LAST ALARM
Firefighter/Paramedic James D. Emerton
June 17, 1961 – May 16, 2026
The Chief of the Sterling Fire Department regrets to announce the line of duty death of
Firefighter Paramedic Jim Emerton. Jim passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, after a long
and courageous battle with occupational cancer.
Jim joined the department as an EMT in 2009 and was appointed as a full-time Firefighter
Paramedic in 2015. At 53 years old, Jim attended Call/Volunteer Recruit Class #058 where
he was voted in as the President of his class and was honored with the Martin H. McNamara
Award for Outstanding Student. After his graduation, Jim became a respected firefighter
and a skilled paramedic who had a reputation for going above and beyond to treat people
with empathy and compassion. Jim’s sensitivity and genuine concern for others earned him
the respect, friendship, and admiration of his peers and of the entire Sterling community.
Jim was set to retire on his 65th birthday on June 17, 2026.
There are no calling hours. Jim will be remembered with full fire department honors at
11AM on Saturday May 30 at Hope Chapel, 35 Chocksett Road Sterling MA.