WORCESTER, Mass. – Tuesday was a special day for members of the fire services, as the state hosted its 34th annual Firefighter of the Year awards ceremony at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

Gov. Maura Healey and state Fire Marshal Jon Davine recognized acts of heroism from firefighters across the state, including a large group from Chicopee who were awarded the Governor's Citation for Meritorious Conduct. The firefighters responded to a house fire last year on Christmas Eve and rescued a boy on the third floor. The child later died, but firefighters provided the family time to say goodbye.

Three East Longmeadow firefighters also earned awards. They were off duty, competing in a canoe race, when they rescued a man in his 70s from river rapids. The firefighters provided CPR for 30 minutes and helped first responders get him to a hospital.

"In a world of multiplying risks and dangers, we cannot overstate how reassuring it is to know that there are teams of men and women out here dedicated to keeping us safe,” Healey said. “Because when we don't know who else to call, we call the fire department."

Healey also said occupational cancer is one of the greatest threats facing firefighters, and she wants the state to move forward with awareness, prevention and early detection programs.