By Ethan Forman
The Salem News
MIDDLETON, Mass. — Two days before he was set to retire, 54-year-old fire Chief Frank Twiss suffered a heart attack and went into cardiac arrest during a training session at the Fire Department, according to a statement from the town.
The 37-year department veteran was saved by the firefighters he has led for the past 10 years as chief, according to Town Administrator Andy Sheehan. He was listed in good condition at Beverly Hospital Tuesday afternoon, according to a hospital spokesman.
“We are all shocked at what happened,” said Sheehan in an email, “but glad that he was in the station where he received immediate lifesaving care from the firefighters he led.”
Twiss was stricken Monday morning as he participated in a training session with other members of his department.
“Firefighter paramedics on scene realized that Chief Twiss was in cardiac arrest and immediately defibrillated him and performed CPR, restoring normal rhythm,” Sheehan said.
Once paramedics stabilized Twiss, Fire Department personnel transported him to Beverly Hospital, where he was treated. Doctors inserted three stents to re-establish normal blood flow to his heart.
“Chief Twiss places a high premium on preparedness. Never did he imagine that the training would be put to use to save his life,” Sheehan said. “Likewise, department personnel never expected to have to save their chief’s life.”
The town and the Twiss family are grateful for the way the firefighters responded, the statement from the town said. “Fire Department staff were calm under extraordinary circumstances and performed the way we hope and expect they would perform. We are also grateful to the excellent care provided by Beverly Hospital.”
Capt. Thomas Martinuk, who will replace Twiss as chief, could not be reached for comment. On Aug. 2, selectmen voted to appoint Martinuk the new chief, effective Sept. 1.
Twiss, who Sheehan said joined the department when he was 17, has been chief for the past 10 years. He was scheduled to retire on Aug. 31.
Copyright 2016 The Salem News