Landscaper Recognized by Town for Saving Windham Boy's Life

The Windham Fire Department and the Board of Selectmen recognized a Nashua man Monday who successfully helped save the life of a Windham toddler last month.

Matthew Pulomena, 24, was given the citizen life-saving award by Fire Chief Tom McPherson during the board's meeting.

On July 17, Pulomena was working a landscaping job for the Hudson-based Design Works at a home on Sharon Road. That morning, he heard the screams of a mother, later identified as Rachael St. Laurent. Her son, Connor, was drowning next door in the family pool.

Pulomena rushed over to help, hopping a fence and leaping on the deck to perform CPR, which he was trained to do from his time as a live-in with the Belmont Fire Department. There, he restored breathing and a pulse before Windham Fire officials took over.

"I'm happy to say tonight that both mom and child are here in good spirits," McPherson told a crowded audience of St. Laurent family members and friends.

The young boy was released from the hospital last week and was also in attendance at the meeting.

Both Rachael St. Laurent and Pulomena also received framed pictures of themselves with the young boy. The two embraced in front of the meeting.

A total of six Windham firefighters and paramedics were also recognized by McPherson for their work done after Pulomena's effort.