PEABODY – At least 200 people gathered at City Hall Thursday to recognize many Peabody Fire Department personnel for a myriad of achievements.
Mayor Ted Bettencourt told the room that he “has been looking forward to this ceremony for quite some time.”
“Not only is it a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the individual firefighters at various stages of their career,” he said, “but it is also a way to pay tribute to all the outstanding men and women who make up the Peabody Fire Department.
“Peabody firefighters deserve great credit for the skill and professionalism they demonstrate every day… We are very fortunate to have such dedicated firefighters working together to keep us safe and protect us from harm”
First, Luke Murdock – who has been a firefighter at Peabody Fire Department since 2014 – was called up to be promoted to lieutenant. He said that “being a firefighter is an incredibly fulfilling career” and that he was “honored and humbled to be standing in front of you today as the newest lieutenant for the Peabody Fire Department.”
Next, seven firefighters were sworn into the Department: John Cannatella, Patrick Maguire, Nicholas Marotta, Chris Paolini, Eric Razney, Matthew Sharon, and George Tsonis. Reserve Firefighter Eric Wright was also sworn in.
Fire Chief Jay Dowling then paid tribute to many firefighters for their exceptional work over the last year. He shared stories of people expertly handling house fires, responding to motor vehicle accidents, and performing life-saving care while on and off the clock.
The following personnel were honored for their bravery. Divisions 1 and 4 were also honored as groups.
- Shaun Farrell
- Lt. Anthony Rusciano
- Mike Loder
- Dan Lancaster
- Capt. Paul Silva
- Dave Ricci
- Nick Mir
- Lt. Matt Dowling
- Matt O’Brien
- Geury DeLaCruz
- Joe Tardiff
- Devon Wolf
- Lt. Alexander Bernardo
- Sean White
- Ryan Fanning
Division 1 includes:
- Deputy Chief Robbie Benevento
- Capt. Brian L’Italien
- Capt. Ross Lewis
- Firefighter Joseph Maguire
- Lt. Justin Sauvageau
- Firefighter Marc Jesi
- Firefighter Evan Braz
- Capt. John Brophy III
- Capt. David Limongiello
- Firefighter Kory Desmond
- Firefighter Mark Eliuk
- Lt. Ronald Ciampa
- Firefighter Gregory Jordan
- Firefighter Sean Dolan
- Lt. Steven Lynch
- Firefighter Steven Leavitt
- Firefighter Alexander Dewsnap
- Lt. Michael Tassinari
- Firefighter Michael Dewan
- Firefighter Robert Brock
- Lt. Ronald Ransom
- Firefighter Matthew St. Pierre
- Firefighter Kevin Mulvey
- Firefighter David Ricci
Division 4 includes:
- Deputy Chief Richard Nelson
- Firefighter Joseph Tardiff
- Capt. John Hinchion
- Firefighter Kory Desmond
- Lt. Luke Murdoch
- Capt. Eric Smith
- Firefighter Scott Smith
- Firefighter Richard Swanton
- Lt. Alexander Bernardo
- Firefighter Sean White
- Firefighter Andrew O’Connell
- Lt. Justin Sauvageau
- Firefighter Matthew St. Pierre
- Firefighter Daniel Smith
- Lt. Ronald Ransom
- Firefighter Mark Eliuk
- Fire Inspector Michael Pellizzaro
- Lt. Ronald Ciampa
- Firefighter Vincent Villani
- Firefighter Kenneth Pedone
- Firefighter Steven Linnane
Dowling said, “I have 105 fighters. I could go on about all of them. They all do an excellent job. They make me look good every day. I’m really proud of them.”
