Local Fire Chief and firefighters save man’s life aboard Southwest flight

NORTH ATTLEBORO — Deputy Chief Michael Chabot is pleased to report that lifesaving efforts by North Attleboro Fire Chief Christopher Coleman and firefighters prevented a mid-flight tragedy this morning.

On a Southwest flight traveling from Boston Logan International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport, Chief Coleman and several active and retired firefighters on board rendered aid mid-flight to a man suffering from a medical emergency.

Chief Coleman, Capt. George McKinnon, Capt. Josh Langille, Lt. Scott Langille, retired firefighters Jeff Badger and Rich McDonagh, and Foxborough Firefighter Cory Shepardson were alerted to a man in a row behind them who was experiencing symptoms consistent with those of a seizure.

They quickly began performing CPR on the unresponsive man. Advanced life support was then administered until the man’s pulse returned. He was stabilized for the rest of the flight and transported to an area hospital upon arrival at Midway.

“The heroic actions of these firefighters today echo our mantra that we are never truly off-duty should any emergency occur,” Deputy Chief Chabot said. “These men are to be commended for their rapid response and lifesaving efforts that helped to stabilize this man mid-flight. Their swift action and determination, even at 30,000 feet in the air, is a testament to their unwavering preparedness and professionalism.”

Chief Coleman and the other firefighters were on the flight traveling to Denver to visit the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs in honor of those who have passed away, including North Attleboro firefighters Chris Cornetta and Jack White.