‘Praying for a miracle’: Rutland rallies around firefighter following family tragedy

RUTLAND, Mass. — Rutland first responders and residents gathered at the town’s community park Thursday night to pray for one of their own.

The town held a vigil for firefighter Pat Sullivan’s family – including his wife Ciara and his newborn twins.

Rutland Fire says Ciara suffered a serious medical emergency on Tuesday, December 17, just hours before she was to deliver her babies.

She was rushed to Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. She remains intubated, and the babies are still on ventilators.

Pat Sullivan spoke with Boston 25 Thursday night from the hospital.

“The prognosis is not good,” he said. “I’m devastated and furious this is happening.”

Sullivan currently serves as a town firefighter but worked as a 911 dispatch supervisor for more than 13 years.

His colleagues were some of the first responders to Ciara’s 911 call.

One colleague explained, “It broke my heart to hear my fellow firefighter crying and yelling while his wife was lying on the front steps.”

Another added, “We share a love for one another most people can’t understand.”

Dozens gathered in prayer, holding candles amongst pictures of the Sullivan family.

Asked about the support, Sullivan said “I am eternally grateful for everybody.”

The Rutland Fire Department plans on holding a 5k race this April for the Sullivans. All proceeds will go directly to the family.

A donation website has also been set up to assist the family. If you’d like to donate, click here.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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