Mayor, Lynn Fire Department Honor Matthew Patterson

Proud members of the Patterson family gathered for a photo following the ceremony honoring Matthew Patterson for his heroic actions at the April 15 Boston Marathon. From left, are Robert Patterson, honoree Matthew Patterson, Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, Andrew Patterson, and Patricia Patterson.

Proud members of the Patterson family gathered for a photo following the ceremony honoring Matthew Patterson for his heroic actions at the April 15 Boston Marathon. From left, are Robert Patterson, honoree Matthew Patterson, Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, Andrew Patterson, and Patricia Patterson.

Mayor Judith Flanagan and Fire Chief James McDonald commended Lynn firefighter and paramedic Matthew Patterson for his heroic rescue efforts following the April 15 bombings that took place at the Boston Marathon.

Patterson rushed from a Boston restaurant to treat 6-year-old Jane Richard of Dorchester for a severe leg injury. Jane is the sister of Martin Richard, 8, who died from injuries sustained in the blast.

Flanagan presented a citation to Patterson, 30, during ceremony held April 23 in her office that was attended by members of the Lynn Fire Department.

The mayor said that Patterson’s gallant response not only reflected well on himself but on the entire Lynn Fire Department. She said the city was proud of how he was able to put his years of training into use in a life-threatening situation.

McDonald read his official commendation for Patterson at the ceremony.

“It is with great pride that I acknowledge your actions taken at the bombings which occurred at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013,” said McDonald. “This order in no way diminishes the action taken by others at the event.

“After reviewing media photographs and descriptions of your acts on Boylston Street in Boston, Massachusetts, you are hereby commended by this department and all of its members for your demonstration of selflessness and professionalism in an extremely hazardous situation.

“Working without protection and with no medical equipment, your ability to provide life-saving procedures in a confined area following bomb explosions that inflicted fatal and severely traumatic injuries to multiple people is a true testament to your knowledge and training as a firefighter in the City of Lynn.

Firefighter/paramedic Matthew Patterson, for your heroic actions in extreme danger, and placing yourself in a position of severe personal risk, you are hereby commended for your actions. It is hereby ordered that this commendation become part o your permanent department record. Congratulations on a job well done.”

Patterson parents, Robert and Patricia, and brother, Andrew, proudly posed for a photo with Matthew following the ceremony.

Andrew Patterson, 25, completed his last day on active duty in the U.S. Army and drove from Fort Carson, Colorado to Boston on a two-day trek.

“My brother called me halfway through the trip and told me there was a Red Sox game and he was throwing out the first pitch, so I knew I had to be there for it,” said Patterson.

He said he first learned of the rescue efforts at the Marathon from his girlfriend, who was working as a physical therapist at the Marathon.

“She told me initially what happened,” said Andrew. “I turned on the news and followed the stories as they developed throughout the day. I talked to Matt and my parents and all my friends back home and made sure everyone was OK.

“The story developed over the next few days of Matt the hero of the day, coming out and saving that little girl. He’s a true hero. He’s always been a hero of mine so I’m not surprised by the events. I just wish I could be there helping him out.”

The Lynn City Council also honored Patterson at its April 23 meeting.

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