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Date: 7/13/2022
EASTHAMPTON – On July 5, the Easthampton Fire Department conducted a special ceremony at the Public Safety Complex for some notable recognitions and promotions.
In front of a large crowd of city officials, state legislatures, and close family members, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle and Fire Chief Christopher Norris welcomed two new firefighters, Tyler Colby and Nathaniel Cowan, to the department, and promoted Jason Dunham to the rank of captain as well as Kevin Benson to deputy chief.
“When you look out at the work that continues to be done, whether through COVID-19 response or just the regular day-to-day activities that these men and women respond to, it’s just absolutely amazing,” Norris said at the beginning of the ceremony, referencing the department. “I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
According to Norris, Colby and Cowan went through medical exams, physical ability testing, psychology exams, and numerous interviews to be considered for full-time firefighter positions. They both had the first- and second-best civil service exam scores for Easthampton and they will also be attending the Massachusetts Fire Academy of Springfield to finalize their training.
Dunham, meanwhile, joined the Easthampton Fire Department in 1995 and was hired full-time in 1999. Most recently, he completed his bachelor’s degree in fire administration and has completed the nationally recognized Incident Command System Certification Training programs and will be working toward his instruction certification in the fall. Dunham is also getting trained as a car seat technician and will become an instructor for the administration of CPR to firefighters, community members and city leaders.
According to Norris, Benson joined the department in 2000 and obtained the rank of captain in 2011. During his time with Easthampton, he has obtained his Fire Officer 1 and 2 certifications, Fire Inspector 1 certification, as well as the Fire Instructor 1 certification. He also completed the nationally recognized Incident Command System Certification Training programs with a level of 400, which is the highest-recognized level at the national level. He has also served as one of the lead fire investigators of the department.
The city also recognized Easthampton resident Paul Galotti for his heroics during a multi-unit home fire that occurred on East Street back in May where he pulled a wheelchair-bound resident from the burning home to safety.
According to Norris, flames from the fire were contained to the bottom floors, but smoke had significantly damaged the upper two floors. The building was of older construction and had a high fuel load, as well as a lot of hazards.
After initially struggling to find an opening to the home, Galotti found an open door and began calling out for anyone in the home. He eventually opened the smoke-filled basement and heard the voice of the wheelchair-bound resident as the normal entrance to the basement was blocked by flames. After returning outside for air, Galotti rushed back in with his shirt over his nose and went to go save the resident.
“If it was not for the actions of [Galotti], the outcome for an individual could have been much different,” said Norris.
Galotti was recognized with the Firefighter Medal of Honor, which was distributed by Norris. Galotti’s name has also been submitted to the state by the city for consideration of the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery. Additionally, state Rep. Dan Carey provided Galotti with a token of recognition on behalf of the state House of Representatives, and state Sen. John Velis did the same on behalf of the state Senate.
“There was no hesitation,” said Galotti, during his ceremony speech while thanking his parents. “I just did what was right.”