Somerville Firefighter Saves Choking Man While Off-duty

SOMERVILLE, MA — A firefighter was recognized by his peers for his life-saving efforts while off duty.

John O’Connor was one of approximately 20 Somerville firefighters in attendance at the Italian American Social Club known as Orsogna Plaza in Everett for an annual dinner event on Saturday, Feb. 21, that had more than 200 attendees. During the meal, one person frantically approached the table of firefighters and directed them toward an 86-year-old man who was choking on his food. Other attendees attempted to help by providing abdominal thrusts to the man, but were unsuccessful and the man was reportedly “rapidly deteriorating” and on the verge of losing consciousness.

O’Connor’s emergency preparedness and firefighter training then kicked in as he and other firefighters rushed in to take control of the dire situation. According to the Somerville Firefighters Local 76 union, O’Connor executed five Heimlich maneuver thrusts on the man, and the blockage was dislodged on the final one. Everett Fire Chief Joe Hickey said emergency services arrived soon after and the man refused medical care and transport.

“The speed, composure, and decisive action demonstrated by Firefighter O’Connor undoubtedly prevented a tragic outcome that evening,” Somerville Fire Lieutenant Antonio Cicolini said. “In a crowded room filled with friends, family, and community members, his training and professionalism turned a life-threatening emergency into a story of preparedness and heroism.”

O’Connor was presented with a commendation from Chief Charles Breen.

"Firefighter O’Connor’s actions reflect positively on this department and are once again an example of the fact that we, as firefighters, are never truly off duty,” Breen wrote in the commendation.

O’Connor first joined the department in January 2021. That same year, he was one of the members of Somerville Fire Department who earned a Group Award for Meritorious Conduct in the state’s firefighter of the year awards.

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