(L to R) Firefighters Local 76 President Tom Ross, Firefighter Christine Guelpa and Chief Kevin Kelleher.
– Photo courtesy of Somerville Fire Department

Somerville firefighter Christine Guelpa was presented the Thomas Chetham Firefighter of the Year Award by American Legion Post 19 during ceremonies held on November 9, 2013. Firefighter Guelpa received the award for her lifesaving actions at a medical emergency in which she stemmed a patient’s severe bleeding. The victim later notified the department of Firefighter Guelpa’s actions and credited her with saving his life.