Massachusetts police officer receives prestigious award after saving man’s life while off-duty

Chief James MacIsaac is pleased to report that Belmont Police Officer Marco D’Andrea was awarded the department’s Lifesaving Award following his actions during a sporting event while he was off duty.

Officer D’Andrea was presented with the award this morning in recognition of his actions on Thursday, February 9th. While off-duty at a soccer match in Belmont High School’s Wenner Field House, D’Andrea acted to assist a fellow player who suffered a medical emergency.

The 62-year-old male, who wishes to remain anonymous, collapsed while participating in the soccer match. Officer D’Andrea took immediate action by ensuring EMS was called and began to perform CPR. He simultaneously tasked a bystander with retrieving an automatic external defibrillator that was located inside the building, before using it on the patient. Shortly after the AED was used, the patient regained consciousness.

On-duty first responders arrived on the scene and provided additional care until Belmont firefighters arrived and transported the man to an area hospital.

“Our officers are sworn to protect and serve, and that commitment extends beyond their time in uniform, as Officer D’Andrea showed,” Chief MacIsaac said. “We are all proud of his quick thinking and calm actions — and grateful that an AED was available as a resource — which helped save the life of a fellow participant that day.”