Overview:
Erving Police Officer Mitchell Waldron and Farley resident Todd Bucci were recognized for their actions in helping an injured hiker at the Farley Ledges in October. Waldron received a commendation letter, and Bucci received a civilian letter of appreciation for their actions in helping a man in his 20s who fell over 100 feet from the ledges. Waldron used his first aid training to provide basic first aid before fire and EMS arrived, and Bucci helped guide Waldron to the injured hiker using his knowledge of the area.
ERVING — Reflecting on what was running through his mind the day that he and resident Todd Bucci jumped into action to help an injured hiker who had fallen at Farley Ledges in October, Erving Police Officer Mitchell Waldron said there’s no hesitation.
“I just go,” Waldron said simply. “We do the job for a reason.”
Their willingness to come to the hiker’s aid resulted in Waldron and Bucci being lauded during last week’s Selectboard meeting. Waldron received a letter of commendation and Bucci was given a civilian letter of appreciation.
“Officer Waldron entered a dangerous, unfamiliar and unstable environment to preserve life,” Erving Police Chief Robert Holst wrote in the commendation letter, noting that the officer “exemplified extraordinary courage and devotion to duty.”
On Oct. 8, a man in his 20s sustained life-threatening injuries after falling on the eastern side of the Farley Ledges along the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail. A multi-agency response eventually extricated the injured man, who was taken by Orange Fire and EMS to the Orange Municipal Airport and airlifted to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. The Western Massachusetts Technical Rescue team was called in to help with the extrication, and a specialized drone from the Pelham Fire Department helped provide lighting in the area. The rescue operation took nearly two hours.
Before the technical rescue got underway, Waldron recounted, two 911 calls had come in, one from an uninjured hiker who had been accompanying the man who fell, and another from someone who heard screaming. Waldron, the only officer on duty, headed to the area.
Waldron said Bucci is familiar with the ledges where hikers and climbers frequent, and used his voice and a flashlight to help him locate where they were along the rock face.
“Mr. Bucci was a key factor since I could contact him and get an idea of where they were, and he was able to yell and use a flashlight to guide me in,” Waldron said.
Once he reached the injured hiker, Waldron said he and Bucci were able to help with some basic first aid before fire and EMS personnel could arrive. Bucci held a stick out for Waldron to help him scale the rocks where the hiker was.
“It was just me and a flashlight,” Waldron said when asked if he brought any equipment.
Waldron said he coordinated via radio with responding agencies to help arrange the rescue for both the injured hiker and the uninjured hiker at the top of the ledges.
This was not his first time responding to the Farley Ledges for an injured person, Waldron explained, adding that the first aid training he has “kicks in.”
Waldron went on to say that Bucci was a great help. Holst, in his letter commending Bucci, wrote that “his actions reflect the finest qualities of community citizenship and represent the spirit of compassion and courage that strengthens our town.”
On Nov. 24, the Erving Selectboard approved having Waldron’s letter added to his personnel file, having a copy of the civilian letter of appreciation sent to Bucci, and having both letters posted on the town website.
“I would like to thank both Officer Waldron and Mr. Bucci for their commitment to the safety of this injured individual, and specifically to Officer Waldron for his ongoing commitment to this community, its residents and those who visit,” said Selectboard member James Loynd, who is also a former police officer.
Waldron said it was great to be recognized with the letter of commendation, though helping people is what’s most important to him.
“It’s my life,” he said. “I do the job to help people.”