board Chair Tina Hein, Board Clerk John Cronin, and Mr. Travis Hein.
The bottom photo shows part of the gathering crowd. At the far right is Town Administrator Travis Ahern.
Captain John Gagnon samples the buffet breakfast as Deputies Moore and Dellicker watch on.
Legion Commander Steve Bradford (left) welcomes the full house to this year’s 9/11 Awards Ceremony.
Chaplain Ron Turcotte (Right) offers a prayer of remembrance and thanks for those lost and those who continue to step up when the community needs them.
Select Board Chair Tina Hein welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
State Senate President Karen Spilka shared her perspective about the attack on 9/11 and our nation now.
Holliston’s State Representative Carolyn Dykema shared her personal recollections and learnings about 9/11.
Pranav Govindarajan, Holliston’s Project 351 Alumni Ambassador, spoke eloquently about his admiration for Holliston’s First Responders.
Pete and Kris Westland present a US flag flown by their son-in-law Army CPT Mitch Gannon over his base in the Middle East. Legion Adjutant Walter McGrath waits to receive the flag.
The man behind the camera, Bruce Gilfoy, HCAT Production Manager received the Legion’s Unsung Citizen award. The award recognized HCAT’s ongoing support / broadcasting of veterans’ events. A surprise to Bruce who had to step away from his camera to receive the award from Legion Adjutant Walter McGrath. Also a surprise to Bruce, was his family who was hiding outside to celebrate his recognition.
Left – Deputies Jim Moore and Mark Dellicker represent Chief Michael Cassidy to present the HFD awards.
Right – Lieutenant George Leurini represents Chief Matthew Stone to present the HPD awards.
Officer Charles Grace receives the Legion’s Medal of Merit for his life saving efforts. SGT Matthew Waugh was absent from the ceremony.

An excerpt from Chief Matthew Stone’s letter of award, “I am pleased to present you with our Department’s Life Saving Award for your extraordinary efforts at a residential fire call during the early morning hours of Sunday, March 8, 2020 to Officer Charles Grace and Sergeant Matthew Waugh.”

Officer Scott Downey receives the Legion’s Medal of Merit. Officer John Scanlon was absent from the ceremony.

An excerpt from Chief Matthew Stone’s letter of award, “I am pleased to present you with our Department’s Life Saving Award for your extraordinary efforts on a medical emergency call on the afternoon of October 21, 2020 for Officer Scott Downey and Officer John Scanlon for an a male in cardiac arrest.”

Det. Christopher Avey and Officer Ryan Parent receive the Legion’s Medal of Merit. SGT Ken Belson was absent from the ceremony. Officer John Loftus responded to an emergency call during the ceremony.

An excerpt from Chief Matthew Stone’s letter of award, “. . . I am honored to present you with our Department’s Life Saving Award for your extraordinary efforts on a medical emergency call on the evening of June 14, 2021 for Officer John Loftus, Sergeant Ken Belson, Detective Christopher Avey and Officer Ryan Parent for a “possible overdose.”

Captain John Gagnon and Firefighter / Lieutenant Michael Gulla receive the Legion’s Medal of Merit. Firefighter / Paramedic Daniel Lamme was absent from the ceremony.

An excerpt from Chief Michael Cassidy’s commendation, “On Sunday, March 8, 2020, the Holliston Fire Department was dispatched at 5:45 AM to a report of a house fire on Carl Road. En route to the incident, it was confirmed that the homeowners were trapped inside the structure.”  Awarded to Captain/EMT John Gagnon and (then Firefighter, now Lieutenant) Michael Gulla and Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Lamme.”

Publishers’ Note: Apologies to Lieutenant Shawn Connors, Firefighter/EMT Michael Quintin and Firefighter/EMT Joseph Cumming for losing the picture of this award.

An excerpt from Chief Michael Cassidy’s commendation, “On Monday, January 18, 2021, the Holliston Fire Department was dispatched at 11:38 PM to a report of a house fire on Winter Street. Upon arrival, firefighters from Engine 3 began fire suppression operations. When it was quickly determined that one of the homeowners, after having initially evacuated and called 9-1-1, had subsequently gone back into the burning structure in an attempt to remove animals, personnel from Engine 2 were assigned to search and rescue operations.” Awarded to Lieutenant Shawn Connors, Firefighter/EMT Michael Quintin and Firefighter/EMT Joseph Cumming

Holliston’s Animal Control Officer, Dona Walsh received a Police Service Award for her work related to the Winter St. fire. Included with Holliston’s Public Safety leaders is Ashland Police Chief Richard Briggs as Ms. Walsh serves both Holliston and Ashland.

Each year at this ceremony, I am reminded of the selfless people who constantly are ready to move in to a dangerous situation, while others would retreat. Thank you!

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