Dedham-Based Papa Gino's Rewards Delivery Driver For Saving A Life

DEDHAM, MA - Dedham-based pizza chain Papa Gino's awarded a delivery driver who saved a customer's life in February with $1,000, the company announced Tuesday.

DoorDash driver Sophia Furtado, who lives in New Bedford, was delivering a pizza on Feb. 11 to the home of Caryn Herbert Sullivan, a resident of West Island Fairhaven. The community is a small 535-acre island in the heart of Buzzards Bay, about 20 miles southeast of Fall River.

When Furtado arrived at the house at about 10 p.m., she spotted a woman lying on the ground outside, bleeding from her head. Sullivan, who had prior injuries to her arm and knee, had been waiting outside for the delivery when she fell and hit her head.

Furtado was able to use her previous medical knowledge from her unfinished training as an EMT, sprang into action. She delivered first aid while she called 911 and alerted Sullivan's husband inside the house.

“We are in awe of Sophia’s quick response and courageous actions,” said Deena McKinley, chief
experience officer at Papa Gino’s. “This news moved our entire team, and we want to recognize her bravery and her quick thinking. Sophia is a true example of an everyday hero, which is why Papa Gino’s is awarding Sophia $1,000 to benefit herself and her family, along with free pizzas and some fun Papa Gino’s swag for her family to enjoy.”

According to a CNN report, Sullivan said she was in the hospital for three weeks following the incident and suffered from two severe brain bleeds. At the time, she didn't know if she would survive.

Last week, Furtado was awarded $1,000 from DoorDash and a lifesaving award from the Fairhaven Police Department for her actions.

The two have kept in touch since the accident, according to the report. Furtado plans to eventually continue her EMT training.

Founded in 1961, Papa Gino’s is a proud New England staple with a heritage of serving high-quality, handmade pizzas with fresh ingredients and an over 80-year-old Italian family recipe. From a single restaurant in East Boston, Papa Gino’s has expanded to nearly 100 restaurants in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.