Thomaston Fire, EMS Dept. members receive Phoenix Award
L-R: Captain and Advanced EMT Earl Sutherland, Lieutenant Paramedic Ryan Morton, Lieutenant Paramedic Joseph O’Hare, Lieutenant and Advanced EMT Charlie Adams, and Paramedic Sebastian Sanfilippo. (Photo courtesy Town of Thomaston)
L-R: Captain and Advanced EMT Earl Sutherland, Lieutenant Paramedic Ryan Morton, Lieutenant Paramedic Joseph O’Hare, Lieutenant and Advanced EMT Charlie Adams, and Paramedic Sebastian Sanfilippo. (Photo courtesy Town of Thomaston)
THOMASTON — During the June 8, 2026, Thomaston Select Board meeting, members of the Thomaston Fire and EMS Department were recognized with the Phoenix Award for their role in the successful resuscitation and survival of a patient who suffered cardiac arrest on December 26, 2025.
According to the Town, in a news release, the Phoenix Award, presented through Maine EMS, recognizes emergency responders involved in cardiac arrest cases where a patient survives because the Chain of Survival was successfully put into action. The award reflects the combined efforts of emergency responders, dispatchers, bystanders, hospital staff, and the broader community working together to achieve a successful outcome.
Fire and EMS Chief Dave Hanna noted that lifesaving events do not happen by chance. Rather, they are the result of years of training, preparation, continuing education, and investment in emergency response capabilities. Thomaston’s EMTs, Advanced EMTs, and Paramedics dedicate countless hours to developing and maintaining the skills necessary to respond effectively during critical emergencies.
The members recognized with the Phoenix Award were Captain and Advanced EMT Earl Sutherland, Lieutenant Paramedic Ryan Morton, Lieutenant Paramedic Joseph O’Hare, Lieutenant and Advanced EMT Charlie Adams, Paramedic Sebastian Sanfilippo, Paramedic Charles Swan, and Advanced EMT Kaytlin Maynard.
Although Maine EMS does not formally recognize non-EMS personnel through the Phoenix Award program, the Thomaston Fire and EMS Department also recognized Firefighter Silas Spears and Floyd Lawrence for their assistance at the scene and support of emergency operations.
“There is no greater outcome in our profession,” said Chief Hanna. “Calls like this represent the pinnacle of what we do and reflect the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork of everyone involved.”
"The Town of Thomaston extends its sincere congratulations and appreciation to these individuals for their outstanding service and commitment to the community," said the news release.
