At this month’s Upper Providence Township Board of Supervisors Meeting, Fire Chief Mike Risell and Friendship Ambulance Chief George Gilliano recognized several first responders with Lifesaving Awards for their heroic actions earlier this year.
At this month’s Upper Providence Township Board of Supervisors Meeting, Fire Chief Mike Risell, Police Chief Mark Freeman, and Friendship Ambulance Chief George Gilliano presented multiple Lifesaving Awards to members of the Upper Providence Department of Fire and Emergency Services (UPTDFES), Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company, Friendship Ambulance, and Upper Providence Township Police for their outstanding efforts in three extraordinary incidents earlier this year.
LIFESAVING ACTION: CARDIAC ARREST RESPONSE
In January 2025, Don Cannon experienced sudden cardiac arrest outside of a local restaurant. Restaurant manager Jackie Calhoun immediately began CPR and called 9-1-1. Crews from Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company arrived swiftly, applied an AED, and began advanced life-saving care. Mr. Cannon received three additional AED shocks during transport to the hospital.
Thanks to this seamless teamwork, Don survived and was able to attend the meeting with his wife to personally thank the responders who saved his life.
Award recipients:
- Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company: Deputy Chief Rich Hughes, Captain Chris Steiger, FF Avon Jones, FF Colin DeAngelis, FF Matt Brun, FF Richard Brown
- UPTDFES: FF/EMT Jared Weeks, Captain Will Clemens, FF/EMT Jason Adams
- Friendship Ambulance: Paramedics Jacob Neveil and Renee McCarraher
ADVANCED LIFESAVING CARE: TRAUMATIC INJURIES
In March 2025, another team of first responders treated a patient with severe traumatic injuries, including the application of two tourniquets and providing advanced emergency care.
Award recipients:
- Friendship Ambulance: Paramedic Mark Leva, AEMT Daniel Kearney, Paramedic Maddie Voit, EMT Anna DeGrange
- UPT Police: Officer Octavius Baker, Officer John Burdsall, Corporal Mike Swartz
- UPTDFES: FF/EMT Kyle Sapovits, Captain Will Clemens, FF/EMT Rusty Layre
BABY DELIVERY IN THE FIELD
In February 2025, a group of dedicated responders assisted in the successful delivery of a baby girl in the field—an unforgettable moment for all involved!
Award recipients:
- UPT Police: Officer George Pelletier
- Friendship Ambulance: Paramedics Courtney Duffey and Matt Lex
- UPTDFES: FF/EMT Jared Weeks, Captain Carmen Conicelli, FF/EMT Steve Ughy, FF/EMT Rusty Layre
The Board of Supervisors expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all of the emergency responders honored. These stories serve as a powerful reminder of the bravery, skill, and compassion that define our public safety teams here in Upper Providence Township.
Thank you to all of our emergency services personnel for your incredible service and lifesaving work!