From Chief John Weir:
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the North Andover Fire Department announces the sudden passing of Firefighter Jeffrey Deschenes.
Firefighter Deschenes, an active member of the North Andover Fire Department, passed away unexpectedly Friday, May 30 at an area hospital.
Firefighter Deschenes began his career with the Lawrence Fire Department in 2000, and he served 12 years there before transferring to North Andover in 2012. He was extraordinarily dedicated to the fire service and especially emergency medical services. Firefighter Deschenes was assigned as North Andover’s very first EMS Coordinator, and he brought the department into the forefront of pre-hospital care.
While serving as the EMS Coordinator, Firefighter Deschenes instituted a successful community CPR program, a car seat installation program and our community EMS program. He introduced new equipment, protocols and technology into our department creating a highly respected service in the region. His organizational work, modernizing EMS in North Andover undoubtedly helped many of our residents receive faster, more efficient medical care when needed, and that work certainly saved lives in North Andover.
Jeff was active in many organizations bringing his knowledge and experiences to statewide Fire and EMS systems. He was known statewide and regionally for his EMS system work.
During his long career he has received multiple awards including being named a Firefighter of the Year by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for his response to the 2018 Merrimack Valley natural gas disaster. He also received the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award, Outstanding Contribution to EMS recipient and the Gift of Caring Award.
Beyond the firehouse, Firefighter Deschenes was heavily involved in the EMS community. He was dedicated to the advancement of EMS and community EMS. He was always eager to share his passion for emergency medicine to anyone wanting to know more or needed guidance. His impact reached far beyond his firefighting duties, touching the lives of many in the Merrimack Valley and beyond. He was always willing to lend a helping hand in anyway possible, looking out for his fellow firefighters, friends, family and the community
The Town of North Andover and the EMS community mourns the loss of FF Deschenes, who was a dedicated Firefighter, friend and a true professional.
He leaves behind his loving wife Kathy and two children, Emily and Ryan. Please keep his family, friends, and fellow firefighters in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.
Arrangements will be announced as they become available.