Dracut Fire Department honors chaplain, firefighters at annual ceremony

The Dracut Fire Department held its annual awards ceremony Tuesday night at Harvey J. Gagnon Harmony Hall, where about 75 people gathered to honor members and community supporters, the Town of Dracut announced.

The Rev. Larry Zimmerman, who served as a pastor in Dracut for 33 years and has been the department's chaplain for more than 20 years, received the Distinguished Service Medal, an award typically reserved for firefighters. Fire Chief Michael Cunha said Zimmerman's "compassion, dedication, and willingness to stand beside our members during some of the most difficult moments of their lives have made a lasting difference."

Also receiving the Distinguished Service Medal were Capt. Michael Siegler, for updating the department's SAFE and Senior SAFE fire-prevention education programs, and Lt. Joel Howard and Firefighter Chris Gagne, for preparing the launch of a new Dracut Fire Department Dive Team to respond to emergencies on the Merrimack River, Lake Mascuppic and Long Pond.

A Unit Citation went to Lt. Jonathan Carroca, Lt. Sean Russell and Firefighter Michael Stewart for securing two aggressive dogs and saving the life of a 62-year-old man last year. Lowell General Hospital paramedics Michael Donoghue and Jorge Ribeiro, and Pridestar Trinity EMS EMTs Christopher Barrett and Courteney Hentz received commendations for the same effort.

Marlene Hillman, who spent 42 years in EMS, including 39 as a Lowell General Hospital paramedic, was also honored for supporting Dracut fire crews.

The ceremony included the swearing in of new firefighter Richard DeLacy. Lt. Jonathan Carroca, Lt. Chris Leavitt, Lt. Shane O'Donnell and Firefighter John Conole were recognized for 10 years of service, Capt. Kevin Bigold for 20 years, and Firefighter Chris Coalter for 30 years.

Lt. O'Donnell, president of IAFF Local 2586, thanked members and their families, saying, "That resilience is something this community should be proud of."

Source: Town of Dracut announcement, October 21, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.