Portsmouth Firefighter Named Career EMT of the Year

PORTSMOUTH, RI—A local firefighter was center stage at the Annual EMS Week Recognition Ceremony at the Rhode Island State House on Friday as he was named Career EMT of the Year.

Portsmouth Fire Department Lt. Dominic Lautieri received the award for his tireless work and dedication to public safety.

Lautieri was nominated by his colleague, Deputy Chief Michael P. O’Brien, who happens to be last year’s winner of the EMS Coordinator of the Year award.

In the nomination, O’Brien said that Lautieri is wholly dedicated to the EMS mission, “not only delivering superior patient care but improving public safety through the delivery of multiple safety programs.”

Lautieri administers the department’s automated external defibrillator program, which involves the deployment and maintenance of more than a dozen AED’s throughout Portsmouth’s public buildings. Lautieri also provides first aid and CPR training to first responders and members of the public. Lt. Lautieri has been instrumental in maintaining the readiness of the Department’s Mass Casualty Incident Response Trailer, as well.

In a statement, O’Brien said that Lautieri “provides maximum value back to the Town of Portsmouth and the Portsmouth Fire Department; he assumes responsibilities and duties beyond the minimum of what is required. As a department, our mission capability is enhanced by his efforts. As a community, our public safety is improved by his efforts."

The awards are administered by the Rhode Island Department of Health.

“I think it is a real credit to our firefighters that we have had back to back winners of Statewide awards; our job is very much a team effort and every member of our team owns a piece of this honor," O'Brien said.