Life-saving defibrillators deployed around New Bedford in memory of Sean Toomey

Yesterday, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) joined with local community groups and family of the late Sean Patrick Toomey to officially announce the distribution of lifesaving defibrillators to locations throughout New Bedford. Sean Toomey was a loved New Bedford native, tireless volunteer and dear friend to so many throughout the city. His life ended far too soon in June 2014.

To honor his tireless devotion to the city he loved, Senator Montigny created a $25,000 program in the state budget to acquire and distribute automatic external defibrillators throughout New Bedford. The Toomey family then worked vigorously to identify local nonprofit organizations and public spaces in critical need of the equipment. In addition, William Burns and Brian Giorgianni of Southcoast Health provided technical expertise in acquiring appropriate equipment suitable for community use and seamless first responder integration.

Senator Montigny stated, “Sean was a dear friend and ardent advocate of New Bedford. To honor his boundless affection for this community it is only fitting that his family has played such an invaluable role in ensuring these life-saving devices are distributed throughout each corner of the city. The everyday ease of use and streamlined compatibility with our EMS services will ensure we have taken aggressive steps to prevent future needless loss and heartbreak. I am very pleased to have helped honor Sean, and I hope today helps strengthen his legacy of friendship and devotion to so many.”

“While we miss Sean more with each passing day, we are incredibly grateful to Senator Montigny, Southcoast Health and the New Bedford community for keeping Sean’s memory and spirit alive by distributing these life saving devices as his legacy, throughout a city he loved so much,” said Maureen Toomey.

Upon learning of the program and its selection as a recipient, NorthStar Learning Center graciously offered its campus at Ingraham Place to celebrate the announcement of the long-anticipated project. Executive Director Maria Rosario stated, “Use of automated external defibrillators by lay volunteers has been found to triple the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims. What’s special about these highly effective devices is that a layperson only needs a short training to operate them. Where sudden cardiac arrest this year can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any age, having an automated external defibrillator at NorthStar opens a window for us to take on a key supporting role to emergency services in our community.”

Senator Montigny represents the 2nd Bristol and Plymouth District that includes Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, and New Bedford.

Recipients:

• NorthStar Learning
• Buttonwood Zoo
• YWCA
• Immigrants’ Assistance Center
• New Bedford Parks and Recreation
  • Lawler Branch Library
  • Fort Taber (2 devices)
  • Buttonwood Park
  • Brooklawn Park
  • Hazelwood Park
  • Andrea McCoy Recreation Center
  • Ashley Park
  • Parks and Rec off-site device
  • Military Museum
• City Hall (2 devices)
• Your Theatre, Inc.
• GiftsToGive
• Our Sisters’ School
• Harbor Development Commission (Wharfinger Bldg)
• Whaling Museum (2 devices)
• Seamen’s Bethel & Mariner’s Home
• Zeiterion Theatre

3 Past Recipients:

• Dennison Memorial
• Boys and Girls Club
• YMCA Southcoast