Effective January 1, 2015 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will have a new fire code. Massachusetts is adopting the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA-1 as its new statewide standards. Currently 20 other states have adopted NFPA-1.
Auburn Fire Rescue Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. says this change has been in the works for several years and local fire inspectors assigned to the Bureau of Community Risk Reduction, Fire Prevention Division have been preparing for the changeover. Chief Coleman says that Auburn's two fire inspectors assigned to the division have taken credentialing classes over the past year including the two day training program for familiarization of the new code. Both inspectors are also nationally certified.
Chief Coleman says that the adoption of the new code will bring much needed consistency to Massachusetts. Although there are some Massachusetts amendments to the code, it brings the state in line with many others across the country with standard fire protection measures. A major noticeable change to the code is that it shifts certain responsibilities to agencies that are more appropriate and better suited to handle certain compliance issues. One example is that the Department of Environmental Protection will have a larger role in the oversight and enforcement of underground storage tanks that would be found at a gas station.
Chief Coleman says the new code will take some time to get used to but ultimately will be a good thing for the state and the municipalities. "It will help take many of the grey areas out of the code that used to be specific to Massachusetts. It always made it difficult when you had architects and builders who were from out of state and may not have been completely familiar with Mass code. This will certainly help with standardization".
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Assistant Chief Johnson Graduates from Chief Fire Officer Management Program
12/18/14
Left to Right: Deputy State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, Assistant Fire Chief Glenn Johnson Auburn Fire Rescue Department, Fire Chief Stephen Coleman Jr. Auburn Fire Rescue Department, State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan.
Contact
Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson
508-832-7800
gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us
On Thursday, December 11, 2014, 33
fire officers from 33 communities graduated from the 21st offering
of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Management
Training Program. The thirteen-week program was developed in accordance with
National Fire Protection Association Standards for chief fire officers, and is
delivered jointly by the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management at
the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. It
is a comprehensive course providing training in the non-fire suppression aspects
of managing fire departments.
State Fire Marshal Stephen D.
Coan said, “These fire service leaders are committed to continually developing
their management and leadership skills in order to provide the highest level of
service to the communities they protect.”
Fire officers from the following
fire departments graduated in the evening ceremony: Amherst, Arlington, Auburn,
Ayer, Barnstable, Billerica, Bourne, Brockton, Brookline, Cohasset, Duxbury, Easton,
Everett, Falmouth, Holden, Lexington, Littleton, Longmeadow, Marblehead,
Massport, Natick, Plainville, Randolph, Shrewsbury, Stow, Wakefield, Wayland,
West Springfield, Westborough, Westford, Weymouth, Wrentham, and Yarmouth.
The curriculum covers a spectrum
of topics considered essential for effective public sector management. It
includes human resource management, group dynamics, leadership and legal
issues, governmental and organization structures, information management, customer-focused
strategic planning, legal aspects, budgets and public finance, community
awareness and public relations, and labor relations.
The Chief Fire Officer Management
Training Program expects to help fire officers improve their ability to lead
and manage personnel and the department, to provide skills to understand
employees’ needs and problems, to promote personal productivity, to increase
the capacity to manage both human and technical resources, and to increase
inter-agency cooperation.
Participants
are required to write a formal research paper, identifying a current problem or
challenge faced by their organization and proposing a viable solution. The
officers must then present their proposal to a mock panel of municipal
officials for their consideration.
The Massachusetts Firefighter Academy, a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers this program, tuition-free.
Left to Right: Deputy State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, Assistant Fire Chief Glenn Johnson Auburn Fire Rescue Department, Fire Chief Stephen Coleman Jr. Auburn Fire Rescue Department, State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Pedestrian Accident on Washington Street
12/11/14
Auburn Fire-Rescue Department at 4:14 A.M. on December 11, 2014 responded to the area of 139 Washington Street for a reported motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. The pedestrian involved in the accident was transported to UMass Medical Center in Worcester with life threatening injuries. The Auburn Police Department is investigating the accident.
Contact
Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson
508-832-7800
gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us
Auburn Fire-Rescue Department at 4:14 A.M. on December 11, 2014 responded to the area of 139 Washington Street for a reported motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. The pedestrian involved in the accident was transported to UMass Medical Center in Worcester with life threatening injuries. The Auburn Police Department is investigating the accident.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Hazardous Materials Release on Bylund Ave.
12/8/14
Auburn Fire-Rescue Department at 4:28 P.M. on December 6, 2014 responded to 22 Bylund Ave. for a reported hazardous materials leak. Upon further investigation the hazardous materials leak was mineral oil from an electrical transformer located on a utility pole outside the home of 22 Bylund Ave.
According to National Grid the transformer overheated causing the relief valve within the transformer to leak about 11 gallons of mineral oil onto the ground. The mineral oil was carried to into Stoneville Reservoir by the rainy conditions.
Auburn Fire-Rescue Department deployed hazardous material booms in an 80 foot area via a fire-rescue boat to limit the flow of the material within the pond. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Auburn Water District were notified of the situation. A hazardous materials clean up crew responded to the incident. Power was lost to the neighborhood for about two hours.
Contact
Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson
508-832-7800
gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us
Auburn Fire-Rescue Department at 4:28 P.M. on December 6, 2014 responded to 22 Bylund Ave. for a reported hazardous materials leak. Upon further investigation the hazardous materials leak was mineral oil from an electrical transformer located on a utility pole outside the home of 22 Bylund Ave.
According to National Grid the transformer overheated causing the relief valve within the transformer to leak about 11 gallons of mineral oil onto the ground. The mineral oil was carried to into Stoneville Reservoir by the rainy conditions.
Auburn Fire-Rescue Department deployed hazardous material booms in an 80 foot area via a fire-rescue boat to limit the flow of the material within the pond. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Auburn Water District were notified of the situation. A hazardous materials clean up crew responded to the incident. Power was lost to the neighborhood for about two hours.
SUV Strikes 2 Homes on Marianna Ave.
12/8/14
Auburn Fire-Rescue Department at 4:22 P.M. on December 6, 2014 responded to a motor vehicle that struck two homes at 3 and 5 Marianna Ave. A SUV with one driver struck a fence, utility pole and two homes. No one was injured in the incident. The Building Inspector was called to the scene to inspect for structural damage to the homes. Damage to the homes was minor and did not compromise the structural integrity of the buildings, said the Building Inspector. Auburn Police are investigating the incident.
Contact
Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson
508-832-7800
gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us
Auburn Fire-Rescue Department at 4:22 P.M. on December 6, 2014 responded to a motor vehicle that struck two homes at 3 and 5 Marianna Ave. A SUV with one driver struck a fence, utility pole and two homes. No one was injured in the incident. The Building Inspector was called to the scene to inspect for structural damage to the homes. Damage to the homes was minor and did not compromise the structural integrity of the buildings, said the Building Inspector. Auburn Police are investigating the incident.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Tanker Truck Rollover and Motor Vehicle Accident Mass Pike West
11/17/14
Auburn Fire-Rescue Department at 3:24 P.M. responded to a motor vehicle accident on the Mass Pike west behind the Auburn Mall. The motor vehicle accident involved a passenger car and a tractor trailer truck carrying 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel.
The driver of the passenger car was transported to UMass Medical Center University Campus with non life threatening injuries. The tractor trailer truck driver was not transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Approximately a minimum of 3,750 gallons of diesel fuel was spilled. The Department of Environmental Protection Agency and the Auburn Water District were notified and responded to the scene. Mass D.O.T. and the Auburn D.P.W. assisted with hazard mitigation.
AFRD is still on scene assisting with mitigation. Below are pictures for the media.
Auburn Fire-Rescue Department at 3:24 P.M. responded to a motor vehicle accident on the Mass Pike west behind the Auburn Mall. The motor vehicle accident involved a passenger car and a tractor trailer truck carrying 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel.
The driver of the passenger car was transported to UMass Medical Center University Campus with non life threatening injuries. The tractor trailer truck driver was not transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Approximately a minimum of 3,750 gallons of diesel fuel was spilled. The Department of Environmental Protection Agency and the Auburn Water District were notified and responded to the scene. Mass D.O.T. and the Auburn D.P.W. assisted with hazard mitigation.
AFRD is still on scene assisting with mitigation. Below are pictures for the media.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Poster Contest Breakfast
11/14/14
The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department will be hosting its annual poster contest breakfast Wednesday November 19, 2014 at 8:30 A.M.
The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department will be hosting its annual poster contest breakfast Wednesday November 19, 2014 at 8:30 A.M.
Every year the AFRD conducts a fire safety poster contest through the public schools for grades 1-5. The goal of the contest is to have children reflect the fire prevention theme of the year in a poster, this years theme is "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives. Test Yours Every Month!". This contest helps reinforce the important fire safety messages firefighters teach too the children in the classroom.
Each year in November the AFRD hosts a poster contest breakfast for the grade winners and overall winner of the poster contest. The overall winner receives a new bicycle.
Posters in the past were judged by a group of firefighters based on the message and artistry. This year the AFRD picked 30 posters to post on Facebook for the community to vote on. Voting was open from Tuesday 11/11/14 to Friday 11/14/14 at 10:00 A.M. The winners will be announced at the poster contest breakfast on Wednesday November 19, 2014 at 8:30 A.M. Media is welcomed at this event. Each year in November the AFRD hosts a poster contest breakfast for the grade winners and overall winner of the poster contest. The overall winner receives a new bicycle.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Auburn Fire Rescue Department Responds to a Camping Trailer Fire
11/9/14
The Auburn Fire-Rescue Department responded to 3 Arrowhead Ave. for a reported camping trailer on fire in the driveway up against the house. Crews arrived on scene to find a camping trailer fully engulfed in flames about four feet from the home. The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to the trailer which sustained heavy damage. Moderate damage was done to one side of the home's vinyl siding and windows. The camping trailer was not occupied and the home was evacuated prior to the AFRDs arrival. No injuries were reported. Pictures below may be used by the media.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Auburn Fire Rescue Department Hosting Community CPR Program
10/28/14
The Auburn Fire-Rescue
Department is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a Community CPR
program on Sunday December 14, 2014. The CPR classes that will be made available
to the public are possible due to the generous equipment donations of Dr.
Arthur and Martha Pappas and the Auburn Permanent Firefighters Local 4157.
Fire Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. said that a few years
ago the Pappas Foundation donated a number of external defibrillators to the
Town of Auburn and other places of assembly that included places of worship.
Defibs, as they are more commonly called were placed in town buildings,
including all of the schools. As part of that initiative to better improve the
chances of survivability in a cardiac arrest situation the Pappas Foundation also
purchased CPR training manikins as well as a Defib trainer that can be used to
train the public in the proper methods of delivering CPR in conjunction with a
Defib. Most recently, the department accepted a donation from the local permanent
firefighters union that allowed them to purchase all of the start-up materials
needed including books, training DVD, CPR masks and other accessories needed to
run the classes.
The CPR class, open to members of the public will be held
on Sunday December 14, 2014 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Auburn High School
in the presentation room. The cost for the program is $60.00 per person which includes
the book and a pocket mask needed to perform CPR. Chief Coleman said the cost
of the program is considerably less then some other companies that offer CPR
training. “We are not doing this as a business so we are able to keep our costs
to run a program much lower. Our goal is to provide important, quality training
that may keep a family member or someone else in the public alive” Coleman
said.
The class is limited to 30 people so early registration
is encouraged. To register for the December 14th class please call the Auburn
Fire Department at 508-832-7800 or e-mail the Community CPR Coordinator,
Firefighter/Paramedic Adam LaFlash at alaflash@town.auburn.ma.us
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Auburn Fire Rescue Department's Annual Open House
10/16/14
The Auburn Fire Rescue Department will hold its annual fire prevention open house on Saturday October
25th from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Fire Prevention Week this year is October 5th -11th
and members of the Auburn Fire Rescue Department spent the week in some of the schools
teaching children the importance of fire safety in the home and important
skills including stop, drop and roll, and how to plan an escape route from
their home. More fire safety programs are scheduled at the schools and other public events throughout October.
This
year’s open house will be held at Auburn Fire Headquarters located at 47 Auburn Street, Auburn, MA 01501. Children and adults can participate in various activities including a tour of the Fire Districts smoke house, learning the proper use of a fire extinguisher, dressing up like a firefighter, and operating a fire hose line. Informational material on fire safety will also be available.
Lieutenant Shawn Steele who heads the department’s fire prevention programs is looking forward to the event being a huge success. “We enjoy teaching fire safety through positive interactions with both children and adults" Lieutenant Steele said. The open house is sponsored through a state grant for fire education. In addition, both Papa Gino’s Pizza and the Auburn Permanent Firefighters Local 4157 donate the food and refreshments for the event each year.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Motor Vehicle Crash at Julia Bancroft School
August 27, 2014
The Auburn Fire Rescue Department responded to a single car motor vehicle crash this evening at 9:02 pm. Upon arrival crews found a pickup truck that had crashed into the main entrance of Julia Bancroft School located at 3 Vinal Street.
The driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was not transported to the hospital by ambulance. The Building Inspector was called to the scene to inspect for any structural damage. The Auburn Police Department is investigating the cause of the accident.
Contact
Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson
508-832-7800
gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us
The Auburn Fire Rescue Department responded to a single car motor vehicle crash this evening at 9:02 pm. Upon arrival crews found a pickup truck that had crashed into the main entrance of Julia Bancroft School located at 3 Vinal Street.
The driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was not transported to the hospital by ambulance. The Building Inspector was called to the scene to inspect for any structural damage. The Auburn Police Department is investigating the cause of the accident.
Contact
Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson
508-832-7800
gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Auburn Fire Rescue Launches New Media Blog
August 12, 2014
The Auburn Fire Rescue Department has launched a news media blog on it's website titled "The Press Room".
The blog is a resource for news outlets to review current and past activity of the department and to allow quicker access to post press releases. When a press release is posted the departments Public Information Office will e-mail the link to the media instead of sending a traditional press release as was done in the past. This new online format will allow the media to see the release via the web on a smart phone instead of needing products such as Microsoft or Open Office to view the release.
Releases may also be posted to our Facebook and Twitter accounts. Assistant Chief Glenn Johnson designed and manages "The Press Room". To access The Press Room visit our website at auburnmassfire.org and click on The Press Room link at the top of the page.
Contact
Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson
508-832-7800
gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us
The Auburn Fire Rescue Department has launched a news media blog on it's website titled "The Press Room".
The blog is a resource for news outlets to review current and past activity of the department and to allow quicker access to post press releases. When a press release is posted the departments Public Information Office will e-mail the link to the media instead of sending a traditional press release as was done in the past. This new online format will allow the media to see the release via the web on a smart phone instead of needing products such as Microsoft or Open Office to view the release.
Releases may also be posted to our Facebook and Twitter accounts. Assistant Chief Glenn Johnson designed and manages "The Press Room". To access The Press Room visit our website at auburnmassfire.org and click on The Press Room link at the top of the page.
Contact
Asst. Chief Glenn Johnson
508-832-7800
gjohnson@town.auburn.ma.us
Mulch Fire Safety
April 7, 2014
Spring is the traditional time for sprucing up landscaping around our buildings and this
spring will be the second with a mulch fire safety regulation in effect. The regulation
was developed in response to several significant fires in the Commonwealth involving
mulch-wood products. The most recent was this past weekend in Foxborough at the
Lakeview Pavilion, a popular wedding destination. The building caught fire after a
cigarette was discarded in the mulch. Auburn Fire Rescue Chief Stephen M. Coleman
Jr. wants to alert landscaping companies, nurseries, building owners and managers
about the proper placement and storage of mulch in order to prevent fires.
The revised regulation, 527 CMR 17 , took effect in September 2012 and prohibits
the new application of mulch within 18” around combustible exteriors of buildings,
such as wood or vinyl but not brick or concrete.
The revised regulation also has safety requirements for those who store or manufacture mulch. It limits
the size of mulch piles and requires a distance of 30-feet between piles and 25-feet from the lot line.
Large piles of mulch can easily spontaneously combust with all the heat they generate, so it’s important
to be vigilant and employ good housekeeping. The distance between piles prevents a fire in one from
easily spreading to another or to a building. Permits are required from the fire department wherever
more than 300 cubic yards of mulch is produced or stored.
Below is a safety brochure on how to prevent mulch fires. Any questions should be directed to Captain
Stephen Anderson in the Bureau of Community Risk Reduction, 508-407-7630.
Mulch FireFactor- a one-page, 2-sided educational hand-out on mulch fire safety and the regulation.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
Spring is the traditional time for sprucing up landscaping around our buildings and this
spring will be the second with a mulch fire safety regulation in effect. The regulation
was developed in response to several significant fires in the Commonwealth involving
mulch-wood products. The most recent was this past weekend in Foxborough at the
Lakeview Pavilion, a popular wedding destination. The building caught fire after a
cigarette was discarded in the mulch. Auburn Fire Rescue Chief Stephen M. Coleman
Jr. wants to alert landscaping companies, nurseries, building owners and managers
about the proper placement and storage of mulch in order to prevent fires.
The revised regulation, 527 CMR 17 , took effect in September 2012 and prohibits
the new application of mulch within 18” around combustible exteriors of buildings,
such as wood or vinyl but not brick or concrete.
The revised regulation also has safety requirements for those who store or manufacture mulch. It limits
the size of mulch piles and requires a distance of 30-feet between piles and 25-feet from the lot line.
Large piles of mulch can easily spontaneously combust with all the heat they generate, so it’s important
to be vigilant and employ good housekeeping. The distance between piles prevents a fire in one from
easily spreading to another or to a building. Permits are required from the fire department wherever
more than 300 cubic yards of mulch is produced or stored.
Below is a safety brochure on how to prevent mulch fires. Any questions should be directed to Captain
Stephen Anderson in the Bureau of Community Risk Reduction, 508-407-7630.
Mulch FireFactor- a one-page, 2-sided educational hand-out on mulch fire safety and the regulation.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
WRTA Bus Crash
June 24, 2013
A Worcester Regional Transportation Authority bus crashed into a home at 24 Swanson Rd. in Auburn
Monday night. The call was received at 5:07 p.m. On arrival there were 8 people injured from the
accident.
Ambulances from Worcester EMS, Oxford, Leicester and Auburn transported the patients to both St.
Vincent’s Hospital and UMASS University Campus. Auburn’s Rescue 1 was assisted on scene by
Worcester Fire Department’s Rescue 1. “The extrication was very lengthy and complicated”, said
Auburn Fire Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. It took an hour and fifteen minutes to remove the driver of
the WRTA bus.
At the time of the accident there was a mother and her three children in the home. They were all taken
to the hospital for minor injuries.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
A Worcester Regional Transportation Authority bus crashed into a home at 24 Swanson Rd. in Auburn
Monday night. The call was received at 5:07 p.m. On arrival there were 8 people injured from the
accident.
Ambulances from Worcester EMS, Oxford, Leicester and Auburn transported the patients to both St.
Vincent’s Hospital and UMASS University Campus. Auburn’s Rescue 1 was assisted on scene by
Worcester Fire Department’s Rescue 1. “The extrication was very lengthy and complicated”, said
Auburn Fire Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. It took an hour and fifteen minutes to remove the driver of
the WRTA bus.
At the time of the accident there was a mother and her three children in the home. They were all taken
to the hospital for minor injuries.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
Mulch Fire Safety
May 14, 2013
Spring is the traditional time for sprucing up landscaping around our buildings and this
spring will be the first one with a new mulch fire safety regulation in effect. The
regulation was developed in response to several significant fires in the Commonwealth
involving mulch-wood products. Auburn Fire Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. wants to
alert landscaping companies, nurseries, building owners and managers about the proper
placement and storage of mulch in order to prevent fires.
The revised regulation, 527 CMR 17 , took effect last September and prohibits the
new application of mulch within 18” around combustible exteriors of buildings, such as
wood or vinyl but not brick or concrete.
The revised regulation also has safety requirements for those who store or manufacture mulch. It limits
the size of mulch piles and requires a distance of 30-feet between piles and 25-feet from the lot line.
Large piles of mulch can easily spontaneously combust with all the heat they generate, so it’s important
to be vigilant and employ good housekeeping. The distance between piles prevents a fire in one from
easily spreading to another or to a building. Permits are required from the fire department wherever
more than 300 cubic yards of mulch is produced or stored.
Below is a safety brochure on how to prevent mulch fires. Any questions should be directed to Captain
Stephen Anderson in the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Investigation, 508-407-7630.
Mulch FireFactor- a one-page, 2-sided educational hand-out on mulch fire safety and the regulation.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
Spring is the traditional time for sprucing up landscaping around our buildings and this
spring will be the first one with a new mulch fire safety regulation in effect. The
regulation was developed in response to several significant fires in the Commonwealth
involving mulch-wood products. Auburn Fire Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. wants to
alert landscaping companies, nurseries, building owners and managers about the proper
placement and storage of mulch in order to prevent fires.
The revised regulation, 527 CMR 17 , took effect last September and prohibits the
new application of mulch within 18” around combustible exteriors of buildings, such as
wood or vinyl but not brick or concrete.
The revised regulation also has safety requirements for those who store or manufacture mulch. It limits
the size of mulch piles and requires a distance of 30-feet between piles and 25-feet from the lot line.
Large piles of mulch can easily spontaneously combust with all the heat they generate, so it’s important
to be vigilant and employ good housekeeping. The distance between piles prevents a fire in one from
easily spreading to another or to a building. Permits are required from the fire department wherever
more than 300 cubic yards of mulch is produced or stored.
Below is a safety brochure on how to prevent mulch fires. Any questions should be directed to Captain
Stephen Anderson in the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Investigation, 508-407-7630.
Mulch FireFactor- a one-page, 2-sided educational hand-out on mulch fire safety and the regulation.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
Auburn Firefighter Graduates State Firefighting Academy
March 30, 2013
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
Director Edmund M. Walker are pleased to announce the graduation of the 198th class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s sixty-day Recruit
Firefighting Program on March 29, 2013. “This rigorous professional training
provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs
effectively and safely,” Coan said. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
(MFA), a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers this program,
tuition-free. The ceremony took place at the Department of Fire Services in
Stow, MA.
68 Graduates from 40 Fire Departments
The 68 graduates represent 40 departments including Auburn, which graduated
Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Sheridan. The communities with graduates include
Bedford, Bellingham, Braintree, Chelmsford, Concord, Danvers, Dracut, East
Longmeadow, Framingham, Franklin, Gardner, Gloucester, Greenfield,
Holyoke, Hopedale, Leominster, Lexington, Longmeadow, Lowell, Lynn,
Mansfield, Mashpee, Melrose, Middleborough, Nahant, North Andover,
Northampton, Norton, Orleans, Plainville, Salem, Somerville, Stoughton,
Wayland, Westfield, Westford, Winchester, Winthrop and Woburn.
Guest Speaker Marshfield Fire Chief Kevin Robinson
The guest speaker was Marshfield Fire Chief Kevin Robinson. Last November a
Marshfield firefighter was trapped in a structural collapse in a neighboring town.
The immediate implementation of rapid intervention team mode and a recently
practiced May Day policy lead to a quick rescue. Chief Robinson, also an
instructor at the MFA, said, “This incident underscores that a firefighter’s
training only starts with the recruit program and continues throughout our
careers.”
Today’s Firefighters Do Far More than Fight Fires
Today’s firefighters do far more than fight fires. They are the first ones called to
respond to chemical and environmental emergencies ranging from the suspected
presence of carbon monoxide to a gas leak. They may be called to rescue a child
who has fallen through the ice or who has locked himself in a bathroom. They
rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped in vehicle
accidents. They test and maintain their equipment, ranging from self-contained
breathing apparatus to hydrants to hoses, power tools, and apparatus.
At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy they learn all these skills and more
from certified fire instructors who are also experienced firefighters. Students
learn all the basic skills they need to respond to fires and to contain and control
them. They are also given training in public fire education, hazardous material
incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, water rescue
procedures, confined space rescue techniques, and rappelling. The intensive, 12-
week program for municipal firefighters; involves classroom instruction,
physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and live fire practice.
Basic Firefighter Skills
Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice
first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To
graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and
rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire
attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple room
structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program all students
have met national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001 and
are certified to the level of Firefighter I and II, and Hazardous Materials First
Responder Operational Level by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
Director Edmund M. Walker are pleased to announce the graduation of the 198th class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s sixty-day Recruit
Firefighting Program on March 29, 2013. “This rigorous professional training
provides our newest firefighters with the basic skills to perform their jobs
effectively and safely,” Coan said. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
(MFA), a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers this program,
tuition-free. The ceremony took place at the Department of Fire Services in
Stow, MA.
68 Graduates from 40 Fire Departments
The 68 graduates represent 40 departments including Auburn, which graduated
Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Sheridan. The communities with graduates include
Bedford, Bellingham, Braintree, Chelmsford, Concord, Danvers, Dracut, East
Longmeadow, Framingham, Franklin, Gardner, Gloucester, Greenfield,
Holyoke, Hopedale, Leominster, Lexington, Longmeadow, Lowell, Lynn,
Mansfield, Mashpee, Melrose, Middleborough, Nahant, North Andover,
Northampton, Norton, Orleans, Plainville, Salem, Somerville, Stoughton,
Wayland, Westfield, Westford, Winchester, Winthrop and Woburn.
Guest Speaker Marshfield Fire Chief Kevin Robinson
The guest speaker was Marshfield Fire Chief Kevin Robinson. Last November a
Marshfield firefighter was trapped in a structural collapse in a neighboring town.
The immediate implementation of rapid intervention team mode and a recently
practiced May Day policy lead to a quick rescue. Chief Robinson, also an
instructor at the MFA, said, “This incident underscores that a firefighter’s
training only starts with the recruit program and continues throughout our
careers.”
Today’s Firefighters Do Far More than Fight Fires
Today’s firefighters do far more than fight fires. They are the first ones called to
respond to chemical and environmental emergencies ranging from the suspected
presence of carbon monoxide to a gas leak. They may be called to rescue a child
who has fallen through the ice or who has locked himself in a bathroom. They
rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped in vehicle
accidents. They test and maintain their equipment, ranging from self-contained
breathing apparatus to hydrants to hoses, power tools, and apparatus.
At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy they learn all these skills and more
from certified fire instructors who are also experienced firefighters. Students
learn all the basic skills they need to respond to fires and to contain and control
them. They are also given training in public fire education, hazardous material
incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, water rescue
procedures, confined space rescue techniques, and rappelling. The intensive, 12-
week program for municipal firefighters; involves classroom instruction,
physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and live fire practice.
Basic Firefighter Skills
Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice
first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To
graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and
rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire
attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple room
structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program all students
have met national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001 and
are certified to the level of Firefighter I and II, and Hazardous Materials First
Responder Operational Level by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
Auburn Fire Department Launches Facebook and Twitter Pages
February 25, 2013
Fire Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. has announced that the Auburn Fire/Rescue Department has
recently launched a Facebook and Twitter page that can be used during emergency situations. The
pages will be used to keep the public informed during situations like major snow storms, hurricanes,
major road closures, etc.
“We recognize that social media has become a major part of our lives today. This is another
way that our department is trying to keep the public informed about situations that may affect their
lives” Chief Coleman said. The department intends to post safety related messages periodically to
remind people of certain actions that they can take to keep themselves safe during certain seasons of
the year. “For instance we will post a reminder to change the batteries in your smoke detectors when it
is time to change your clocks. Or to shovel out fire hydrants on your property when they are covered in
snow.”
The department has been working to try and have a greater presence on the web to both assist
and inform the public on the mission of the Auburn Fire/Rescue Department. The department’s website
has had a major transformation over the past two years with the assistance of the departments web
master Firefighter/Paramedic Adam LaFlash. The site has had many upgrades over the past year with
the addition of a news section, frequently asked questions, storm safety tips, informational videos and a
section where contractors can download their necessary permits from the fire prevention section of the
site.
You can find the Auburn Fire/Rescue Department on Facebook or Twitter at auburnmassfire.
Or visit the fire departments website at www.auburnmassfire.org and click on the Facebook or Twitter
connect buttons on the home page.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
Fire Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. has announced that the Auburn Fire/Rescue Department has
recently launched a Facebook and Twitter page that can be used during emergency situations. The
pages will be used to keep the public informed during situations like major snow storms, hurricanes,
major road closures, etc.
“We recognize that social media has become a major part of our lives today. This is another
way that our department is trying to keep the public informed about situations that may affect their
lives” Chief Coleman said. The department intends to post safety related messages periodically to
remind people of certain actions that they can take to keep themselves safe during certain seasons of
the year. “For instance we will post a reminder to change the batteries in your smoke detectors when it
is time to change your clocks. Or to shovel out fire hydrants on your property when they are covered in
snow.”
The department has been working to try and have a greater presence on the web to both assist
and inform the public on the mission of the Auburn Fire/Rescue Department. The department’s website
has had a major transformation over the past two years with the assistance of the departments web
master Firefighter/Paramedic Adam LaFlash. The site has had many upgrades over the past year with
the addition of a news section, frequently asked questions, storm safety tips, informational videos and a
section where contractors can download their necessary permits from the fire prevention section of the
site.
You can find the Auburn Fire/Rescue Department on Facebook or Twitter at auburnmassfire.
Or visit the fire departments website at www.auburnmassfire.org and click on the Facebook or Twitter
connect buttons on the home page.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
Gas Leak at 567 Southbridge Street, Heritage Mall
February 12, 2013
The fire department responded to a report of a gas leak this morning at 567 Southbridge St., the
Heritage Mall. The fire department arrived at the commercial building that houses multiple businesses
at 5:46 am and the presence of natural gas was very strong and could be smelled in the parking lot.
The gas leak was reported by staff from the Heritage Coffee shop when they were opening for
business. The fire department had to force entry into the Great Expressions Dental Center that is
located in the center of the Heritage Mall, which was getting readings of natural gas on a meter of
dangerous levels. Staff from the entire complex that was just arriving to work was evacuated from the
building.
The gas leak was caused from large amounts of snow and ice that had been removed from the
roof yesterday and landed onto the distribution meter at the rear of the building and damaged it.
NSTAR officials were on scene and shut the gas off to the building until the meter can be repaired.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
The fire department responded to a report of a gas leak this morning at 567 Southbridge St., the
Heritage Mall. The fire department arrived at the commercial building that houses multiple businesses
at 5:46 am and the presence of natural gas was very strong and could be smelled in the parking lot.
The gas leak was reported by staff from the Heritage Coffee shop when they were opening for
business. The fire department had to force entry into the Great Expressions Dental Center that is
located in the center of the Heritage Mall, which was getting readings of natural gas on a meter of
dangerous levels. Staff from the entire complex that was just arriving to work was evacuated from the
building.
The gas leak was caused from large amounts of snow and ice that had been removed from the
roof yesterday and landed onto the distribution meter at the rear of the building and damaged it.
NSTAR officials were on scene and shut the gas off to the building until the meter can be repaired.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
Firefighters Train in Icy Conditions
January 7, 2013
The members of Auburn Fire Departments Group 2 took to the ice on Auburn Pond next to Fire
Headquarters on Monday morning for ice rescue training. The group conducted simulated drills of
rescuing people both from the water, and as if they were stuck on the ice.
Firefighters are urging residents to stay off of the ice at this time. “It is not safe; the ice on
Auburn Pond was just over an inch thick. There are too many variables that go into what makes solid
ice, and makes ice safe.” Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. said. Our recommendation is to utilize public
options such as the skating rink at the Veterans Park, or Horgan Arena.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
The members of Auburn Fire Departments Group 2 took to the ice on Auburn Pond next to Fire
Headquarters on Monday morning for ice rescue training. The group conducted simulated drills of
rescuing people both from the water, and as if they were stuck on the ice.
Firefighters are urging residents to stay off of the ice at this time. “It is not safe; the ice on
Auburn Pond was just over an inch thick. There are too many variables that go into what makes solid
ice, and makes ice safe.” Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr. said. Our recommendation is to utilize public
options such as the skating rink at the Veterans Park, or Horgan Arena.
Contact: Chief Stephen M. Coleman Jr.
508-832-7800
scoleman@town.auburn.ma.us
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