South Boston has had so many heroes spanning the generations that it would be hard to count them all. Another name can now be added to the list and it is that of 25-year-old Joe Manganaro. He was honored with the ‘Heroes Among Us Award’ by the Boston Celtics at the Garden this past Monday, as the home team was about to square off against the Orlando Magic from Florida.
Manganaro, who is a Stoughton firefighter, was on a flight to California recently, when at 30,000 feet in the air, another passenger fell victim to Cardiac Arrest. Joe, who is also a US Marine and was on his way to Marine training on the west coast, immediately and without hesitation, jumped into action to assist. He took the air plane’s medical equipment and with an I V insert, began treating the man. He had the situation under control and told the pilot to make an emergency landing, where the victim was quickly taken to a local hospital. He is expected to make a complete recovery. It was believed that because of the actions of Manganaro and the training he has acquired as a firefighter and a US Marine and, because of his quick and decisive response, the man’s life was saved.
Joe was presented with the Heroes Among Us award in front of the large crowd which roared its approval and gave a standing ovation as they watched the presentation. Joe Manganaro is truly a hero and deserves very special praise.
