Fire News New England, Mar./Apr. 2024

Manchester 3-Alarmer

Manchester (CT) firefighters responded to a three-alarm call on Main Street on December 8, 2023.

See story on page 5

Cumberland Responds

Cumberland (RI) Fire Alarm dispatched companies to Meadow Brook Drive for a dwelling fire on January 10, 2024.

See story on page 7

1 Dead at Franklin

Barricaded Subject Call

Abarricaded subject led to a two-alarm fire in Franklin (NH) on November 20, 2023.

See story on page 9

Long Fight at Springfield 2-Alarmer

Springfield (MA) firefighters were dispatched to a working fire that involved six addresses of three-story structures.

See story on page 12

Alert Driver Spots Woman in Dumpster

Manchester (NH) Fire and AMR ambulances responded for a - lucky - woman found trapped inside a garbage truck compactor.

See story on page 18

Working the Scene

Trooper Roland Cormier and K-9 Curtis were requested to a recent two-alarm fire on Worcester Road in Framingham (MA).

See story on page 27

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Manchester3-Alarmer

Manchester(CT) firefighters responded to a three-alarm call on Main Street on December8, 2023 at 0923. The fire was called in by a off-duty firefighterpassing by. The fire extended to the C side

exposure. Mutual aid from numerous departments assisted at the scene and forcoverage.

- Fire News photos by Patrick Dooley

Fall RiverStructure Fire Stopped Before Extending

Chimney Fire in Leicester

Wolcott Garage Fire

- Fire News photo by Ken Leger

At 1755 on December10, 2023, Fall River(MA) firefighters were dispatched to the intersection of Lyon and Third Streets fora possible fire. Engine 2, 4 and 5, along with Ladders 2 and 4, Rescue 1 and Car3 responded. Car3 arrived and reported fourstructures involved and called foradditional assistance. It was determined that a large shed was fully involved and had spread to a garage and two three-story, occupied dwellings. At that point command called forEngine 12, to respond. Due to the threat of a forecasted weatherevent, the chief of the department had earlierordered an increase of manpoweron all apparatus. This increase allowed for a quick knockdown of all visible fire and the possible saving of the neighborhood.

Wallingford Apartment House Fire

Wallingford (CT) firefighters battled an apartment fire at Terrace Gardens on December20, 2023. On arrival, companies had heavy fire on the first floorand fire in otherunits of the apartment building. Meriden Fire was also called to the scene to assist.

- Fire News photo by Jack McCarthy

1 Dead at Orange Blaze

Wolcott (CT) firefighters responded to Garrigus Court on December31, 2023, fora reported garage fire. Firefighters arrived to a fully involved detached garage in the rearof a twostory house. It took 20 minutes to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann

West Brookfield 2nd Alarm

On December9, 2023, West Brookfield (MA) crews responded to a second alarm structure fire on Long Hill Road. Crews arrived to find heavy fire on the rear porch extending rapidly.

- Fire News photo by AGM Fire Photography

Orange (MA) firefighters operated at a multi-alarm fatal fire on December14, 2023 on West RiverStreet in Orange. One woman laterdied from the fire and a male was seriously injured.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Favreau

Leicester(MA) firefighters quickly extinguished a house fire on December17, 2023, that appeared to be caused by the wood stove chimney.

- Fire News photo by Bud Harris

Cumberland Responds

Cumberland (RI) Fire Alarm dispatched companies to Meadow Brook Drive fora reported dwelling fire on January 10, 2024. Engine 3 arrived to find smoke showing from a raised ranch dwelling. An aggressive interiorattack quickly contained the fire to the kitchen area.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Pickup Fire in Bozrah with Exposure

Around 1400 on October10, 2023, Bozrah (CT) Fire was dispatched to Scott Hill Road and Lake Road fora reported vehicle fire. The first arriving officer found a fully involved pickup on fire, with exposure to a 1-1/2 story dwelling.

Two tankers was added to the assignment. Priorto arrival the gas tank of the pickup dropped and caused a fuel-fed fire. Engine 126 arrived and placed two lines in service. The fire was brought undercontrol in about 30 minutes, once the fuel tank was accessed.

- Fire News photo by Robert Ladd

Total Loss in East BridgewaterHouse Fire

Cold Day fora House Fire

Allingtown (CT) volunteers operated at an early morning second-alarm house fire in below freezing temperatures. Crews assisted with overhaul, salvage and packing hose.

- Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon

At 1212 on February 4, 2024, the East Bridgewater(MA) Fire Department received several 911 calls reporting a house fire on North Bedford Street. Companies arrived to find a well involved two-story, L-shaped dwelling. Firefighters found that two occupants and a dog were able to escape the blaze through a first-floorwindow. The closest hydrant was dead, and another hydrant was grabbed by the mutual aid engine from West Bridgewater. As companies dealt with watersupply issues, a second alarm was requested. Fire consumed the entire building, as firefighters stretched multiple handlines, and set up Brockton Ladder-4’s ladderpipe. Shortly afterLadder-4’s ladderpipe was put into operation, the second floorand attic collapsed into the building. Mutual aid came from Abington, Bridgewater, Brockton, Hanson, West Bridgewaterand Whitman; a Halifax engine covered. The building was deemed a total loss, and fourpeople that were displaced were assisted by the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

4 Displaced by New Haven Fire

New Haven (CT) firefighters arrived to find fire showing from the numbertwo side, first floorof a partially vacant dwelling on Dixwell Avenue. The fire extended into the partitions and up to the third floorbefore being brought undercontrol. Fouradults were relocated via the Red Cross.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda, Allhandsworking

Stamford 2-Alarm House Fire

In the early hours of January 24, 2024, Stamford (CT) firefighters were dispatched to a reported house fire on Camelot Court. First units arrived within five minutes to a 1-1/2 story, single-family home with heavy fire from the attached garage running up to the attic. Avehicle in the garage was leaking gasoline which continued to feed the flames. It is unknown if the gas leak was a result of the fire orpreceded the fire. Firefighters had to use a come-along to pull the vehicle out of the garage to be able to finally extinguish the flames using a PRO/pak foam system. One firefighterwas transported to the hospital.

- Fire News photo by Bill Tenca

Heavy Fire on Arrival

At approximately 2130 on December5, 2023, the Seymour(CT) Fire Department was dispatched to the end of Steep Hill Road for a structure fire. First companies on scene found heavy fire throughout the single-story home. Two adults and one dog made it safely out of the structure, but one dog perished in the fire. Oxford also responded.

- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

1 Dead at Franklin Barricaded Subject Call

Abarricaded subject led to a two-alarm fire in Franklin (NH) in the early morning hours of November20, 2023. New Hampshire State Police and local SWATteams were called in. Heavy fire and smoke erupted from the building and afterthe SWATteam cleared the building, firefighters were called in to battle the fire. The subject did not survive.

- Fire News photo by Jay Heath

Street Sweeper Fire in Plymouth

Plymouth (MA) Fire responded to the parking lot of Bank of America on Samoset Street fora street sweeperon fire. On arrival, firefighters found flames underthe street sweeper extending to the vehicle. The fire was quickly extinguished.

- Fire News photo by John Sjostedt

Minivan Fire on I-93

Late morning traffic was snarled, recently, on Interstate 93 north in Stoneham (MA). Massachusetts State Police on-sighted the fully-involved minivan shortly afterall occupants escaped the blaze. Stoneham Fire had the fire knocked down and undercontrol a few minutes afterarrival. AWoburn engine company also responded.

- Fire News photo by Glenn S. Preston

Putnam Has Heavy Fire on Arrival

On January 23, 2024, at approximately 1525, Putnam (CT) Fire Department and mutual aid worked a fire on Bradley Street. Crews encountered heavy fire on arrival.

- Fire News photo by Art Keaton

Long Fight at Springfield 2-Alarmer

Springfield (MA) firefighters were dispatched to the intersecti on of Maple Street and Central Street fora confirmed working fire that involved six addresses of three-story structures and heavy fire and smoke on the A, D and C sides. Multiple 2-1/2 inch lines were put in operation along with two ladderpipes, and a second alarm was struck. Truck 1 set its towerup on the C side and knocked down flames with its masterstream. Crews battled until midnight to bring the fire undercontrol and remained on scene fora prolonged time. The large structure was vacant and the fire was kept to the end addresses of the six-apartment row house. The fire was under investigation by the Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad. - Fire News photo by John DeForest

Dunstable Chimney Fire

Recently, Dunstable (MA) firefighters responded to Pleasant Street fora chimney fire. Upon arrival, Engine 1 confirmed the chimney fire. APepperell laddercompany responded mutual aid. Companies remained on scene foran hourextinguishing the fire in the chimney and checking forextension.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Kerrigan

NYFire Draws a Multi-State Response

On January 2, 2024, Millerton (NY) Fire responded to a fire on Barton Street. Crews from three states and fourcounties responded to a fire in the upperlevels of a massive three-story home.

- Fire News photo by Ed Harvey

Berlin Rollover MVA

Crews operated at a rolloverMVAon Christian Lane in Berlin (CT) on December22, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Robert Brown

N. Princeton Dr. MVARollover

At approximately 1100 on January 21, 2023, the Shelton (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to the cornerof Thompson Street and North Princeton Drive forreports of a vehicle that had rolled off the road into the woods. First companies on scene found one vehicle off the road resting on its side with people trapped. Members quickly stabilized the vehicle and worked to extricate two parties.

- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

Speed Involved in Overturn at Whitman MVA

Around 1500 on January 14, 2024, the Whitman (MA) Fire Department responded to an MVAnearthe intersection of Temple Street and Bedford Street. Companies arrived to find a multiple vehicle MVAwith one caron its roof. Command requested an additional ambulance to the scene and a box was struck formanpower. The operatorof the overturned auto was transported to the South Shore Hospital with an additional paramedic aboard. The occupant of the othervehicle was transported to South Shore Hospital by a mutual aid ambulance from Abington. Witnesses reported the vehicle that overturned was traveling in excess of 70 mph at the time of the collision. The Whitman Police Department was investigating the cause of the accident with the assistance of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department BCI Unit.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

2 Extricated in Halifax 2-CarMVA

Recently, Halifax (MA) Fire responded to the intersection of Pine Street and Plymouth Street fora twovehicle MVA. One vehicle traveling on Pine Street tboned a second vehicle traveling on Plymouth Street.

One patient was self-extricated, a second patient was extricated with assistance, and a third patient was extricated by fire personnel with hydraulic tools. Two Medflight helicopters were called and landed at an LZ set up at Walmart. Hanson Fire was called mutual aid to assist to secure the LZ.

- Fire News photo by John Sjostedt

MVARollover in Shelton

At approximately 1115 on January 30, 2024, the Shelton (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Leavenworth Road at Walnut Tree Hill Road fora two-carMVA. First companies on scene found a box truck had gone overthe guardrail and down an embankment. Asecond vehicle, a car, was found at the cornerof Walnut Tree Hill Road with heavy front-end damage. DEEPwas notified due to a diesel link from the truck but no waterways were involved.

- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

Heating Oil Truck MVA

Haddam VolunteerFire Company (CT) and Durham (CT) Volunteer Fire Company responded to an MVAon December6 2023, on Candlewood Hill Road in Higganum. Atruck, carrying heating oil, went off the road and rolled overbefore coming to a stop against a tree. The driverself-extricated and was evaluated on scene by EMS personnel. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) personnel responded to the scene. Both lanes of Candlewood Hill Road, nearthe incident, were closed until the vehicle was removed. Haddam VolunteerAmbulance Service and Middlesex Health Ambulance also responded. The Connecticut State Police were investigating.

- Fire News photo by Olivia Drake

Alert DriverSpots Woman in Dumpster Man Injured at SolarField Project

Manchester(NH) Fire and AMR ambulances responded to Beech Hill Drive, an apartment complex in Manchester, fora woman trapped inside a garbage truck compactor. The area has several apartment buildings with dumpsters, and the truck drivernoticed a woman inside the compactorportion of the truck via a camera that shows the interior. The woman who was seriously injured appeared to have been dumped into the truck from a dumpsterat a previous stop. The driverof the truck immediately called 911 summoning help to the scene. ManchesterFire brought additional apparatus to set up a “technical rescue” using Rescue 1, Truck 7 and several specially trained firefighters. The woman who could be heard screaming from inside the truck was reached by firefighters who worked to secure herinto a Stoke’s basket. After an extended time the woman was hoisted up using rigging attached to the laddertruck bucket. AMR medics, waiting forthe woman to be removed, prepared a stretcher, warm blankets and medical equipment. When the woman was removed she was rushed to the Elliot Hospital. Chief Ryan Cashin described the injuries as serious but she was expected to survive. The driverof the truck said if he had not seen heron the camera the truck would have been compacted several times as the dumpsters in the area were emptied. - Fire News photo by Jeffrey Hastings

On January 31, 2024, Plympton (MA) firefighters responded to Ring Road at a solarfield underconstruction. One memberwas struck by a piece of machinery when it failed. The patient was extricated from the top of the machine and transported to South Shore Hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. OSHAwas called to the scene to investigate.

- Fire News photo by John Sjostedt

East Coast Storm with Hurricane Winds

On December18, 2023, the east coast of New England was hit by a large storm that produced hurricane force winds and heavy rains. The city of Fall Riverexperienced wide-spread poweroutages, powerlines down, roofing materials blown away and a tree that took out a powerpole and damaged a three-decker. The occupants of the three-story home had to be assisted by the Red Cross to find temporary shelter.

- Fire News photo by Ken Leger, Southcoast on scene photography

170-Year-Old Church Collapses in New London

Around 1340, on January 25, 2024 New London (CT) Fire was dispatched to Union Street, forseveral reports of a building collapse. The first arriving company found a majorcollapse of the 170-year-old church’s steeple (about 10 stories) and 50 percent of its roof. Asecond alarm was requested. Crews started an area search along with the annex and what they could of the main building; one occupant was found and walked out. Command had several laddercompanies set up on all sides with access forsearch and possible fire suppression if needed, NLPD shut down all streets leading to the collapse zone and aided with exposure evacuation. Athird alarm was requested forcoverage. All utility companies and State of Connecticut USAR team were also called to the scene. Alarge excavatorwas requested to secure any hanging building sections. USAR cut the fencing from the front of the building to make access forthe large construction equipment required. The next day, the construction company started the long-term removal of the front of the church.

- Fire News photo by Robert Ladd CFPA

Something Like the Real Thing

Chimney Fire Training

The Phillipston (MA) Fire Department hosted Templeton (MA) Fire forchimney fire suppression training at theirfacilities.

- Fire News photos by Bryan Favreau, Onscene Images

FOOLS 1st Hands-on Training of ’24

On January 6, 2024, the New England FOOLS got togetherand hosted the first hands-on training of 2024 in beautiful New Castle (NH). It was a solid day of “firestuff” on the seacoast with a couple of dozen incredible students from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. It’s not often you get to have yourway with a mansion on the ocean that hails from the 1880s.

Ahuge thank you to Chief Hartman and the New Castle Fire Department forhosting this opportunity forthe region.

- Fire News photos by John DeForest

Southbridge (MA) firefighters recently took advantage of a vacant structure to practice theirRITtechniques. Having a building slated

fordemolition gave them a great opportunity to have more realistic training scenarios.

- Fire News photos by Bud Harris

Live Fire Training

Firefighters from several area departments conducted live fire training on December2, 2023. Several live interiorfire operatio ns were conducted on extinguishment, searches and ladderscenarios.

- Fire News photo by Jay Heath

Haddam Ice Rescue Training

Haddam (CT)VolunteerFire Company participated in an ice-rescue drill on January 22, 2024, on the Higganum Reservoir. Donning drysuits, members took turns playing the role of a victim who fell through the ice and the rescuer. “Haddam is home to numerous bodies of water, creeks and, of course, the Connecticut River, so it’s important that we practice ice-rescue operations annually,” said Deputy Chief Jed Morrissey. “Such drills enhance ourcommunication, synchronization and familiarity with specialized rescue equipment to ensure an efficient response in critic al situations.”

- Fire News photo by Olivia Drake

Allingtown Trains on SCBA

Allingtown (CT) volunteers working on mask ups and going overthe SCBAto maintain efficiency.

- Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon

Training forBailouts on Sterling Rope System

On January 20, 2024, Templeton (MA) firefighters trained with instructors from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services on use of the Sterling F4/FCX rope system at the Phillipston Fire headquarters facility.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Favreau, Onscene Images

Arlington Trains

On November27, 2023, the members of the Arlington (MA) Fire Department participated in automobile extrication training using battery powered Hurst tools. The training was conducted by the Department Training OfficerCaptain Martin Conroy. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan

- Submitted by Lieutenant Thomas McGuire

Wallingford (CT) Chief at an apartment fire on Terrace Gardens on December20, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Jack McCarthy

EMS crew from New Hartford (CT) Ambulance starting off the New Year2024 smiling through standby duty at a working fire in Winsted (CT). - Fire News photo by Edward Harvey

ShakerPines (CT) Fire Department’s. Deputy Chief Edward Prajzner and his three sons who are on the same department (left to right): Firefighter Kaleb Prajzner; Cadet Johnathan Prajzner; DC Prajzner; and Firefighter TylerPrajzner.

East Bridgewater(MA) firefighters at the scence of a February 4, 2024, fire resulting in a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Johnston (RI) firefighters at a detached garage fire on February 5, 2024. - Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Orange (MA) crew on the scene of a recent dump truck rollover. (Left to right): Lieutenant Phillip Dupell, Deputy Chief William Gale and FirefighterLandon Guilmette.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Favreau, Onscene images

Seymour(CT) firefighters (from left) Michael Lombardi and Ron Burgess at a recent house fire on December5, 2023.

- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

Captain Luis Ortegon of New Haven (CT) Rescue Company. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda, Allhandsworking

Bridgeport FD Recruit Class 02-2023 Graduation

Allingtown Escorts Santa

Allingtown (CT) volunteers conducted theirannual Santa present delivery runs between companies running calls and training throughout the day. Crews assisted Santa and Mrs. Claus in getting to their19 stops throughout the Allingtown district delivering all of the gifts on a very rainy evening.

The Red Kettlebell Challenge

The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign was well underw ay this season, and for the first time it included a new competition among Massachu setts First Responders: The Red Kettlebell Challenge. Boston Fire Commissioner Paul F. Burk e was present at The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center to launch the initiative.

The inaugural Red Kettlebell Challenge provides firefighters, p olice officers and EMS personnel with an opportunity to show their strength while giving back to the communities they serve - and creates an opportunity to do the most good by empowering participants and community members to challenge more to join in.

Each participating agency has its own Virtual Red Kettle to rai se money in support of The Salvation Army’s year-round work providing emergency assistance, feeding the hungry and offering shelter and support to those in need. Teams of first responders commit to one lift of a kettlebell for each dollar raised.

- Submitted by Robert Mills

On December15, 2023, the Bridgeport (CT) Fire Department swore in 16 new firefighters. The ceremony took place in City Hall locat-

ed at 45 Lyon Terrace.

- Fire News photos by FireGroundImages.com

- Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon

Brockton 150th Anniversary

On November25, 2023, the City of Brockton (MA) celebrated the 150th anniversary of LadderCompany 1. In 1873 Howard Hook and Ladder1 became the first laddercompany in what was then North Bridgewaterand was housed at Main and Pleasant Streets.

Soon afterthat, the city was renamed Brockton, and in 1885 Ladder Co. 1 was moved into a new Firehouse at 42 Pleasant Street, where it has served the citizens continuously forthe last 139 years.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Bob Myers

24 Local Firefighters Graduate from Firefighting Academy Graduates of Class #BW28 Represent 14 Massachusetts Fire Departments

Charlton Escorts Santa and the Grinch

Charlton (MA) firefighters brought Santa and the Grinch around town on December17, 2023. Children of all ages enjoyed the visit.

- Fire News photo by Bud Harris

State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Eric Littmann today announced the graduation o f 24 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.

The graduating firefighters of Class BW28 represent the fire departments of Brewster, Dennis, Duxbury, Easton, Hingham, Mashpee, North Attleboro, Reading, Saugus, Truro, Walpole, Wellfleet, Westborough, and Yarmouth.

The MFAprovides recruit and in-service training for career, call, and volunteer firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, at campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater.

- Submitted by Jake Wark

Promotions at Fall River

On January 9, 2024, the Fall RiverFire Department Special Services/Emergency Management Agency unit held a promotion and graduation ceremony at HQ. The group, led by Deputy Chief Richard Aguiar, welcomed fournew members and promoted two officers. Deputy Chief Aguiarwas promoted to Chief of Special

Bringing Back the Past

Services and Robert Correira was promoted to Lieutenant. The fournew members took theiroath of office and were pinned by family members. Afterthe ceremony the attendees were treated to a delicious buffet.

- Fire News photo by Ken Leger - Southcoast On Scene Photography

Earning ABulldog Pin

North Madison VolunteerFire Company was founded in 1925. The company used old farming vehicles as fire trucks and purchased a used Model-Thalf-ton chemical truck that provided firefighters with access to a 100-gallon watertank. Later, the company purchased its first custom-built truck-the 1946 Mack Type 45. Now retired, the formerTEN-55 recently underwent a mechanical restoration.

- Fire News photo by Olivia Drake

30 Local Firefighters Graduate from Firefighting Academy

Graduates of Class 316 Represent 17 Massachusetts Fire Departments

State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Jeffrey P. Winn announced the graduation of 30 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.

The graduating firefighters of Class 316 represent the fire departments of Amesbury, Bedford, Boxborough, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Middleborough, Nantucket, North Reading, Northborough, Norwell, Peabody, Revere, Sharon, Stoneham, Sudbury and Winthrop.

The MFAprovides recruit and in-service training for career, call, and volunteer firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, at campuses in Stow, Springfield and Bridgewater

- Submitted by Jake Wark

Firefighters TylerReardon, Mason Glines and Zach Earnest have earned theirBulldog Pin that can be proudly displayed on their helmets. These pins are given to a select few who demonstrate absolute excellence in training and company operations. Because of theirtireless efforts, not only have they proven themselves to be some of the best among us, but also theirdrive to excel and help others improve. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

- Submitted by Tyler Reardon

Working the Scene

TrooperRoland Cormierof the State Police Fire Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office was requested to a recent two-alarm fire on WorcesterRoad in Framingham (MA). With him was K-9 Curtis, one of nine trained accelerant detection K-9s assigned to the unit. The frigid temps and icy conditions were bad enough, but rock salt and ice melt are harmful to dogs - so TrooperCormierbrought him to a DFS Rehab Unit to warm up and clean off his paws.

- Submitted by Jake Wark

Looking Back

On September19, 1874, at approximately 0700 box 72 and box 74 were struck fora fire that began on the fourth floorof the Granite Mill Number1 built in 1874. It is believed that sparks from machinery ignited waste cotton that quickly spread to the upperfloors trapping workers on the sixth floor. The workers were trapped due to not enough exits and were forced to choose between burning to death orjumping from the sixth floor. Reports at the time listed 20 - 40 dead and 26-80 injured. This fire resulted in many changes to building and fire codes.

- Submitted by Ken Leger

THE CONGRESSIONALFIRE SERVICES

INSTITUTE (CFSI) HAS CHANGE OFDATE

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) has changed the date of the 34th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner. Originally scheduled for April 24-25, 2024, the program has been rescheduled for April 29-30, 2024.

CFSI changed the date so we could conduct our program while Congress was in session. While CFSI selects the dates for the program five years out due to the demand for venues in the spring months, Congress releases the congressional calendar shortly before the start of a new legislative session. Unfortunately, the schedule recently released for 2024 has Congress out of session the week of our program.

Each year, we aim to make the trip to Washington, DC, a positive experience for all our guests. The date change presents other opportunities for us to enhance the program. Whereas in the past, the dinner took place on Day 2, it will now take place on the first day (April 29), as will the seminar program. We will focus Day 2 (April 30) on Capitol Hill activities to maximize the fire service pre sence in Washington, DC, and send a strong message to our federal legislators about the political force of our nation’s fire and emergency services.

Registration on our website opened on January 5, 2024. If you have any questions, you can contact us at update@cfsi.org.

We hope to see you in April!

Sincerely,

Bill Webb Executive Director

Remembering the LODD death of Lancaster(MA) FFMartin McNamara on November29, 2003.

- Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

Simsbury’s Lt. John Driscoll Follows a Family Tradition

Simsbury (CT) VolunteerFire Company’s John Driscoll was promoted to Lieutenant at Tariffville station. He is the son of Honorary Life Member Lieutenant Dave Driscoll, the grandson of the late Honorary Life MemberJohn ‘Jack’Driscoll, and the nephew of Honorary Life Member Captain Rich Driscoll. Driscoll joined the fire company as a Junior Firefighterin 2013. Driscoll is pictured standing between his parents, Honorary Life MemberLieutenant Dave Driscoll and Beth Driscoll.

- Submitted by Kitten Vangunten

27 Local Firefighters Graduate from Firefighting Academy

Graduates of Class #S35 Represent 16 Massachusetts Fire Departments

State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) leadership today announced the graduation of 27 firefighters from the 50day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.

The graduating firefighters of Class #S35 represent the fire departments of Agawam, Belchertown, Charlton, Chicopee, Gardner, North Adams, North Andover, Palmer,

Pittsfield, South Hadley Fire District 1, Southwick, Turners Falls, Ware, Westfield, Westminster and Wilbraham.

The MFAprovides recruit and inservice training for career, call, and volunteer firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, at campuses in Stow, Springfield and Bridgewater.

- Submitted by Jake Wark

Stamford Fire Recruit Class Graduates

On December14, 2023, the Stamford (CT) Fire Department recruit class 23-02 held theirgraduation ceremony aftercompleting 14 grueling weeks of training at the Stamford Fire Academy.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

30-YearFirefighterNamed Fire Academy Director

Eric S. Littmann Served as Captain in Medfield and Las Vegas

Acareer firefighter with 30 years of experience in Massachusetts and Nevada has been named director of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said.

Eric S. Littmann, who most recently held the rank of Captain at the Medfield Fire Department, took over as Academy Director on January 8, 2024. He previously served for more than 20 years with the Las Vegas Fire Rescue Department, where he held a series of high-level training positions including Training Captain of the LVFR Training Center and regional Flashover Instructor for three fire departments in the Las Vegas Valley area.

A1997 graduate of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Career Recruit Training Program with a degree in Fire Science Management, Littmann is a Massachusetts native and began his career at the Cotuit Fire Department. He is a certified paramedic, fire instructor, fire officer, safety officer, and fire prevention officer.

“Mr. Littmann’s extensive fire service background, his leadership experience, and his commitment to firefighters’professional development will serve him and our Commonwealth well in the months and years to come,” said State Fire Marshal Davine.

“As a graduate of the Academy, I have the highest level of respect for the institution, its staff, and its mission,” Littmann said. “I look forward to working with our instructors, our partners, and our stakeholders to meet the emerging needs of Massachusetts firefighters, their departments, and the communities they protect.”

In his new role, Mr. Littmann supervises about 13 full-time employees and 450 parttime instructors, most of whom are active duty or retired firefighters. First established by the Legislature in 1971 under what was then the Division of Occupational Education, the MFA is now a division of the Department of Fire Services and provides recruit and in-service training at campuses in Stow, Springfield, and

Bridgewater. It also offers certain courses online and delivers others directly to local fire departments. The Academy serves more than 10,000 Massachusetts firefighters at every level of experience from recruit to chief each year.

As the MFA’s chief administrator, Mr. Littmann is supported by the MFA’s Deputy Director for Training, Dennis A. Ball, and Deputy Director for Administration, Joanne Gardiner. He succeeds former MFAdirector Jeffrey P. Winn, who now serves as director of the Department of Fire Services’Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division.

Cover Story

Fish Rock Road 2-Alarmer

At approximately 1645 on January 22, 2024, the Southbury (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to Fish Rock Road fora house fire. First companies on scene found a large 2-1/2 story home heavily involved in fire. Oxford was immediately called to assist in setting up a tankershuttle forwatersupply. The fire escalated to a second

alarm, but the fire had too large of a head start and unfortunately the home was completely destroyed by the fire. Two propane tanks were also involved. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. - Fire News photos by FireGroundImages.com

Fall River Holiday Parade

On December2, 2023, the Fall River(MA) Fire Department participated in the annual Children's Holiday Parade. The department entered several pieces of apparatus, as well as firefighters marching with theirfamilies.

- Fire News photo by Ken Leger, Southcoast On Scene Photography

Congrats to Haddam’s Robert Kadrle

Congratulations to Haddam (CT) Volunteer Fire Company Firefighter Robert ‘Bob’Kadrle!

This January, Bob received his 55-years-ofservice pin. Bob is the first member in the company’s history to serve for this length of time. Five years ago, the Town of Haddam declared January 8 as “Robert Kadrle Day,” honoring his 50th year of service.

Bob joined Haddam Volunteer Fire Company in 1969 and served on multiple committees including the Old Timer’s Night Committee, the Children’s Christmas Party Committee, and the Picnic Committee.

In Haddam, the U.S. Army veteran volunteers for the town’s Parade Committee and Veterans’Museum Committee. Bob was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. - Fire News photo by Olivia Drake

Whitman Swearing-in Ceremony

On January 23, 2024, the Town of Whitman (MA) held a swearingin ceremony fortwo new Whitman firefighters. The ceremony was held at 1800 in the auditorium at the Whitman Town Hall priorto a Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Whitman Fire Chief Timothy Clancy first introduced Firefighter/Paramedic Justin Everson, w ho was hired on August 8, 2021. FirefighterEverson is a lifelong resident of Pembroke, and currently resides in Abington. Chief Clancy then introduced Firefighter/Paramedic Joseph Lasko, who was

hired on November14, 2022. FirefighterLasko is a lifelong resident of Marshfield, and also currently resides in Abington. Both firefighters were sworn-in at the same time by Whitman Town Clerk Dawn Varley. Following the swearing-in, FirefighterEverson had his badge pinned on by his motherElizabeth Dwyer, and Firefighter Lasko had his badge pinned on by his motherKaren Lasko. Both members had several members of theirfamily and friends in attendance.

- Fire News photos by Pat Travers