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The New England Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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JANUARY, 2026

JAY HEATH PHOTOS

BOSCAWEN, NH - The Boscawen Fire Departm ent along w ith autom atic m utual aid was d ispatched to a reported house fire at 14 Gage Street around 9:45 pm on December 1st. First due C oncord Engine 5 and Am bulance 5 arrived w ith in m inutes to fin d heavy fire th ro u g h o u t the garage, rapidly extending to the tw o -sto ry house. Boscawen Fire Chief Tim Kenney arrived and stru ck a second alarm as reports were received of people s till in the burning house.

See full story on page 15

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

RHODE ISLAND

CHARLESTOWN RICHMOND FIRE DEPARTMENT WATCHHILL FIRE DEPARTMENT

Charlestown Richmond Firefighters Knock Down Early-Morning Camper Blaze CHARLESTOWN, Rl - Just before 5:30 a.m. on November 1st, the Charlestown Richmond Fire Department was dispatched to a reported camper fire, w ith assistance from Cross’ Mills Fire Department, Charlestown Ambulance Rescue Service, and Charlestown Police Department. Engine 713 arrived first and confirmed a fu lly involved camper fire. Due to the loca tion, crews laid a supply line from the main road to access the scene. Engine 813, Engine 812, Tanker 715, and Tanker 625 worked in coordination to establish a water supply and bring the fire under control. Mutual aid support from Richm ond-C arolina Fire D istrict and Hope Valley-W yoming Fire D istrict ensured a sw ift and effective response. No injuries were reported.

M utu al Aid E ffo rt Leads to S uccessful Rescue o f W indsurfer O ff Sandy P oint WESTERLY, Rl - On Monday afternoon, October 13th, at approx imately 1:35 p.m., the Watch Elill Fire Department responded on au tomatic aid alongside the Stonington Borough Fire Department and the Pawcatuck Fire Department to assist a male windsurfer in distress near Sandy Point. The response was initiated by a 9-1-1 call from a con cerned Stonington resident, prompting a swift and coordinated rescue effort. The windsurfer was found just off the Folly of Sandy Point after struggling for over an hour against strong winds and currents caused by the weekend’s nor’easter. Fie had been unable to return to shore

to f iie #103025163

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or climb back onto his board. Stonington Borough Fire Chief Jeff Floadley assumed command of the incident, with Assistant Chiefs from the Watch FTill and Pawcatuck Fire Departments working together to coordinate multiple assets under a unified command structure. Crews from Watch FTill Marine 10, the Stonington Police boat, and Pawcatuck Marine 2 successfully located the individual and brought him aboard the Watch FTill vessel. Fie was transported to shore, evalu ated by Westerly Ambulance per

Rick Billings U O G 'S EYE VIEW...

Fire on Rail Cars Brings Providence Canteen to Harris Avenue PROVIDENCE, Rl - Canteen 1 of the Special Signal Fire As sociation arrived at Harris Avenue late on Sunday morning, November 30th, to assist firefighters battling a fire involving many Amtrak passenger rail carriages. The canteen crew re sponded to the call, recorded at 10:10 a.m. as Incident #25357, to offer rehabilitation services to the responding staff. During prolonged operations, Canteen 1 provides refresh ments and assistance to improve firefighter safety and pre paredness. While workers dealt w ith the situation and kept an eye out for any new dangers, the Providence Canteen co l laborated with several agencies.

c 2026 by Rick Billings bear59dog@yahoo.com @jampony452 on instagram

sonnel, and later taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The U.S. Coast Guard was also notified of the incident. This successful rescue high lighted the efficiency and coopera tion of all responding agencies, showcasing the strength of mutual aid partnerships and the dedication of first responders—for the second time on a holiday Monday. Officials reminded the public to always wear a personal flotation de vice (PFD) and to file a float plan with a friend or family member be fore heading out on the water. - COURTESY OF WATCH HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT

January, 2026

1ST Responder Newspaper - NE

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

RHODE ISLAND

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PROVIDENCE, Rl - At 3:10 a.m. on November 20th, the Special Signal Fire A ssociation dispatched Canteen 4 to a secondalarm fire on Althea Street in Providence. Crews were w orking on tw o structures: an em pty building that was com pletely in volved and a nearby three-story occupied building. Canteen personnel gave hydration and supplies to rehab patients while fire and EMS units w orked until the early m orning hours. All canteen activities were com pleted once the necessities were met.

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T o s e e y o u r D rills in th e n e w s p a p e r u p lo a d th e m o n o u r w e b s ite w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m

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Ashaway Fire Crews Contain Evening House Fire with Mutual Aid Support

CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New Eng land edition - Vol. 29, No. 11 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $48 per year by Belsito Communi cations, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except o f reprinting that part o f the ad which w as omitted or in error. Omissions a division of: or errors

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ASHAWAY, Rl - Just before 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28th, the Ashaway Volunteer Fire A ssociation responded to a residence fire on Main Street. Car 404 arrived w ithin m inutes to establish comm and after sm oke was observed pouring from the roof. When fire was discovered th rough the ceiling, a firs t alarm was set off. Before firefig hte rs arrived, the resident had left the house. A second hose line m oved to the back, and crew s set up an inch-and-three-quarter line th rough the fron t door to the fire floor. Hope Valley's Ladder 911 was set up fo r roof ventilation. Mutual-aid agencies supported w ater supply, rapid intervention, sta tio n coverage, and rehab operation. Units remained on scene u ntil 9:30 p.m. to check fo r hotspots and extension. O fficials th an k all a ssisting partners fo r th eir support.

CHARLESTOWN FIRE UISTRICT In October, Charlestown Fire D istrict members conducted vertical v e n tila tio n tra in in g using an acquired stru ctu re on M atunuck School House Road. The hands-on d rill allow ed fire fig h te rs to practice roof cu ttin g and ve ntilatio n techniques used to remove heat and sm oke during structure fires. The training im proved co ordination, tool handling, and safety awareness. The departm ent thanked the property owners fo r providing access to the structure, helping fire fig h te rs m aintain essential s k ills fo r real-w orld fireground operations.

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January, 2026

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

1 "R e s p o n d e r N ew spaper 1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553 845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 • N e w s @ 1 s tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m

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In memory of those who gave all

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1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS Rick Billings (Cartoon) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain's Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain's Corner)

CORRESPONDENTS Nate Arnold • Sterling Beaucage • Jeffrey Belschwinder • Sayje Benjamin • David Bowen • David Biyce • Michael Carenza Jr. • Dylan Conway • Doug Fenichel • Sean Fesko • Ryan Flaherty • Karin Halstead • Jay Heath • Patrick Kerrigan • William King • Lee Krohn • Kenneth Leger • Peter Lobo • Chuck Lowe • Patrick Nlagyar • Phillip NlcCully • Bemie Meehan J r • Keith Milton • Kevin Mlosio • Brian Owen • Edward Prescott • Greg Ramsdell • Frank Robinson • Coral Ruggiero • Dick Scialabba • Shaun Shattuck • Shane Shifflett • John Sjostedt • Ken Snyder • Robert Sprague • Jack Stawasz • Pat Travers • Peter Walsh Jr • Eugene Weber J r • Diana White

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Idaho: Frank Harwood, 42 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: June 29, 2025 Death Date: June 29, 2025 Fire Department: Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Initial Summary: Battalion Chief Frank Harwood re sponded with other firefighters from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue to a grass fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Sometime after arriving on scene, firefighters communicated that they were taking gunfire and believed that they had been ambushed. Battalion Chief Harwood was fatally wounded during this time along with Battalion Chief John Morrison from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department. Officers from various law enforcement agencies promptly responded to the scene and exchanged gunfire with the lone gunman who was later found deceased. A fire engineer from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department was also critically in jured during the incident and is recovering. Investigation into the incident continues. Idaho: John Morrison, 52 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: June 29, 2025 Death Date: June 29, 2025 Fire Department: Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Initial Summary: Battalion Chief John Morrison re sponded with other firefighters from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department to a grass fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Sometime after arriving on scene, firefighters communicated that they were taking gunfire and believed that they had been ambushed. Battalion Chief Morrison was fatally wounded during this time along with Battalion Chief Frank Harwood from Koote nai County Fire and Rescue. Officers from various law enforcement agencies promptly responded to the scene and exchanged gunfire with the lone gunman who was later found deceased. A fire engineer from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department was also critically injured dur ing the incident and is recovering. Investigation into the incident continues.

Missouri: Lee M. Kraus, 52 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 29, 2025 Death Date: July 1,2025 Fire Department: St. Louis Fire Department Initial Summary: On June 29, 2025, Firefighter Lee Kraus suffered a medical emergency after responding to several calls and while still on duty. Firefighter Kraus was transported to the hospital. Despite the lifesaving ef forts of first responders and medical professionals, Fire fighter Kraus passed away at the hospital on July 1, 2025, from a reported cardiovascular event. Texas: Michael Reedy, 38 Rank: Captain Incident Date: June 25, 2025 Death Date: June 25, 2025 Fire Department: Roanoke Fire Department Initial Summary: After his 48-hour shift during which he completed a required annual physical and participated in a strenuous fitness activity, Captain Michael Reedy returned home. Within 24 hours of completing his shift, Captain Reedy's spouse found him unresponsive and initiated CPR. Captain Reedy was transported to the hospital where, despite all life saving efforts, he passed away. The cause of death has yet to be determined. Massachusetts: Jeffrey Deschenes, 54 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: May 29, 2025 Death Date: May 29, 2025 Fire Department: North Andover Fire Department Initial Summary: On May 29, 2025, Firefighter Jeffrey Deschenes responded to multiple calls during his shift. After returning home later that evening, Firefighter De schenes experienced chest pain and went to the emer gency room at approximately 10:00 p.m. He suffered a heart attack that night while at the hospital. Medical pro fessionals were unable to resuscitate him, and he was pronounced deceased.

January, 2026

1STResponder Newspaper - NE

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

RHODE ISLAND

WESTERLY FIRE DEPARTMENT EAST GREENWICH FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION IAFF

M u tu a l A id Response Q u ickly C ontains East G reenw ich S tru c tu re F ire EAST GREENWICH, RI - On October 26th, East Greenwich Fire Department was alerted to a re ported structure fire as all of its ap paratus were already engaged in other emergency calls. East Green wich Police were first to arrive and confirmed an active fire at the scene. Mutual aid was promptly re quested, prompting the Warwick Fire Department to respond with three engines, a ladder, a special hazards unit, and a rescue. War wick Engine 10 reached the scene within eight minutes and swiftly knocked down the main body of the fire. East Greenwich units arrived shortly thereafter to assist with

TO f i i e #103125110

3# I « overhaul operations and conduct primary and secondary searches. The department expressed grati tude to its mutual aid partners — including the North Kingstown Fire Department and Central Coventry Fire District for station coverage, as well as the Providence Canteen for on-scene support The Rhode Island State Fire M arshal’s Office continues to in vestigate the cause of the fire.

WESTERLY FIRE DEPARTMENT

W e ste rly F ire D epartm ent S how cases H is to ry a t R egional F a ir WESTERLY, RI - In October, the W esterly Fire Department to o k part in the Regional H istory Fair hosted by the W esterly Historical Society, show casing the departm ent’s long-standing com m it ment to com m unity service and preservation. Volunteers presented an im pressive collection of h istoric articles, photographs, and scrapbooks docum enting the departm ent’s evolution over the decades. The centerpiece of the display was the departm ent’s fu lly restored 1927 Ahrens Fox Pumper — a hallm ark of W esterly’s fire fig h tin g heritage and pride.

- COURTESY OF EAST GREENWICH FIREFIGHTERS ASSN.

DRIIIS/TRAINING T o se e y o u r D rills in th e n e w s p a p e r u p lo a d th e m o n o u r w e b s ite w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m

SPECIAL SIGNAL FIRE ASSOCIATION/PROVIDENCE CANTEEN

DUNN'S CORNERS FIRE DEPARTMENT In October, the Dunn’s Corners Fire Department held a hands-on vehicle extrication training. Twenty volunteer members practiced back-to-basics techniques fo r safely gaining access to vehicles using cutters, spreaders, and stabilization tools. The session fo cused on safety, coordination, and m aintaining pro ficie n cy w ith rescue equipm ent. DCFD praised all m embers fo r their team work and continued dedication to train in g and operational readiness.

Rehab Unit Responds to Working Fire in Providence PROVIDENCE, RI - A t 12:48 p.m. on November 1st, the Special Signal Fire A sso ciatio n sent Canteen 1 to 59 W hittier Avenue in Providence fo r a w orking fire. W hile suppression and over haul activitie s were ongoing, fire fig h te rs on the scene received rehabilitation services, in clu d ing beverages, food, and co oling support. The Providence Canteen aided u ntil the c ris is was under co ntrol and crew s were ready to clean the area.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

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RHODE ISLAND

V ehicle Fire a t W esterly Boat Yard Under Inve stig a tio n ; Lithium -Ion B attery Suspected

JAMESTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

JFD Responds to R ollover Crash w ith Entrapm ent on Howland Avenue JAMESTOWN, RI - On Octo ber 26th at approximately 6:56 A M ., the fire alarm alerted crews to a reported rollover accident in the area of Elowland Avenue and Hammett Court, with unknown injuries and possible entrapment. Upon arrival, Jamestown Fire Department companies discovered a single-vehicle crash with the car resting on its side. Crews confirmed that one occupant was trapped in side the passenger compartment. Firefighters worked for about ten minutes to safely extricate the pa tient, utilizing cutting tools to re move the windshield and gain access to the interior.

Jump to file #103125112

During the extrication, EMS personnel provided stabilization and advanced medical care at the scene before transporting the patient to a local hospital for further treatment. The JFD run card for the inci dent included: C5, R l, C2, Cl, E3, and E2. A strong coordinated effort by all responding companies ensured a swift and effective rescue. -COURTESY OF JAMESTOWN FIRE DEPT.

WESTEREY, RI - At approxi mately 10:22 a.m. on Monday, Oc tober 13th, the Watch Hill Fire Department responded to reports of a vehicle fire at a local boat yard. Upon arrival, fire fighters discovered a work van emitting smoke from the cab area. The vehicle’s owner had already managed to suppress most of the flames using a personal fire extinguisher before crews arrived. Firefighters from the first-arriving engine conducted a thorough check for fire extension and extinguished remaining hot spots. The incident remains under in vestigation by the Rhode Island State Fire Marshaks Office and K-9 partner Dream, working alongside the Watch Hill Fire Marshal’s Of fice. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have originated from a charging lithium-ion battery. No injuries were reported among civilians or responding per sonnel. More than a dozen Watch Hill Fire Department volunteers an swered the call, demonstrating their ongoing dedication and service— even amid the rainy holiday condi tions.

WATCH H ill FIRE DEPARTMENT

- COURTESY OF WATCH HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT

DRIIIS/TRAINING To se e y o u r D rills in th e n e w sp a p e r u p lo ad th em o n o u r w e b site w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r em ail them to L in d sey @ ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m

DRIIIS/TRAINING To se e y o u r D rills in th e n e w sp a p e r u p lo ad th em o n o u r w e b site w w w .lstR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m o r em ail th em to L in d sey @ ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m

RRISTOL FIRE DEPARTMENT-RI

EAST GREENWICH FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION IAFF Members of the East Greenwich recruit class spent a day in October training on vehicle extrication techniques using the “ Jaws of Life.”

The Bristol Fire Department recently conducted a Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) training session focused on life-saving medical skills in high-stress environments. During the session, par ticipants received hands-on instruction on the use of specialized bleeding-control equipment and practiced techniques for safely moving through buildings while treating and evacuating simulated patients. The training emphasized teamwork, situational awareness, and the rapid application of tourniquets and pressure dressings to control severe bleeding.

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

Two-Vehicle Crash Closes Gray Road in Cumberland; Several Injured and Transported to Hospital

BELFAST FIRE AND EMS

Tractor Supply Foundation Supports Belfast Fire Department BELFAST, ME - The Tractor Supply Foundation has donated $250 to the Belfast Fire Department to help w ith the procure ment of new e xtrication equipm ent. The m oney w ill go into the departm ent's reserve account fo r te chn ical responses and specialized rescue equipm ent used in auto accidents. Employees of the Belfast Tractor Supply shop met w ith mem bers of the Belfast Fire Department to acknowledge the do nation and express gra titud e fo r th e ir o ng oing su pp ort of local emergency services.

CUMBERLAND, ME - On Oc tober 30,2025, at approximately 8:04 p.m., the Cumberland Fire Depart ment and the Cumber land, Maine Police Department were dis patched to the inter section of Gray Road and Range Road fol lowing reports of a two-vehicle crash with injuries. At the time of the incident, training was in progress at Central Station, result ing in Engine 101 responding with a crew of six. Heavy Rescue 103 with a crew of eight, and Ambulance 108 with a crew of two, as the primary am bulance was already committed to an other call. Additionally, Engine 102 responded from the West Station with a crew of two. Upon arrival, crews confirmed a two-vehicle collision with significant damage to both vehicles. Gray Road (Route 100) was initially closed in both directions to allow emergency personnel to operate safely, before being reopened to one lane while re sponders continued working at the scene. All vehicle occupants were eval uated, and those requiring medical at tention were transported to a nearby hospital. Copp Motors towed both ve hicles from Hie scene, and debris was cleared from the roadway. Once operations were complete, all imits cleared the scene, and Gray Road was fully reopened to normal traffic. - COURTESY OF CUMBER LAND FIRE DEPARTMENT

CUMBERLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT

FIRE COMPANY LOGOS I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to se e in o u r “ F ire C o m p a n y L o g o s “ f e a tu re p le a s e u p lo a d th em o n our w e b s ite , w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m .

PENOBSCOT VOL. FIRE DEPT.

Donation Strengthens Penobscot FD’s Technical Rescue Capabilities CHUCK LOWE South Berw ick Engine 1

PENOBSCOT, Rl - The Masonic Hancock Rising Star Lodge No. 4 has generously provided the Penobscot Volunteer Fire Department w ith support to im prove its rescue capabilities. The do nation w ill improve the department's capacity to safely remove and transfer patients during emer gency situations by helping to pay fo r a Stokes basket and new ice w ater rescue equipment.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

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VEHICLE NEWS

CHUCKLOWE Kennebunkport Tower 14 now runs with a 2025 Sutphen Monarch 2000/300/100' platform. OWLSHEADFIREDEPARTMEHT

Firefighters Respond to South Thomaston Structure Fire on Thanksgiving Day CHUCKLOWE Raymond recently welcomed a 2025 Pierce Enforcer PUC 1500/750 rescue pumper to the fleet as Squad 38.

SOUTH THOMASTON, ME - On Thanksgiving Day, a call about a heavy fire in a residential res idence prompted firefighters from all over the area to attend to a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews encountered significant fire showing and initiated a coordinated attack to bring the inci dent under control. Owls Head Fire Department was among the agencies that responded, as sisting with manpower, water supply, and scene support during the operation.

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If needed, we're also happy to explore customized service programs tailored to the specific needs for your department. At SVI, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in delivering exceptional service and are dedicated to going above and beyond to ensure your complete satis faction. We are committed to delivering reliable service and ensuring your equipment remains in top condition.

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES

Manchester Firefighters Control Garage Blaze W ithout Injuries

I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to se e in o u r “ B ro th e rs & S iste rs o f th e E m e rg e n c y S e rv ic e s ” fe a tu re , p le a s e u p lo a d th e m o n o u r w e b site , w w w .ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ l stR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m .

OWLS HEAD FIRE DEPARTMENT M em bers o f th e O w ls Head Fire D epartm ent w orked hard on c o m m u n ity engagem ent on D ecem ber 7th befo re a nsw ering a call in the evening.

MANCHESTER, ME - E arly on M o n d a y m o rn in g , De c e m b e r 2 nd , M an ch e ste r Fire D epartm ent p erson ne l resp on de d to a g arage fire. W hen C S h ift w o rk e rs a r riv e d , th e y d is c o v e re d sm o k e and a v is ib le fire in a re s id e n tia l p ro p e rty 's a t ta ch e d garage. In o rd e r to s to p th e fire fro m s p re a d ing in s id e th e hou se, fire fig h te rs s w iftly c o n ta in e d it b y d e p lo y in g a h an d lin e to th e p la ce o f o rig in . Mu tu a l-a id p a rtn e rs fro m th e Tow n of M anchester, C helsea, a nd H a llo w e ll p ro v id e d b a c k u p c o v e r age, e x tra w o rk e rs , and help w ith th e w a te r s u p p ly to s u p p o rt o p e ra tio n s .

MANCHESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT ME

F ire fighte rs B a ttle Ridge Road Farmhouse Blaze in F a irfie ld

BELFAST FIRE AND EMS C olby Robbins, a fire fig h te r and param edic, has been prom oted to the p osition of EMS Captain by Belfast Fire & EMS. The c o n fir m ation w as made at the Belfast C ity C ouncil m eeting. T hrough his e fforts on both fire and EMS calls, Captain Robbins has shown a strong dedication to emergency medical services and enhanced the departm ent's response capabilities. He w ill continue to serve the com m un ity as a param edic w hile su pp orting EMS operations, train in g , and preparedness in his new p osition . As he assum es th is role, departm ent leadership has expressed tru s t in his a b ili tie s and leadership.

FAIRFIELD, ME - On S atur day, O c to b e r 18th at a p p ro x im a te ly 1:45 p.m., fire fig h te rs fro m F airfield , W a te rville, W in slow , C lin to n , alo ng w ith a RIT fro m S kow hegan, w ere d is p atch ed to re s p o n d to a s tru c tu re fire on R idge Road in Fairfield. Upon ar riva l, u n its o bserved heavy flam es and th ic k sm oke b il lo w in g fro m th e fa rm house. Fire c re w s w iftly launched an a gg re ssive in te rio r a tta ck, u tiliz in g m u l tip le hoses, hand to o ls and th e rm a l im a gin g cam eras loca ting and e xtin g u is h in g th e blaze e fficien tly. Exten s iv e o v e rh a u l e ffo rts in vo lve d ch ecking fo r hidden em bers and re in fo rc in g the s tru c tu re 's w eakened areas to prevent rekindling. T he fire caused e xte n sive dam age, d e s tro y in g m ost o f th e in te rio r and c o m p ro m is in g th e ro o f. P re lim i n a ry in v e s tig a tio n s s u g g e s t th e fire lik e ly ig nited in th e chim ney.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

PAGE 13

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

FIREFIGHTER PROFILES I f your departm ent has photos you w ould like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, w w w .lstResponderN ew s.com or em ail them to Lindsey@ l stResponderNews.com

Fort F a irfie ld F ire fig h te rs Knock Down S tructure Fire w ith M utual Aid Support FORT FAIRFIELD, ME Around 11:45 a.m. on October 12th, Fort Fairfield Fire Rescue re sponded to a reported structure fire on Center Limestone Road. Engine 2 and Engine 3 were first to respond, fol lowed by Unit 7 and Rescue 2. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire on the ex terior of the resi dence with flames extending into the in terior, as well as a downed power line. The incident was upgraded to an active structure fire, prompting mutual aid from Easton Fire Department and Lime stone Volunteer Fire Department. Thanks to a rapid knockdown of the exterior fire, crews were able to significantly slow its progression, allowing interior teams to fully ex tinguish the remaining flames. After an extensive overhaul, the property was turned back over to the homeowner. Fort Fairfield Fire Rescue ex pressed appreciation to Easton Fire Department, Limestone Volunteer Fire Department, Fort Fairfield Po lice Department, Maine State Police Communication Center, and Versant for their valuable assistance at the scene. -COURTESY OF FORT FAIRFIELD FIRE RESCUE

FORT FAIRFIELD FIRE RESCUE

LISRON FIRE DEPARTMENT The Lisbon Fire Department recognized Chuck Thompson for his remarkable 26 years of volunteer service to the Town of Lisbon. Since joining the department in 2000, Thompson has served in mul tiple roles, including firefighter, lieutenant, and most recently, driver/operator. Throughout his years of service, he has demon strated unwavering comm itm ent—often sacrificing personal time and fam ily moments to attend trainings, meetings, and emergency calls.

LITTLE BIG GUYS I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld like to se e in o u r L ittle B ig G u y s featu re, p lea se u p lo ad them o n o u r w e b site w w w .lstR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m o r em ail th em to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m .

Thompson’s dedication and leadership have left a lasting mark on both the department and the broader community. In recognition of his many contributions, members of the Lisbon Fire Department proudly presented him w ith a plaque of appreciation honoring his years of service. The department expressed its deep gratitude to Chuck for his loy alty and hard work, wishing him all the best as he enjoys well-de served time with family.

CHUCKLOWE Naples Brush 4 operates a 2018 Ford F-550/NFD 200/200 forestry truck.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

PAGE 15

Man Dies in Late-Night Boscawen House Fire; Dog Missing BOSCAWEN, NH - The Boscawen Fire Department along with automatic mutual aid was dispatched to a reported house fire at 14 Gage Street around 9:45 pm on December 1st. First due Concord Engine 5 and Ambulance 5 arrived within minutes to find heavy fire throughout the garage, rapidly ex tending to the two-story house. Boscawen Fire Chief Tim Kenney arrived and struck a second alarm as reports were received of people still in the burning house. Ground ladders were thrown to the second floor and Concord's crew made an aggressive interior search under extreme heat and smoke conditions, while Boscawen's crew advanced hose lines. Crews found a male on the second floor; he was brought onto

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$4 3^ the Tower Ladder for rescue through the second floor bedroom. CPR was performed by the crew and he was pronounced at the scene. Three residents were on the first floor when they awoke to the smell of burning plastic while neighbors rushed into the house to alert them. They escaped out the front door with three out of the four dogs. The missing dog is thought to have been with the man on the second floor. Crews worked for hours knocking down the fire and over hauling the garage and two-story home. The home was a total loss. The NH State Fire Marshall was called into the scene. - JAY HEATH

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

JAY HEATH PHOTOS

Pembroke Garage Fire Contained PEMBROKE, NH - On November 21st at 11:15 A.M., fire fig h t ers responded to a call fo r sm oke com ing from the garage on Bow Lane. A utom atic m utual aid from Allenstow n and Hooksett along w ith Pem broke w as dispatched. First due A llen stow n crew s had heavy sm oke show ing from a garage attached to the house. The fire was q u ickly knocked down in the attic of the garage w ith no extension to the breezeway and the house.

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NASHUA, NH - On December 2, 2025, at 6:27 AM, the Nashua Fire Department was dispatched on a w orking fire assignm ent to 116 Vine Street fo r a reported building fire. On arrival of C4, tw o large b u ild in g s were w ell-involved in fire between Ash and Vine Streets. Second, th ird , fourth, fifth & sixth alarm s were q uickly s tru c k by com m and. Evacuation tones were sounded and all fire fig h te rs were ordered out of the buildings. The call was placed under control around 9:15 AM. Nashua Fire was assisted on scene by Hollis, Dracut, Pelham, Merrimack, Derry, Lon donderry, M ilford, Manchester, Hudson, Tyngsborough and Lowell.

January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

W here is my o ffic e ? Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh

There are lawyers that have big fancy offices with fancy large desks and try to come off with a persona to impress peoples, to make them think that they are worth their fees. Doctors have all the fancy equip ment and their certificates and diplomas. Many of the executives have offices where they do their business. Many times my role changes throughout the day, I may have a Bible in the bag to keep me grounded in my faith and be able to lead others in their faith. I may have a tablet in the bag with material on disaster, crisis, trauma and other subjects. I don’t have a place to hang my certificates or a place to keep my books. I have my comfort in the bag as well. I may have my favorite tea and emergency food. I may have pictures or trinkets that remind me of loved ones. There may be fa vorite music on the tablet and dif ferent electronic adapters and pads and pens. Sometimes I even surprise my self with what I have: a toothbrush and paste, soap, comb, binoculars, ball cap, a clown nose to help someone laugh, or a solar charger for my phone or a solar blow up light. I may carry things in the pock ets of my jacket that some people may not figure out, like Narcan, a CPR mask, ammonia inhalants.

some tools, tissues, or I don’t even know these days. Some of the others things that I have in the bag and leave there are the wakes that I have done families that have lost loved ones that I had to try to comfort, hospital visits, working with people after disasters who now have nothing in their life, working with addicts almost begging them to give us drugs so that they can watch their children grow up, not knowing that I talk with people who were thinking about taking their lives, or stuff like working with a family that lost a mother and special needs child in a fire and the mother looks like my child. These are things in my bag that get unpacked when I least expect it and it may take a while to get back into the bag. I may carry things in the pockets that some people may not figure out, like Narcan, a CPR mask, ammonia inhalants, some tools, tissues, or I don’t even know these days. I am nothing special. I am an ex perienced person who has been help ing people through challenges for about forty years. I may never re ceive recognition and few people will ever remember my name, that is not why I do what I do. I do my work because I am here to love, encourage and assist people. I need to build re lationships quickly so that I can hear things that they may not trust to tell others. My office, my life, my every thing seems to be in that bag. Most of what I have lived and learned, people may not to ever know. Let’s hear it for the chaplain bag. Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

JAY HEATH PHOTOS

Space Heater Deemed Cause o f Concord Garage Fire CONCORD, NH - A t 2:45 PM on N ovem ber 13th, C oncord fire fig h te rs were dispatched to a report of a garage fire on Elm Street in th e "P en aco ok S e ctio n " o f the city. A sm all 20'X30' garage had fire and sm oke show ing w ith exposures to the house. F ire figh te rs w ere hampered by hoarding co n d itio n s all around th e p ro pe rty and the garage. The cause o f the fire w as determ ined to be from a space heater that w as left unattended insid e the sm all garage. The fire w as q u ic k ly knocked dow n and there w ere no injuries.

PATRICK KERRIGAH

O utbuilding Fire in Nashua NASHUA, NH - Nashua firefig hte rs extinguished an o utb uildin g fire on October 25th. C4 and Engine 6 arrived to find heavy fire show ing from the outb uildin g w ith no exposures. Two engine com panies and a ladder com pany had the fire knocked down in a short am ount of time.

IN SERVICE I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in o u r In S e rv ic e fe a tu re , p le a s e u p lo a d th e m o n o u r w e b s ite w w w . 1s tR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m o r e m a il th e m to

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HASHUA FIRE RESCUE

Nashua Fire Rescue Responds to Ruilding Fire on Diamondback Avenue NASHUA, NH - Nashua Fire Rescue crew s were dispatched on October 3rd to 34 Diam ondback Avenue fo r reports of a b uilding fire. M ultiple u nits responded q uickly to the scene to contain and extinguish the blaze. Residents are reminded to remain cautious and to report any signs of fire immediately to ensure q uick emergency response.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

PAGE 19

Columbia Southern Awards Fire Officer as Outstanding Fire Service Professional ORANGE BEACH, AL - JeanPaul Royea of the Brookline, New Hampshire Fire Department, was re cently named the 2025 Outstanding Fire Service Profes sional by Columbia Southern University Jump to fiie# (CSU). “I chose to enter 111225121 the fire service be cause I really wanted to be part of some thing where I could leave a lasting im pression during my short time in this beautiful place we call home,” he explained. The Vermont native said the youth program Fire Explorers is what got him hooked on fire service. “I served as the first captain of this post and honestly, I owe every thing to this post for getting me into the service. I also served on the Cen ter Harbor and Ashland fire depart ments before joining Brookline in 2007.” He served as an on-call fire fighter before becoming full-time in 2016 in Brookline. During his serv ice, Royea has been an advocate for education, and he has trained many firefighters. Currently, he is planning to launch a professional develop ment assistance program for fire fighters in the Northeast in 2027. “I wanted to start this nonprofit because I have seen the benefit of fire service conferences and classes; but have witnessed just how cost prohibitive they can be. And truth fully, the departments and firefight ers that would most benefit from such conferences simply cannot af ford to go,” he said.

V is it us online fo r more news around the sta te s. w w w .1rbn.com

The intention is to generate enough proceeds from events to allow firefighters to apply for funding assistance to attend other confer ences. He added that departments could apply for funding to have speakers come to them as well. Royea, who is currently seeking a bachelor's degree in fire administra tion with a concentration in fire in vestigation, said his knowledge has grown exponentially since attending CSU. He added, “It has helped open doors that I may have otherwise never been able to.” Regarding the award, Royea said he is truly humbled to win. “While I may be the recipient of this, I owe everything to my mentors

who took me under their wings and taught me everything that I know. This is more of a reflection of their commitment to growth of the fire service than it is about my achieve ments,” he said. The Outstanding Fire Service Professional of the Year award was established as part of National Fire Prevention Week and to recognize CSU fire service students and gradu ates for their commitment to fire safety, professionalism and their ac complishments in the industry. For more information about CSU, visit ColumbiaSouthem.edu. - COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

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PAGE 20

January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

16-Year-Old Pelham Resident Leads S tatew ide In itia tiv e

NORTH HAMPTON FIRE & RESCUE

North Hampton Responds to Vehicle Fire Extending to Structure NORTH HAMPTON, NH - On Saturday afternoon, November 8th, North Hampton Fire & Rescue was dispatched to Juniper Road fo r a reported vehicle fire w ith extension to a structure. A utom atic m utual aid was requested immediately. Crews ar rived to find a pickup tru ck in the driveway fu lly involved, w ith heavy fire extending into the garage and reaching the second flo o r of the residence. A ll o ccupants had safely evacuated before the fire departm ent's arrival. Firefighters deployed tw o hose lines and w orked to bring the incident under control. The fire was contained to the garage, the e xterior of the home, and the A/B corner of the attic.

WINDHAM, NH - Windham Fire Department and Emergency Management thanked Mayra Gillis and her mother, Jessica, for donating several sensory kits. Mayra, a 16year-old Pelham res ident and volunteer with New England Disabled Sports at Loon Mountain, has been designing and donating sensory kits to first responders across the state to help them interact with children and adults who may struggle to commu nicate. Her initiative began after a plush animal helped her relax after an emergency situation earlier in life. Mayra was recently highlighted on WMUR for her efforts. The packages contain noise cancelling earmuffs, communica tion cards, whiteboards and markers, cuddly toys, fidgets, stress balls, sunglasses, and fleece blan kets. Each Windham ambulance will now carry these tools to help respon ders de-escalate stressful situations and improve communication with people who require more assistance. Those interested in receiving a kit or making a cash contribution should contact Mayra at charitablesweetheart@gmail.com. - COURTESY OF WINDHAM FIRE DEPT. AND EMERGENCY

WINDHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

NASHUA FIRE RESCUE

Nashua Responds to Vehicle Fire Following Crash on Ledge Street NASHUA, NH - Nashua Fire Rescue responded on O ctober 16th to a m otor ve h icle accident in the area of 165 Ledge Street. R esponding u n its included Engine 2, Engine 6, Lad der 2, C4, and ALS10. Upon arrival, crew s fo un d one o f the ve h icle s involved w ith fire show ing from the engine co m partm ent. F ire figh te rs q u ic k ly e xting uishe d th e flam es and w orked to secure the area. M inor in ju rie s w ere reported, and Engine and Ladder 2 rem ained on scene to isolate haz ards and a ssist w ith cleanup. The cause of the fire is under inve stiga tion .

JAY HEATH PHOTOS

One Dies in Concord Fatal Fire CONCORD, NH - On November 1st at 3:30 AM, Concord firefighters were dispatched to 2 Rhodora Crt. fo r a life line alert o nly to discover the house on fire. A fu ll Box Alarm was dispatched. First due Engine 5 and Am bulance 5, right around the corner, arrived to find a w orking bedroom fire on the second floor. Firefighters entered w ith a hose line and searches were conducted, and a female was found sleeping and taken out w ith no injuries. A deceased male was found in the bedroom. There were no w orking sm oke detectors and the fire is under investigation.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

PAGE 21

Live Wire Brings Additional Aspect to Bow Second-Alarm BOW, NH - Around 12:50 p.m. on November 20th, the Bow Fire Department, along with com panies from Con cord, Allenstown, Flooksett, and Dun barton, was dis patched for a reported kitchen fire located less than a minute from Bow’s station. Bow C 1 arrived to find fire showing on the porch of a single-story residence and a live electrical wire down in the drive way. Crews made a fast interior and exterior attack, knocking down most of the fire using the engine’s tank water. Just before the 20-minute mark, command requested a sec ond alarm to bring in additional manpower and water. - SEAN FESKO

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

DRILLS/TRAINING T o s e e y o u r D rills in th e n e w s p a p e r u p lo a d th e m o n o u r w e b s ite w w w .lstR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m o r e m a il th e m to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m

NASHUA FIRE RESCUE

In October, Nashua Fire Rescue kicked off a new round of roll-in training drills designed to keep crews sharp, skilled, and ready fo r any emergency. Firefighters participated in hands-on exercises focused on im proving response times, coordination, and tactical efficiency. One session featured Engines 5 and 2, Ladder 3, and Deputy Kerrigan (C-4) w orking together at the departm ent’s drill yard. These realistic scenarios help strengthen team w ork and ensure that firefig hte rs remain fu lly prepared to protect the Nashua comm unity.

NEW IPSWICH FIRE DEPT

NEWBURY FIRE RESCUE

PLAINFIELD NH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

In October, m em bers o f New Ipsw ich Fire Dept, to ok part in the firs t of tw o vehicle extrica tion training ses s io n s. F ire fig h te rs had the o p p o rtu n ity to p ractice c ritic a l rescue te chn iqu es using spreaders, cutters, and o th e r hand to o ls to gain access to ve hicles in volved in sim ulated em ergencies. Training scenarios included rem oving doors, trun ks, and roofs, as well as p erfo rm in g dashboard lifts to sim u late freeing trapped occupants.

N ew bury Fire Rescue held its m o n th ly em ergency m edical se rvice s (EMS) tra in in g , O ctober 29th. The fo cus was on recognizing and treating heart-related em ergencies. R obin Behl fro m the New H am pshire Fire A cadem y led the se ssio n and gave a detailed presentation on cardiac response procedures. A fter the classroom p ortion , p articip a nts practiced handson s k ills u sin g the Fire A ca de m y’s co m p u te r-e n hanced tra in in g m annequin. The life lik e s im u la to r allowed attendees to assess a pulse, m o n ito r a beat ing heart and lungs, and see real-tim e fe ed ba ck on th e ir perform ance th ro ug h a ta ble t interface.

Plainfield NH Volunteer Fire Departm ent trained w ith a rece ntly donated set o f Jaws rescue to ols. The equipm ent was gifted by the Reading VT Fire Depart ment, giving PVFD expanded capability fo r vehicle ex tricatio n and other rescue operations. Members spent the session learning the co n tro ls , review ing safety procedures, and operating the tools in a controlled en v iro n m e n t inside the apparatus bay.

January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

The Firehouses o f A lbany

PAGE 23

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The Firehouses of Albany By Anthony Opalka Available from: FSP Books 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, MAO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@ fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $40.00 This is a hard cover book measuring nine inches by eleven inches, with 209 pages. After the Preface, Acknowledgements and Introduction, there are four parts including the appendix. They are the Volunteer Period, the Profes sional Period and Architects and Architecture of the Albany Fire Department. The author has a col orful background surrounded mostly by urban development, ar

chitectural styles and building types. For more than 30 years he has been employed by the New York State Historical Preservation Office. In 2008 he was appointed Albany City Historian. As we probably all know, Albany is the capital of New York State. The book is intense, detailed and I could tell a labor of love. In each part it delves deep into the histo ries of each of the companies. There are numerous photos, draw ings, diagrams, portraits and tables to name a few, that help make this book such a treasure for those who have an interest in histories. A c cording to the latest stats, Albany has as their major apparatus eight engine companies, four ladder companies and a heavy rescue. It even has over 25 pages of the dif ferent architects plus pictures of firehouses without known archi tects. One note is that I remember many years ago watching a docu mentary on television about differ ent fire departments and in it Albany had a fire chief that was 92-years-old. There was a picture of him at a fire standing with a cane. This publication is of a size that it could qualify as a “coffee table book.”

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

JEFFREY RELSCHWINDER/ SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

POWNAL FIRE DEPARTMENT

Quick Response in Pownal Keeps T railer Fire Under C ontrol POWNAL, VT - Pownal Fire Department, assisted by Pownal Valley Fire Department, responded to a trailer fire on the af ternoon of November 6th. Crews arrived quickly and brought the fire under control, preventing further damage. Firefight ers completed overhaul and cleared the scene after confirm ing all hazards were contained. The incident was handled efficiently through coordinated team work between the two departments.

DUMMERSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dummerston Firefighters Knock Down Overnight RV Fire on Middle Road DUMMERSTON, VT - During the overnight hours of October 31st, the Dummerston Fire Department was dispatched to a fu lly involved RV fire on Middle Road at 11:10 p.m. Captain Houle confirmed the report on arrival and noted a small brush fire extension. A request was made for a tanker, bringing mu tual aid from the Putney Fire Department. Crews extinguished the fire and completed overhaul. Approximately 2,000 feet of hose was repacked before the scene was turned over to Brattleboro Towing and Recovery and the Vermont State Police. No injuries were reported. Units returned to service at 2:21 a.m.

Heavy Fire and Smoke Rips Through Bennington Apartment Building BENNINGTON, VT - Aheavy fire tore through a multi-story apartment building on Main Street Wednesday evening, October 8th, sending thick brown smoke into the air. One firefighter sus tained minor in juries, and a family dog later succumbed to its injuries despite rescue efforts. At approxi mately 5:28 p.m., the Town of Ben nington Fire Department was dis patched to 167 Main Street after the dispatch center received multiple 911 calls reporting a working struc ture fire. The first-arriving chief ob served heavy smoke pouring from the top floor of the building and heavy fire coming from the rear second- and third-floor porches. Command immediately conducted a 360-degree survey of the struc ture and confirmed that everyone was out of the building, but reports indicated a dog was still trapped in side. The chief requested mutual aid from the Bennington Rural Fire Department and the Hoosick Falls Fire Department in New York for their truck companies to respond to the scene. The first-arriving Ben nington engine company estab lished a water supply from a nearby hydrant and began attacking the fire from the rear of the building. As ad ditional units arrived, firefighters advanced hose lines to the upper floors, encountering extreme heat and heavy smoke. Firefighters on the third floor encountered heavy fire in the attic area and were un able to gain access. Conditions quickly deterio rated due to the heavy fire, forcing command to order all firefighters to evacuate the structure. Once out side, crews transitioned to a defen

sive operation, utilizing master streams, blitz fires, and engine deck guns to knock down the fire from multiple sides of the building. Dur ing the operation, a firefighter was injured and immediately treated on scene by the Bennington Rescue Squad before being transported to the hospital. The firefighter was later released with minor injuries. Firefighters from surrounding communities were placed on standby to cover the Town of Ben nington while crews remained on scene well into the night extinguish ing hot spots. The Bennington Po lice Department assisted fire investigators in examining the cause of the fire, which remains under in

vestigation. During overhaul operations in the early morning hours, firefighters located the missing dog inside the building. The dog was transported to a veterinary facility in Fatham, New York, but due to the severity of its injuries, was humanely euthanized. All occupants of the apartment building escaped safely, but the structure sustained significant fire, smoke, and water damage. The fire chief of the Bennington Fire Depart ment praised the coordinated efforts of all firefighters on scene for their hard work and commitment to the community. - JEFFREY BELSCHWINDER

JEFFREY RELSCHWINDER/SIDEWINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

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January, 2026

VERMONT

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Brothers & Sisters of the Emergency Services” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

FERRISBURGH VOL. FIRE DEPT.

CITY OF RUTLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT

In October, Firefighter Braden Clark officially completed his probationary period with the City of Rutland Fire Department, earning full-duty status. Over the past year, Clark trained in fire suppression, rescue operations, and departm ent procedures to meet the departm ent’s operational standards. Clark is a third-generation firefighter, follow ing in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who served as chief officers w ith the Rutland Town Fire Department, and his uncle, who serves with the City o f Rutland Fire Department.

DRIILS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

FERRISBURGHVOL. FIRE DEPT.

Ferrisburgh VFD Joins M utual Aid at Structure Fire FERRISBURGH, VT - F errisb urg h Vol. Fire Dept, was d is patched around 10:30 a.m. on November 5th to provide mu tual aid to a n eighboring co m m un ity to the north on a confirm ed structure fire. A rrivin g crews encountered heavy fire co nd itio ns th ro ug h ou t the property. F errisburgh’s tanker crew and newly placed Engine 2 established and m aintained a reliable water su pp ly to su pp ort suppression operations w hile additional personnel assisted d irectly in the fire attack. A large number o f round hay bales stored for w inter use con trib u te d to the in te n sity and length of the incident. F erris burgh fire fig h te rs w orked alo ng side C harlotte Fire Department and m ultiple m utual-aid partners to bring the fire under co n tro l and prevent fu rth e r spread to nearby s tru c tures. The response underscored the strength of interagency cooperation during rural em ergencies and reinforced Ferris b u rg h ’s o ng oing co m m itm e nt to s u p p o rtin g n eigh bo rin g com m unities whenever a call fo r assistance is made.

FERRISBURGH VOL. FIRE DEPT.

Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department cadets spent October 29th training w ith a live brush burn. The exercise focused on hose line advancement, fire attack coordination, and team work while safely man aging an active burn pile. For several cadets, it was th eir firs t tim e using air packs, adding valuable experience to their early training. The session helped build confidence and reinforce fundam entals as the departm ent continues preparing its future firefighters.

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

CANTON CT FIRE AND EMS DEPARTMENT

Canton Fire Assists Avon at Working Structure Fire CANTON, CT - As Town of Canton Fire & EMS units were re turning from the Simsbury Celebrates parade on the evening of Nov. 29th, the department was dispatched for a mutualaid response to a working structure fire in the Town of Avon. Ladder 2 responded w ith a fu ll crew, along w ith Car 1 and Car 2. At the incident, Canton firemen helped w ith overhaul, prim ary search, and vertical ventilation. All Canton units re turned to service after com pleting their assignments.

ACTION SHOT I f y o u h a v e photos y o u w o u ld lik e to se e in o u r “ A ctio n Sh o t” feature, p lea se u p lo ad th em on o u r w ebsite, w w w .lstR e sp o n d e rN ew s.c o m o r em ail th em to L in d se y @ lstR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m .

Companies rescued m ultiple victim s over ladders.

RRANDONRAFUSE

Third Alarm in Groton w ith M ultiple Rescues GROTON, CT - Around 4:54 pm on Saturday, 10/11/25 the City of Groton Fire Department with Poquonnock Bridge Truck 35 & Engine 32, Electric Boat Engine 12, Sub Base Engine 62 & Truck 65, Mystic Engine 53, Old Mystic Engine 62 and Rescue 67 were dispatched to the Groton Towers, 39 Broad Street Extension, for a structure fire with people trapped. Engine 11 arrived with smoke showing from the rear and stretched a line. Engine 32 laid in from a hydrant and established the water supply. Truck 35 positioned on the Charlie side, flew their aer-

JUMP TO FILE #101125157 *6

ial and threw ground ladders. The second alarm was trans mitted at 5:03 pm, which added Mystic Truck 55, New London Truck 2 and A200 as well as the Providence Canteen. Companies stretched multiple lines to the third and fourth floor, knocking the bulk of the fire within 30 min utes. The third alarm was struck at 5:36 pm, which brought in Ledyard Engine 11, Gales Ferry Truck

25 and Mohegan Tribal FAST. Companies worked extremely hard at this fire and removed 5 people from the building. Ambu lances responded from Groton, Mystic River, Waterford and North Stonington with paramedics from Lawrence and Memorial Flospital. The Noank and Water ford Fire Departments provided station coverage. The Groton Fire Marshal’s Of fice is investigating with assis tance from the Connecticut Fire & Explosion Investigative Unit. - RYAN FLAHERTY

FIRECHIEF33 On Saturday, October 11,2025, the Electric Boat Fire Department assisted the City of G roton at a m ulti-alarm fire located at the Groton Towers. The crew of four EB personnel responded w ith Engine D-12 and assisted the removal of num erous occupants over ground ladders.

RRANDONRAFUSE Poquonnock Bridge Truck 35 going to the roof.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

PAGE 27

CONNECTICUT

Early-Morning Garage Fire Collapses Structure in New Britain NEW BRITAIN, CT - Firefight ers arrived at 26 Buena Vista Avenue just before 6.00 A.M., on November 12th for a fully in volved detached twobay garage fire with extension to a large pine tree and threaten ing multiple expo sures. Flames were shooting 60-feet into Hie air as fire traveled from Hie garage and up and out the top of a tall pine tree. Soon after arrival, the garage collapsed. Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to several exposures in Hie area, including a nearby home. The cause is imder investigation.

MICHAEL CARENZAJR Firefighters advancing a line to protect exposures.

MICHAEL CARENZAJR

- MICHAEL CARENZA JR

The C onnecticut Fire S ervice Experience Canine Saved from W illim antic House Fire WILLIMANTIC, CT - At 8:37 am on Friday, 10/10/25, the Willimantic Fire Department with Mansfield Squad 107 and Uconn Tower 122 as the FAST were dis patched to the cor ner of Fairview Street and Grove Street for black smoke coming from a home. WW Dis patch said they were taking multiple calls with reports of a ca nine still in the residence. Truck 101 cleared a gas call and arrived at 8:38 am with a working base ment fire. Car 201 arrived shortly after and transmitted the second alarm which added the Windhams, Co lumbia Squad 105 FAST with Ambulance 505 and Scotland Am bulance 616. Engine 201 stretched a line to the rear and directly into the walk out basement. Another member from Engine 201 stretched a line through the front door, while Engine 301 estab lished the water supply. South Windham Engine 204 stretched a line to the second floor and re moved a canine named "Marsh mallow" . The Willimantic Fire Mar shal’s Office is investigating. - RYAN FLAHERTY

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KENNYMACLURE W illim antic Engine 201 stretched lines into the basement and the firs t floor.

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES

V ehicle News

FAIRFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT Members of the Fairfield Fire Department and Fairfield Police De partm ent participated in the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield Field of Valor trib u te honoring local veterans.

CHUCKLOWE The South K illin g ly FD, in K illingly, recently to o k d elivery o f a 2025 E-One C yclone QMax 2000/1000/30F that w ill be assigned to Engine 165.

AVON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

CHUCK LOWE Attawaugan FD, in Killingly, recently placed a 2024 Dodge Ram 3500/Wildland Warehouse 200/200 in service.

AVON VOLUNTEERFIRE DEPARTMENT

Avon Tanker Supports Burlington Fire in Early-Morning Response AVON, CT - Avon Volunteer Fire Departm ent Tanker 20 re sponded as part of Task Force 54 ju st before 4:00 a.m., De cem ber 1st, to assist w ith a stru ctu re fire in B urlington. First-arriving crews found heavy sm oke and visible fire in the roof area of a large residential building. With lim ited hydrants in the neighborhood, the water supply was a key part of the operation. Avon firefighters supported Burlington and mutualaid com panies by sh uttling w ater to engines w orking at the scene. M ultiple ladders were placed, and coordinated interior and exterior w ork helped keep the fire contained to the upper section of the home. Crews remained on scene through the early m orning fo r hot spot checks. No injuries were reported.

FIRECHIEF33 The Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton, C onnecticut is proud to announce the arrival of a brand new 2025 Wheeled Coach b uilt on a Chevrolet G4500 chassis w ith 170” Type III ambulance.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

PAGE 29

CONNECTICUT

Early-M orning House Fire Destroys Home on Pond Road in Franklin FRANKLIN, CT - At 1:43 am on Saturday, November 1st, the Franklin Fire Department with Baltic Tanker 124, Bozrah Ladder & Tanker 126, Lebanon Tanker and Hose Tender 106, Yantic Engines 32 & 33, Norwich FAST and American Medic 24 were dis patched to 7 Pond Road for a house fire Baltic Tanker 124 arrived at 1:56 am with a fully involved res idence that was already collapsing. Tanker 124 positioned in the drive way and stretched a 2.5” hose line and an 1.75” hose line to protect a vehicle and garage. Franklin En gine 125 arrived next and stretched a line to the front. Crews operated in a defensive posture and had most of the fire darkened down in about 45 minutes. Water supply was set up using a manifold at the bottom of the driveway. Additional tankers re sponded from Scotland, Lisbon, East Great Plain and Laurel Hill. The home was a complete loss and the Franklin Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. - RYAN FLAHERTY

Submit D rills item s three ways

RYAN FLAHERTY Firefighter Genest wetting down the exposures.

RYAN FLAHERTY Norwich Battalion Chief Curtin.

RAYNOR GARAGE DOORS

^Every Second c0u Count on Raynori GARAGE DOORS

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

IN SERVICE I f you have photos you would like to see in our In Sendee feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@ lstResponderNews.com.

DANBURY, CT FIRE DEPARTMENT

Q uick Response in Danbury C ontrols P ickup Itu c k Fire DANBURY, CT - On T hu rsda y m ornin g, N ovem ber 13, the Danbury Fire Departm ent arrived at a car fire on Holley Street. When Engine 23 got there, a p icku p tru c k w as com pletely en gulfed. W ith the help o f crew s from Car 30, Squad 21, Engine 24, and Truck 1, the fire w as e xting uishe d in a m atter o f m in utes. No inju rie s w ere recorded. The cause o f the fire is being looked into by the Fire M arshal's Office.

CHUCK LOWE

S o u th b u ry Tanker 11 o pe ra te s w ith a 2023 In te rn a tio n a l HV613/4 G uys 1000/2800. A tw in to th is a pp a ra tu s is a ssig ne d to Tanker 10.

0RAN££

CHUCK LOWE

Orange Engine 33 runs w ith a 2022 Spartan ERV FC94 1500/1000/15F. RYAN FLAHERTY

Farmer Loses Hay in Baltic BALTIC, CT - A t 10:25 am on Saturday, 10/25/25, the Baltic Fire Department was dispatched to Elm Street near Main Street fo r hay burnin g on a trailer. A t 10:28 am, the Lisbon Fire Depart m ent w as a lso added. Car 54 signed on and requested the Occum Fire Departm ent. Engine 124 arrived at 10:34 am and stretched (two) 1.75” hose lines. Tanker 124 arrived next and nursed th e ir engine. ET-154 established the w ater supply from a hydrant on th e co rn e r of Elm & Main. O ccum Engine 42, Taftville Engine 21 and Scotland Engine 116 p rovided m an pow er fo r overhaul.

CHUCK LOWE

C entral Village FD, in Plainfield, operates a 2024 Peterbilt 567/Pierce 2000/3000 as Tanker 197.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

PAGE 31

CONNECTICUT

STILL IN SERVICE I f y o u h a v e p h o t o s y o u w o u l d l ik e t o s e e in o u r “ S till in S e r v i c e ” f e a t u r e , p l e a s e u p l o a d t h e m o n o u r w e b s i te , w w w . l s t R e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m o r e m a i l t h e m t o L i n d s e y @ l s t R e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m

BRIOGEPORT, CT FIRE OEPARTMEHT

Bridgeport Fire Raises $7,665 fo r Breast Cancer Support CHUCK LOWE

W allingford Tanker 7 operates a 2002 Freightliner FL80/4 Guys 250/2000.

BRIDGEPORT, CT -T h e Bridgeport Fire Department reported that its Pink Pledge fu n d ra isin g drive raised $7,665 fo r the Norma Pfriem Breast Center. The departm ent honored com m unity members, fam ilies, and supporters fo r th eir co n trib u tio n s th ro u g h o u t the m onth of October. Lieutenant Mohammed Khan received special attention fo r his co ntin u ous involvem ent in the fund ra ising drive, as did Firefighter Scott Whalen, w ho designed th is year's sh irt. The agency stated that the rob ust response dem onstrates its ongoing com m itm ent to fu n d in g local cancer treatm ent and aware ness activities.

CHUCK LOWE

Lebanon Tanker 106 operates th is 1996 International S-2674 6x4/Central States 1500/2500.

HURWALK FIRE UEPARTMEHT

Norwalk Firefighters Honored for Forbell Drive Rescue

CHUCK LOWE

C olchester runs th is 1992 Kenworth/4 Guys 750/1800/50B as Tanker 128.

NORWALK, CT - Two m em bers of the Norwalk Fire Depart ment were honored in October at the C onnecticut Exchange C lub’s annual Firefighter of the Year Awards. Captain Mark Franzen and Firefighter Colin Curran received recognition for their heroic actions during a 2024 house fire on Forbell Drive, where they successfully rescued trapped occupants from the burning home. The pair were recognized fo r their quick ac tio n s and team w ork durin g the incident, w hich exem plified the professionalism and dedication of Norwalk’s firefighters.

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

DRIILS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@ 1stResponderN ews.com

NEWTOWN HOOK & LADDER

Car Blaze Near Fuel Pumps in Newtown Prevented by Rapid Response NEWTOWN, CT— On O ctober 2nd, Newtown Hook & Ladder responded to a car fire near gas station fuel pum ps on. The situ atio n's risk was raised by the first-arriving police officer's co nfirm a tion o f the car's closeness to the pum ps. W ith o u t any injuries, the fire was put out after crews acted s w iftly and coordinated their efforts. BALTIC FIRE ENGINE CO. #1

MEMORIAL BOARD I f your department has photos you would like to see in our “ Memorial Board” feature please upload them on our website www. 1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@ 1stResponderNews.com

BALTIC, CT - On October 12th, as part of continuing training for their drivers and equipment, members o f Baltic Fire Engine Co. #1 perform ed a pum ping d rill at the Main Street pond. W orking the pump panel, creating a draft, and controlling the water supply under circum stances akin to those at rural fire scenes were the main objectives of the exercise. In order to become a qualified engine driver, m em bers m ust com plete th is training. Firefighters practiced setting up and m aintaining a constant water flow, resolving typical problems, and coordinating with other on-scene units during the session. The departm ent recognized FF/EMT Kyle Genest and FF/EMT Tim Johnson fo r com pleting their driver q ua lifica tion s on Engine-Tanker 124 and Engine-Tanker 224.

SHELTON FIRE DEPARTMENT The Shelton Fire D epartm ent m ourned the death o f Past C hief Daniel M udry o f the A nsonia Fire Departm ent, w ho w as also an active member o f the Seym our Fire Departm ent. Chief M udry was w ell-know n in the Valley fire se rvice and rem ained a close friend o f many Shelton firem en. D uring his 10 years as Chief, he was appreciated fo r h is sim ple, "o ld -s c h o o l" a ttitu de as w ell as the c o n s is te n t lea de rship he provided to th ose w ith w ho m he w orked. C hief M udry's influence extended far beyond his home departm ents, and his passing leaves a co nsiderable vacuum in the Valley's em ergency services com m unity. The Shelton Fire De partm ent expresses its heartfelt condolences to the M udry fam ily at th is d iffic u lt time.

NORWALK FIRE DEPARTMENT The Norwalk Fire Departm ent held a week of collaborative training on Glover Avenue alongside Nor w alk Hospital EMS and Norwalk Police Departm ent officers. O fficers worked together during rescue and em ergency response d rills, learning synchronized ta ctics in realistic scenarios. According to the departm ent, the collaboration im proves cross-agency team w ork and allow s fo r more e fficien t and safe operations during real-world crises. Crews comm ended all partners for their ongoing co lla bo ration and dedication to serving the com m unity.

January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

CONNECTICUT

FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, wmv.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

COLCHESTERFIRE

Second Alarm S tru ck fo r C olchester Fire

NEWCANAAN FIRE CO. NO. 1 The New Canaan Fire Company No. 1 has recognized Firefighter Jake for achieving an important milestone in his fire service career. Jake recently completed the Firefighter I certification, successfully passed his probationary board, and is now qualified as an interior firefighter.

LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

COLCHESTER, CT - At 11:38 PM on Thursday, Decem ber 4th, the Colchester Fire De partment with Bozrah Engine 126, Gardner Lake Tanker 127, Hebron Truck & Tanker 110, Lebanon En gine 206 & Tanker Jump to file# 106 with Columbia 120525125 Squad 105 FAST & Tanker 105 were »<0 dispatched to 195 North Pond Way for a house fire. Engine 128 arrived at 11:45 PM with heavy fire from the Delta side and transmitted the second alarm. The second alarm added Salem Engine 121, Marl borough Engine 117, East Hamp ton Engine 112 and Bozrah's Ladder 126. Engine 128 stretched two lines and began fire attack while Tanker 128 nursed them. Truck 128 backed into the driveway and set up for defensive operations as fire consumed the home. Car 128 had command and told Engine 328 to establish the water supply on Windham Avenue. Fire was impinging on (two) 100-gallon propane tanks, so a crew cooled and secured them. Ambulance 628 provided standby coverage while crews worked outside in the 15 degree weather. Oakdale covered Colch ester Headquarters while Portland covered Westchester. The Colch ester Fire Marshal's Office is in vestigating. SALEM FIRE

CHUCKLOWE - RYAN FLAHERTY South Killingly FD, in Killingly, runs this 2006 GMC C5500/KME 300/300 that was refurbished in 2022 by Bulldog Fire Apparatus.

Fire spreading into the garage.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

PAGE 35

MASSACHUSETTS

PETERL0B0

Two-Car Crash in W altham w ith E xtrica tio n NATEARNOLD WALTHAM, MA - A report of a crash on November 26th at Lex ington and Curve Streets had Waltham Rescue 1, Engine 2 and Medic 1 responding. On arrival, there was a two-car crash with one car into a pole. Rescue 1 had to extricate the driver of the black car. An ambulance from Weston re sponded to assist Waltham. One person was sent to Newton Wellesley Hospital Hospital, the second was taken to Lahey Hospital.

Smoke rises from the attic as crews work at 3 Delmor Ave.

Fire Claims Life of Town Resident: Destroys Home in Wilbraham WILBRAHAM, MA - An early evening structure fire de stroyed an occupied two-story home and claimed the life of the homeowner on Friday, November 21, 2025 in this Eastern Hampden County town. Just after 8:00 p.m., Wilbra ham Regional ECC began receiv ing multiple 911 calls reporting the home at 3 Delmor Avenue as fully involved. Wilbraham fire crews arrived in minutes to find an occupied two-story Cape Cod style home with heavy fire venting from three out of four sides and si-

JUMP TO FILE #112425100

multaneously initiated a recall of off duty personnel and struck the second alarm to get more man power to the scene. Neighbors told fire crews the homeowner was disabled and still inside the building, and crews made entry with hand lines. Sadly, the man had already succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead-on-scene. Crews from Wilbraham, Lud

low and We stover Air Reserve Base then set about knocking down the remaining fire and over hauling the building. The homeowner was the only person inside at the time of the fire and no other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Wilbra ham Fire and Police Departments, the State Fire Marshals office and, due to the fatality, the office of Hampden County District Attor ney Anthony Gulluni. - NATE ARNOLD

MVA with Fire in Waltham WALTHAM, MA - A report of a traffic accident on November 25th at Main and Pleasant Streets sent Rescue 1 and Medic 1 responding. Upon arrival, Rescue 1 found two cars into each other, with one car on fire. Rescue 1 requested Engine 2 and had to remove one car in order to access the fire. One person was transported to Newton Wellesley Hospital with unknown injuries. NATEARNOLD

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January, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

MASSACHUSETTS

OLD AND NEW If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Old & New” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey @1 stResponderNews.com

Pelham Fire Department has taken deliver of a new 2025 Helie/Freightliner 3500-gallon tanker with a Hale 1250 sidekick pump. This truck is replacing a 1990 Walker/Freighliner that has served Pelham for 35 years.

PROVIDED BY DENNIS NAZZARO 2025 Helie Tanker K. LEGER

Early-Morning Fire in Fall River FALL RIVER, MA - In the early morning hours of November 28th, firefighters responded to 25 Pulaski Street for a working fire. Engines 2, 4 and 5, along with Ladders 2 and 4, and Heavy Rescue 1 responded. Engine 4 arrived on scene and reported heavy smoke showing with heavy fire on the B, C sides of the raised ranch style home. Based on the information from the first engine, Command called for an additional engine company to respond and Engine 9 was dis patched. All occupants were reported accounted for and safely out of the building. Firefighters made a great stop and were on scene for approximately two-and-one-half hours. PROVIDED BY DENNIS NAZZARO 1990 Tanker replaced

FUTURE 1st RESPONDERS

IN SERVICE

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Future First Responders” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Linds ey@l stResponderNews.com.

If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

IPSWICH FIRE DEPARTMENT During the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event, an Ipswich Fire Depart ment (IFD) member met a prospective young recruit accompanied by his Dalmatian “fire dog.” The encounter was a heartwarming reminder of youthful dreams and community spirit. The firefighter encouraged the aspiring recruit to keep chasing his goal, express ing hope to one day see him proudly wearing an IFD uniform.

CHUCK LOWE Boston Engine 22, located in the city's South End, operates this 2021 E-One Typhoon 1250/560/30F.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

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January, 2026

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Brothers & Sisters of the Emergency Sendees” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

MONSON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Cargo Trailer Fire Extinguished on Reimers Road in Monson MONSON, MA - At approximately 6:08 p.m. on October 19th, the Monson Fire Department was dispatched by Westcomm Regional Dispatch to 55 Reimers Road for a reported cargo trailer fire. The trailer, which contained a commercial lawn mower and several jugs of fuel, was quickly extinguished by responding crews. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

AGAWAM FIRE DEPARTMENT The Agawam Fire Department proudly announces the addition of Firefighter/Paramedic Tiana Roy and Firefighter/EMT Nolan Arbuckle to its ranks. (L to R): Mayor Christopher Johnson, Firefighter/EMT Nolan Arbuckle, Firefighter/Paramedic Tiana Roy, and Fire Chief Alan Sirois.

DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

PETER LOBO The Waltham MA Fire Department honor guard participated in Veterans Day November 11th at the Veterans Circle of Remembrance. (L to R): FF Mark Chiasson, Kyle Withycombe, Tom Leard and Deputy Scott Perry.

SOUTHBRIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT In October, the Southbridge Fire Department sent Groups 3 and 4 to the Chief Roger Belhumeur Regional Training Facility in Auburn for a full day of live-fire exercises. Firefighters trained in incident command, fire suppression, and vertical ventilation, rotating through realistic working-fire scenarios. The drill emphasized communication, coordination, and maintaining control under sim ulated high-stress conditions.

PETER LOBO On November 13th, ten Waltham firefighters and the Chiefs secretary were honored for their dedicated service at the 440 American Legion Post in Newton. (L to R): Chief Randy Mullin, FF Brian LaFort, Capt. Mark Cincotta, FF Joe Derubeis, Kevin Goddard, Matt Corbett, Marcy Demaci, Scott Muizullis, Mark Johnson, Marty Lennon, Jeff Ciccone President and Izzy Torres secretary.

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MASSACHUSETTS

DRIIIS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

NATE ARNOLD

BARNSTABLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Members of the Barnstable Fire Department participated in a hands-on training session featuring Holmatro extrication tools, hosted by Industrial Protection Services (IPS). The training allowed firefighters to gain practical experience with the latest hydraulic rescue technology, showcased as part of a demonstration for po tential new equipment to be included on the department’s upcom ing Engine 3.

BOYLSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Boylston Fire Department held a vehicle extrication training exercise that simulated a real-world car accident. Firefighters prac ticed critical rescue skills using hydraulic tools, including the Jaws of Life, to safely remove simulated patients from damaged vehicles.

Heavy damage is visible on the A/B corner of 98 Allston Ave. as crews knock down hot spots.

Early Afternoon Fire in West Springfield Sends Column of Smoke High in the Sky; Visible for Miles WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA An early afternoon fire in an occu pied one and half story Sears Bun galow type dwelling sent an impressive column of smoke hun dreds of feet in the air above the Memorial section of town and in jured a wife and her husband be fore fire crews brought the fire under control. 911 calls began coming in for 98 Allston Avenue just before 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19th, reporting a structure fire. Re sponding companies pulled into the scene to find an occupied one and a half story dwelling fully in volved. Due to several medical calls coming in just before the fire, the first due engine. Engine 1 out of headquarters, was out of service

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and the departments tower ladder arrived with only two members aboard to initiate fire attack. Fortunately, Engine company 2 arrived quickly and positioned their apparatus for an initial defen sive attack in which they opened their deck gun on the fire and knocked down a significant vol ume of fire with their on board tank water. This maneuver likely saved the Bravo side exposure building whose siding was melting off due to radiant heat and was mo ments away from igniting. Once Engine 2's tank water was depleted. Ladder l's fifteen

hundred gallon per minute pump was used as the attack pump while a water supply was established. Crews then made short work of the remaining fire and the fire was under control within 30 minutes of the arrival of the balance of the second alarm assignment. Both occupants were trans ported from the scene with signif icant injuries. Sadly, four days after the fire, the wife succumbed to her injuries in the burn unit, making this the first fatal fire in West Springfield in 2025. The hus band remains in critical condition in the ICU as of the writing of this article. Several pets also perished in the fire. - NATE ARNOLD

PATRICK KERRIGAN CAMBRIDGE MA FIRE DEPARTMENT

Firefighters from the Boston FD, Somerville FD, and Cambridge Rescue 1 participated in a Hi-Angle Rope Rescue training program, performing practical evolutions from the upper deck of a six-story parking garage. Patient movement, rope anchoring, edge transi tions, and coordinated team communication were the main topics of the training.

Aggressive Interior Attack Stops Ayer House Fire AYER, MA - Ayer firefighters arrived to find smoke and fire showing from the first floor of this dwelling on October 28th. Companies made an aggressive interior attack and had the fire knocked down in a short amount of time with no extension to the upper floor. Mutual aid from surrounding towns assisted on the scene.

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

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January, 2026

MASSACHUSETTS

CHICOPEE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Connecticut River Valley Golden Retriever Club Donates Pet Oxygen M asks

PATRICK KERRIGAN

L o w e ll F ire fig h te rs B a ttle Tw o-A larm A p a rtm e n t F ire

CHICOPEE, MA - In October, the members of the Chicopee fire department received a surprise visit from the Connecticut River Valley Golden Retriever Club. The club generously do nated pet oxygen masks for use during emergencies, enhanc ing the team’s ability to assist animals in need. Accompanying the donation were 12 friendly golden retrievers, whose pres ence brought smiles and brightened everyone’s day.

LOWELL, MA - Lowell firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from the porches on two floors of an apartment building in the evening on 11/18/25. Command struck a 2nd alarm, bringing in additional companies to the scene. Companies knocked down the heavy fire and remained on scene overhauling and checking for extension.

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A m herst F ire C rew s H indered by Low W ater P ressure as A p a rtm e n t B urns AMHERST, MA - A fire that started in a construction site quickly grew and unfortunately spread to a neighboring apartment block that housed 230 college stu dents thanks abysmally low pres sure on the fire hydrants that protected the neighborhood. At 8:27 p.m. on Friday, N o vember 7, 2025 Amherst fire crews were toned out to respond to Olympia Drive for a reported structure fire. Engine Co. 2 whose firehouse sits 500-yards North of the location advised all units that they had "fire in the sky" above the address as they were leaving quarters. Arriving on scene less than 3 minutes later, they con firmed a multiple-story apartment block under construction was fully involved. Before first water was even put on the fire, a recall of all off duty AFD personnel was sounded to bring more manpower to the scene while mutual aid was also en route. On scene however, crews encountered extremely weak pressure in every hydrant they opened as Engine 2's tank water ran dry. As crews tried to find a workable solution to the problem, including striking the second and third alarms for equip ment to include a tanker shuttle operation and using all available tank water on the subsequent re sponding engines, the fire burned the unprotected apartment block to the point of total collapse and the radiant heat soon spread the fire to the Bravo side exposure, an already occupied five-story apart ment block. The residents of this block.

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ft 39 mostly college students from UMass-Amherst, had already evacuated and were waiting in the parking lot across the street so fire crews could focus on trying to contain the damage. Once again, the low pressure hydrants slowed the fire fight and the tanker shuttle operation was only supplying enough water for a few minutes of suppression operations at a time. Olympia Drive command was forced to abandon the interior at tack as the fire took hold in the unsprinklered cockloft and ran the length of the building. The fire fighting operation then went to a long term defensive attack that ne cessitated the activation of the statewide Fire Mobilization Plan and brought in task forces from neighboring counties over the next 36 hours. The suppression operation used over one-milliongallons of water to fight the fire. So much so, that town officials had to declare a state of emer gency due to dropping water lev els and request town residents to stop all non-essential water usage to conserve water for the fire fight. The University, in conjunction with the Red Cross, worked to as sist all 230 residents displaced by the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the AFD/APD and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Crews await assignment just after the collapse of the original fire building.

- NATE ARNOLD

OUR CALENDAR IS EXPANDING We Need Your Help! NATEARNOLD

Post an event in your area at www.1rbn.com

NATEARNOLD

1st Responder Newspaper - NE

January, 2026

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MASSACHUSETTS

Vehicle News

M 4SHP&

FREET0WH FIRE OEPARTMEHT

CHUCKLOWE Mashpee placed a 2024 E-One Typhoon 1500/500/100' aerial in service as Ladder 356. It has since be come Ladder 1 because the county changed to a homogeneous numbering program.

FREETOWH FIRE OEPARTMEHT

CHUCKLOWE Mendon Engine 44 is assigned a 2024 Spartan MetroStar/Toyne 1500/1250/25F.

CHUCKLOWE Belmont has placed a 2025 E-One Typhoon 1500/510/20F in service as Engine 1.

Freetown Fire Crews Battle Two-Story House Blaze in Assonet Village FREETOWN, MA - The com munications center received re ports of smoke in a house at 34 South Main Street in the Assonet village area of town, prompting the dispatch of the Freetown Fire Department at 2:30 p.m., October 9th. The department's three sta tions received an alert. While crews were en route. Car 1 was updated by arriving po lice officers that heavy smoke was visible in the area. In response, a “working fire assignment” was called, bringing in mutual-aid from the neighbouring towns of Berkley Fire Department and Lakeville Fire Department, and dispatching the Dartmouth Fire Department District 3 to cover at headquarters. The Providence Canteen Service was also called in for crew rehabilitation. Upon arrival. Car 1 reported a large fire coming from a window in the building's D/C corner. Pets were still missing, but all of the

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Siy m 3P |

house's occupants were found. Firefighters swiftly put out the majority of the fire by advancing a transitional attack. Berkley Paramedics trans ported one resident to Charlton Memorial Flospital with minor cuts, while Fall River EMS trans ported another resident with minor bums and suspected smoke inhala tion. The residence suffered severe damage to both floors, with smoke and excessive heat noted through out. Three of the household’s five cats were found deceased, and two remain missing at this time. No firefighters were injured during the incident. The American Red Cross assisted the displaced residents. - COURTESY OF FREE TOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

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Vehicle News Plymouth placed a pair of 2024 E-One Typhoon pumpers that were given to Engines 2 & 5. They have 1500 pumps, with 1000-gallon water tanks and room for 30-gallons of foam. The department also put a 2024 Freightliner M2/E-One 500/2100 in service as Tanker 1.

PETER L0B0 Chief Randy Mullin and Waltham Mayor Jeanette McCarthy.

CHUCK LOWE Plymouth Engine 2

PETERL0B0 Mayor, area counselors and FFs. CHUCK LOWE Plymouth Engine 5

CHUCK LOWE

PETER L0B0

Plymouth Tanker 1

New Trucks in Waltham WALTHAM, MA - On October 23rd, Waltham took delivery of three new Seagrave Marauder II pumpers. Each truck carries 500-gallons of water with 1250-GPM. Engine 7 shown here will be stationed on Lake street. Engine 2 at Central station and Engine 4 Prospect street.

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January, 2026

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DRILLS/TRAINING If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

Safety First: Conducting Traffic Control When first responders bid farewell to each other (even in everyday greetings) a common phrase we use is “stay safe”. Since we all know that some of the outcomes being a first re sponder can be negative this phrase is simply wishing each other “safety” while doing the job. It is also a reminder to em ploy tactics and strategies on scene that will keep everyone safe. Although not the only first responders to employ blocking techniques to create a safe working zone such as law enforcement and EMS, firefighters play a significant role in conducting traffic con trol. Fire apparatus is often used to block traffic due to the large size and high visibility, includ ing lights on the rear and side of the vehicle. Even if fire ap paratus isn’t the first on scene they are often used to replace smaller units such as law en forcement and/or an ambu lance. The reason being that a larger and heavier apparatus can withstand another vehicle crashing into it without com promising the created safety zone behind it for other first re sponders. One key element to increase the effectiveness of an appara

tus blocking traffic are using cones. These devices have several positive effects includ ing extending a safety zone, warning oncoming traffic well in advance and collapsing and reducing traffic in speed and drivable lanes. Cones should be placed at a distance be tween that is consistent with the speed of the roadway. They should also be placed at an angle that as mentioned re duces the roadway and directs traffic away from an emer gency scene. Arguably one of the most diffi cult aspects of traffic control isn’t the actual act of directing traffic but rather balancing pri orities between the different first responder factions. This is not to say that the priorities of one supersede or that all first responder types don’t have the same concerns; that safety is the number one prior ity. That said, EMTs are going to be more focused on patient care while law enforcement may be more focused on al lowing traffic to flow (if an ac cident occurs during rush hour). Adding in that any fire services present may be fo cused on any hazmat issues such as fuel leaks and the real or potential for a vehicle fire. The trick is to align as many

PROVIDED

Traffic control conducted at a MVA involving a state trooper, just south of the twin bridges on the 1-87 northway, in July 2020. The trooper survived after being hit by a drunk driver in a rented Penske truck.

priorities as necessary and/or possible without compromis ing first responder safety. The key to any overlapping pri orities is not putting your de partment in a compromising position from the start. Part of that lies on fire officer knowl edge of the district they serve. At any given traffic scene, it is up to an officer to place appa ratus at appropriate locations to allow and reroute traffic to get around an accident scene. Clearly, this is not always pos sible but knowing your district will increase safety while at the same time allow traffic to flow with minimal disruption. The bottom line the fewer vehicles that go through an accident scene the safer that scene will be. While some inconvenience is bound to happen, I’m not going out on a limb by saying “too bad” to the driver bur dened by having to take a slightly longer route to get their favorite cup of Joe. In my experience though the vast majority of people have their priorities straight and willingly cooperate with any traffic con trol efforts. However, it doesn’t take long for patients to run thin and everyone to start honking and getting out of control. It is imperative then to keep the situation under wraps from the moment you arrive. One other way to minimize any traffic flow issues thus in creasing safety is to let any traffic control device do the work for you. If firefighters di rect traffic contrary to a traffic light as an example it will con fuse drivers resulting in a very quick downward spiral in co operation between traffic con trol and the public. Let’s face it traffic control isn’t exactly a glory detail but it does require a considerable amount of focus with any lapse in judg ment or planned strategy po tentially resulting in first responders getting injured. Be cause of the sustained focus and the fact that a given traffic accident may require several hours of personnel it is neces sary and imperative that offi cers establish a rotation of firefighters to direct traffic making sure that appropriate PPE is worn in accordance with department SOPs.

THOMAS MARRA

A car fire in Delmar. Traffic control was an issue on a busy stretch of highway, so an apparatus was used to block the roadway.

As with all fire scenes good communication is a must. Mak ing sure that all personnel have a radio (if working in pairs at least one has a radio) will allow better traffic man agement. This is especially true when a roadway becomes partially shut down and re duced to one-way traffic. Hand signals can work but most of the time firefighters on traffic duty cannot see each other. In addition to apparatus place ment and knowledge of your district it is also important for an officer to know the person nel available. Some depart ments have a dedicated unit called “Fire Police” that often drill on their own and have ex tensive knowledge of a given district. Fire Police can thus advise an officer on best prac tices for blocking and traffic control often deploying their own traffic control devices and equipment. This link shows a number of blocking techniques that can be utilized in various

situations, https y/youtu. be/M u 5wUlmo1 Ow?si=FZ3M1099ma Q759nw In addition to being directly in volved in traffic control and blocking firefighters can also do so preemptively. Working with parking enforcement to minimize incidents of blocking fire hydrants and fire lanes firefighters can set the stage for clear and safe working areas by ensuring that both of these zones are ready to go. In spite of the fact that there are literally hundreds of SOPs that address blocking situa tions across the country there is one universal truth. The fact that at any given scene there will be someone that will ig nore, “not see” (all the flashing lights) or think the situation doesn’t apply to them and will try and go through or around all the apparatus, personnel and other traffic control de vices. Stay Safe everyone. -JOSEPH CEA

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