Boston Celtics Honor Needham Firefighter As Hero Among Us'

NEEDHAM, MA — The Boston Celtics honored Needham firefighter Mark McCullough as a "Hero Among Us" for helping another off-duty firefighter from Johnston, Rhode Island, save a man's life who went into cardiac arrest at a New England Patriots game.

McCullough and Johnston firefighter Anthony Colella were honored together at Friday's Celtics game against the Miami Heat.

In September Colella and Mark McCullough demonstrated exceptional bravery and swift action at a New England Patriots game when they encountered a critical medical emergency.

Colella and McCullough, who were enjoying the game as spectators, noticed a sudden commotion in their section. Without a moment's hesitation, they rushed to the scene, where they discovered a man who had gone into cardiac arrest, collapsed, and suffered a severe head injury. Colella immediately began administering life-saving CPR to the stricken man, while McCullough tended to the man's head wound.

"Thanks to their quick response the man regained consciousness before being transported to the hospital and has since made a complete recovery," a Boston Celtics spokesperson said.

The Celtics' "Hero Among Us" program is in its 26th year recognizing "outstanding individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities."