Waterford First Responders and Dispatchers Honored for Life-Saving Granite Rescue
Waterford emergency teams received high praise and official citations this week after saving a man nearly crushed under 10 massive slabs of granite in a harrowing accident on March 16. The dramatic rescue at Salem Stone Design on Industrial Drive is now recognized as a testament to exceptional teamwork and split-second heroism.
First Selectman Rob Brule led the ceremony honoring over a dozen responders from four departments—including fire, police, dispatch, and ambulance crews—who worked seamlessly to save the man’s life. The victim, who suffered severe crush injuries, was pinned beneath the slabs inside a tractor-trailer before emergency crews arrived.
Fast, Coordinated Response Made All the Difference
Brule stressed the ceremony was “not just to recognize a moment, but to recognize a team, a service that made the difference between life and loss.” He called the successful rescue “not luck” but “preparation meeting purpose” and “excellence in motion.”
Fire Services Director Chris Haley detailed the intense rescue effort, highlighting that the man was found breathing but with life-threatening injuries. “No training class could’ve prepared you for this situation,” Haley stated, applauding the rapid three-minute effort to free the victim with hydraulic tools and stabilize him immediately.
Firefighters Peter Ewing, Kyle Clifton, and Alex Blais received citations for their frontline roles during the rescue. Police Chief David Ferland presented awards to seven officers who controlled the chaotic scene, attempted an initial rescue with a forklift, and coordinated with fire crews as more specialized gear arrived on site. Awarded officers included Eric Fredericks, Nicolas Surdo, Michael Firmin, Andrew Reed, Nicholas Genung, Taylor Krajewski, and Mark Devine.
Dispatchers and Ambulance Team Praised for Critical Roles
Emergency Management Director Steven Sinagra underscored the vital role dispatchers play in complex rescues, recognizing Tina Cook, Shawn Finnigan, and Devon Annibalini for delivering clear, precise communication that guided multiple agencies during the multi-layered response.
Meanwhile, ambulance drivers Leah Reese and Nate Romanelli were lauded as “an amazing team of professionals” by Waterford Ambulance Director of Operations Mark Greczkowski. Both received life-saving pins to wear on their uniforms as symbols of their dedication to saving lives.
Accident Under Ongoing OSHA Investigation
The cause of the incident remains under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as officials seek to determine how the victim became trapped beneath such a dangerous load of stone slabs.
Brule expressed relief that the victim was able to attend the ceremony and was progressing in recovery. “Your presence here is everything,” Brule told him, emphasizing that the rescue granted the man “more mornings, more opportunities to enjoy life and everything that makes it meaningful.”
What This Means for Emergency Preparedness
This dramatic rescue highlights the critical importance of emergency preparedness, inter-agency coordination, and rapid response in life-threatening industrial accidents. Waterford’s first responders demonstrated that quick thinking and teamwork can turn potential tragedy into a story of survival.
As OSHA continues its review, Waterford’s leaders plan to use lessons from this incident to further train and prepare teams for similarly complex emergencies, ensuring that lives can be saved in even the most daunting situations.
