An active-duty North Andover firefighter has died unexpectedly after a medical emergency at his home.
The death of 54-year-old Firefighter Jeffrey Deschenes was reported Friday morning by Fire Chief John Weir and Deputy Chief Graham Rowe. They said Deschenes died at a local hospital. He is survived by his wife and two children
“Jeff Deschenes brought the North Andover Fire Department into the modern era of emergency medicine and treatment, and his life’s work undoubtedly saved and improved the lives of countless people,” Weir said. “He was a quiet hero in our community and a true brother in the fire service. He will be missed. I speak on behalf of all the men and women of the North Andover Fire Department in extending my heartfelt sympathies to Jeff’s wife, children and his entire family. We mourn this loss with you.”
Deschenes began his career with the Lawrence Fire Department in 2000 and served 12 years there before transferring to North Andover in 2012.
Deschenes was named a Firefighter of the Year by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2019 for his response to the 2018 Merrimack Valley natural gas disaster. He also received the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award, Outstanding Contribution to EMS award and the Gift of Caring Award.
Officials said Deschenes was assigned as North Andover’s first EMS Coordinator in 2019 and brought the department into the forefront of pre-hospital care. In that role, he instituted a successful community CPR program, a car seat installation program and a community EMS program. He introduced new equipment, protocols and technology into the department, creating a highly respected service in the region.
“Jeff’s impact reached far beyond his firefighting duties, touching the lives of many in the Merrimack Valley and the region,” Rowe said. “He was always willing to lend a helping hand in any way possible, looking out for his fellow firefighters, friends, family and the community.”
Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues said “The Town of North Andover mourns the loss of a good and dedicated firefighter, friend and a true professional. Our community offers its unwavering support to his family at home and his family in the firehouse during their time of need.”
Arrangements will be announced as they become available.