A decorated New Bedford firefighter was found dead in his fire station Thursday.
Firefighter Matthew E. Forand, 45, who was on duty, apparently suffered an unknown medical emergency during the night.
Forand had been with the department since 2006, according to a statement posted on New Bedford's Facebook page.
He received the Medal of Valor at the 2014 Firefighter of the Year Awards for rescuing an unconscious occupant from the second floor of a burning building on Dartmouth Street. He also received a Unit Citation as a member of Engine Co. 6 for his efforts battling the Royal Crown Apartment fire in March 2023.
Fire Chief Scott Kruger issued a statement on the loss: "On behalf of the New Bedford Fire Department and all our members, I want to express our most heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family and loved ones, especially his two children. I also want to pledge the Department’s support for them in a time of sadness. This is an unspeakable loss for them, for his brother and sister firefighters, and for our community."
