Girl forms life-long friendship with Hanover firefighter who helped save her life

HANOVER, Mass. — A Rockland teenager has formed a life-long friendship with a Hanover firefighter who helped save her life 15 years ago this month.

In August 2004, Madison Berkeley was riding in the back of an SUV when her dad had a seizure and slammed head-on into an 18-wheel dump truck near the intersection of Pleasant Street and West Avenue.

Hanover Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Barron and his partner were first on scene with an ambulance.

“We just came around the corner and see chaos in the street,” Barron recalled.

Barron said Berkeley was in her car seat and heavily trapped.

Berkeley’s injuries were severe. She had 27 broken bones, including both her legs and arms.

“We just brought this broke little three-year-old into the hospital,” Barron said.

Berkeley was taken to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. She was later transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital.

Barron visited her in the hospital, which was the start of their friendship.

“[He] gave his contact information, so we just decided it would be good to stay in touch and then we just kept following up after that,” Berkeley said.

Over the years, Berkeley sent Barron cards on Valentine’s Day. He has saved them all. Berkeley has also paid him a visit at the first house a number of times.

“When I was younger, they used to - I don't think they have it anymore - but it was this truck that had - I guess it was like their jungle truck, that's what I called it,” Berkeley said. “It had little bars and Eric used to let me climb on it, even though his captain wasn't supposed to let him."

From birthday parties to horse shows and Berkeley’s high school graduation this past spring, Barron has been there for it all.

“When high school graduation came, it was, 'Wow, we're there already?’” Barron said.

Barron said the call has stuck with him over the years, but not because of Berkeley’s injuries.

“It's because they really do appreciate what we did,” Barron said. “For them to come back, even one time to the fire house to say thank you, is pretty special.”

Berkeley’s father died in the crash. But inside the fire house on Center Street in Hanover, she has a whole group of guys looking out for her.

“I'd just thank them for everything they did,” replied Berkeley, when asked if she had a message for the Hanover Fire Department.

Berkeley wants to work in medicine, either with people or animals. She starts her freshmen year at the University of New Hampshire in a couple of weeks.

Cox Media Group