NORTH ANDOVER — A firefighter credited with bringing the North Andover Fire Department into the modern era of emergency medicine died unexpectedly on Friday, according to Fire Chief John Weir and Deputy Chief Graham Rowe.
Firefighter Jeffrey Deschenes, 54, experienced a medical emergency at home. He died early Friday morning at a local hospital after a sudden illness. He is survived by his wife and two children.
The cause of death was not made public.
He was known as “an extraordinarily dedicated and knowledgeable firefighter and emergency medical services expert,” according to a joint statement from Weir and Rowe.
“Jeff’s impact reached far beyond his firefighting duties, touching the lives of many in the Merrimack Valley and the region,” Rowe said. “He was always willing to lend a helping hand in any way possible, looking out for his fellow firefighters, friends, family and the community.”
His fire service career spanned 25 years. He started in 2000 with the Lawrence Fire Department before becoming a member of North Andover Fire Department in 2012.
In North Andover, Deschenes had served as the department’s first EMS coordinator, a position he held since 2019. He was known in the EMS community throughout the state.
As EMS coordinator, he helped usher the department into the forefront of prehospital care. Deschenes instituted a successful community CPR program, a car-seat installation program and a community EMS program.
His organizational work helped modernize EMS in town. He introduced new equipment, protocols and technology into the department, creating a highly respected service in the Merrimack Valley.
Weir offered his sympathies to the Deschenes family on behalf of North Andover Fire Department and mourned the loss of one of its own family members.
“Jeff Deschenes brought the North Andover Fire Department into the modern era of emergency medicine and treatment, and his life’s work undoubtedly saved and improved the lives of countless people,” Weir said. “He was a quiet hero in our community and a true brother in the fire service. He will be missed.”
“The Town of North Andover mourns the loss of a good and dedicated firefighter, friend and a true professional,” Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues said.
“Our community offers its unwavering support to his family at home and his family in the firehouse during their time of need.”
Deschenes received many honors during his 25-year career. He was named Firefighter of the Year by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2019 for his response to the 2018 Merrimack Valley natural gas disaster. He also received the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award, Outstanding Contribution to EMS award and the Gift of Caring Award.