SUMMER STREET SCHOOL lead custodian Jarred Ford (left) is presented with a proclamation from Town Administrator Rob Dolan on behalf of the Select Board on April 2 after he assisted a student who was choking during lunch on March 25. (Courtesy Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — A Summer Street School custodian was recognized last week for helping a student in need of medical assistance.
Summer Street School lead custodian Jarred Ford was given commendations last week after he performed the Heimlich maneuver on a boy who was choking during lunch on March 25.
“I am writing to formally recognize and commend your exceptional quick-thinking and bravery during the recent incident involving a child who was choking during lunch at Summer Street School,” Principal Karen Cronin stated in a letter of commendation presented to Ford on March 31. “Your prompt and decisive actions in responding to the emergency undoubtedly avoided a serious medical situation for the student, and ensured his safety during a very frightening moment.”
Cronin stated that Ford’s “calmness and confidence in a critical situation were truly remarkable.”
“Your constant attention to the environment and the great familiarity you have with the students are a testament to your professionalism and dedication to the well-being of everyone in our school community,” Cronin wrote. “Your swift response and fine judgment are a model for all staff members of what it means to be a committed and caring adult here at Summer Street School. The child, their family and all of us at Lynnfield Public Schools are incredibly grateful for your courage and selflessness. You demonstrated not only an outstanding ability to handle an emergency, but also a deep sense of care for the students you serve every day. Thank you once again for your actions that day. Summer Street School is incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our team. Your actions have made a lasting impact, and I am deeply appreciative of all you do.”
Superintendent Tom Geary agreed.
“I commend and thank Jarred for his quick-thinking and calm demeanor while assisting a student in need,” said Geary. “His decisive action in that moment was extraordinary. I’m so appreciative that we have staff members like Jarred who are willing to do whatever is needed to help our students. His actions truly represent the culture we want in our schools.”
Town Administrator Rob Dolan also presented Ford with a proclamation on behalf of the Select Board during a Department of Public Works (DPW) meeting held at the Meeting House on April 2. The DPW is in charge of custodial services in all of the town’s buildings, including all four schools.
“On March 25, while working at the school, you observed a student choking and immediately took action, assisting the child and intervening in a manner that averted a possible tragedy,” Dolan stated. “These actions go above and beyond the usual and expected duties of your position and job description. Your actions exemplify the high level of service and compassion that we uphold as a model of public service for all town employees As town administrator and on behalf of the Select Board, I do hereby offer our deep gratitude and convey to you the thanks of the citizens of Lynnfield for your quick and decisive actions exhibited in this incident.”
DPW Director John Scenna said Ford “definitely went above and beyond being a custodian.”
“It’s important to recognize Jarred for what he did,” said Scenna in an interview with the Villager. “I always preach to the entire facilities group of the department that there are three main things they have to keep in mind when they come to work. They have to keep the buildings clean, they have to keep the buildings safe and they have to keep the buildings accessible. That’s for the staff, students, customers and whoever comes in and out of those buildings every day. Jarred went above and beyond on March 25, and he deserves some recognition.”
Scenna said Ford has been the lead custodian at Summer Street for the past few years.
“Jarred is the lead custodian at Summer Street School, and he is often with all of the staff and the students day in and day out,” said Scenna. “He also bridges the second shift and leaves directions about what the custodians should do in the building over the course of the second shift. The lead custodians play a big part in the school community, and he does a really good job.”