PAXTON, Mass. - First responders in Paxton were recognized for their lifesaving efforts in rescuing an injured hiker from the woods of Moore State Park on July 27.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early presented the first responders with the Team Excellence and Merit Award (TEAM) on Monday.

The Wachusett Regional Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call for a victim half a mile into the woods that morning. Dispatchers worked with the injured woman and her husband to get their location, and first responders then helped transport her out of the steep and tough terrain on a stretcher.

Paxton firefighters, police and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation employees took turns assisting with the carry, a necessity to avoid exhaustion on the hot day with temperatures in the 80s.

“What we saw that day was nothing short of extraordinary,” Early said. “The firefighters, police officers, dispatchers, park rangers all working together seamlessly. They were able to overcome the challenges, location, terrain and temperature to bring the woman home to safety.”

Early added thanks to their collective efforts, the hiker made a full recovery.

The hiker’s husband, Richard Trumbull, also offered his recollections of the day.

“The teamwork was really the key to it all,” Trumbull said. “One person took control, then they kept swapping out positions on the stretcher to make sure nobody got too fatigued. The others would work on keeping her calm. It was extremely impressive to see.”

Awardees from the Paxton Fire and Police Department included Chief Michael Pingitore, Deputy Chief Michael Benoit, Firefighter/Paramedic Richard McGinn, Firefighter/EMT Meghan Stevens, Firefighter/EMT Emily Goodsell, and Police Sgt. Forrest Thorpe.

Awardees from the Wachusett Regional Emergency Communication Center included Dispatcher Alice Ordung, Dispatcher Emily Lebeau, Dispatcher Jordan Smith, and Dispatcher Supervisor Abby Parkinson.

Ranger Lt. Rebecca Baronoski and Forest and Park Supervisor Shane McCaffrey were recognized for their efforts with MassDCR.

Trumbull was recognized for his help on the scene as well.

The TEAM Award was created by Early in 2019 to recognize public safety employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. Nominations can be made by calling the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office at (508) 755-8601.