08/27/2026
A tribute from the Saugus firefighters
Editor’s Note: The following tribute was posted on Aug. 20 on the Saugus Firefighters page upon learning of the death of Saugus Fire Lt. Damian Drella at age 55 from occupational cancer.
It is with the deepest sadness and regret that the Saugus Firefighters announce the passing of Lieutenant Damian M. Drella (Saugus K-7 & Citywide 251).
After 39 years of dedicated service to the Town of Saugus, Lieutenant Drella lost his courageous battle with occupational cancer.
An avid fire buff, fire photographer, and DC Rentals communications expert, Lieutenant Drella was well known and deeply respected throughout the Northeast and beyond. His service to Saugus began in 1987 as a part-time dispatcher. In 1991, he was appointed as a full-time firefighter by Town Manager Ed Collins.
Throughout his firefighting career, Lieutenant Drella earned several commendations for lifesaving actions, crisis mitigation, and evidence collection through photography. In 2025, he was awarded the Thomas R. Linskey Award of Merit, the highest departmental award a member can receive, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the entire fire community through his photography and his dedication to sharing our stories.
Lieutenant Drella taught us all to never be afraid to “take the picture” — to capture the moment, create a lasting memory, and, often, share a much-needed laugh.
His dedication to the fire service, his friendship, his photographs, and the countless memories he created within our department, as a loving father and grandfather will live on for years to come.
His sacrifice and 39 years of service to the Town of Saugus and the fire service will never be forgotten.
God bless you Lieutenant, rest easy. We’ll take it from here.
CAPTION
Damien Drella at a 9/11 ceremony five years ago. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler)
