VIDEO: Massachusetts firefighter deployed overseas makes surprise return home to daughter

EASTON — Chief Kevin Partridge and the Easton Fire Department are pleased to welcome home Firefighter Michael Eaton following his deployment overseas with the United States Air Force Reserves.

“We are extremely proud of Mike and his dedicated service to our country,” Chief Partridge said. “We are pleased to see him safely return home to his family, and look forward to him rejoining our ranks in the near future.”

Firefighter Eaton was deployed in Iraq with the Air Force Reserves from May to August and has been a member of the Reserves for a decade.

In the United States Air Force Reserves, Eaton serves as a Technical Sergeant/E-6. He also serves as the Emergency Management Flight Acting Superintendent and Emergency Operations Center Manager. Additionally, Eaton is a certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist and Hazmat Technician.

Eaton joined the Easton Fire Department in August 2015 and graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in December that same year. Prior to his role at the department, Eaton served as a paramedic for over 15 years.

He has previously worked as a firefighter/paramedic for the Topsfield Fire Department and as a paramedic for Brewster and Lyons Ambulance Services.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Medical Service Management from Springfield College and a master’s degree in Public Administration with an Emergency Management specialization from Anna Maria College in Paxton.

Firefighter Eaton is scheduled to resume his job at the Easton Fire Department in September.