I am pleased to present the Annual Report of the Wakefield Fire Department for calendar year 2021. The department had a very busy year dealing with both emergencies and the construction boom taking place around town. The Department responded to 3,999 emergency calls during 2021, an increase of just over 7 percent from the previous year.
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to make an enormous impact on the Department during 2021 on both a financial and personal level. Approximately one-third of the Department’s members either contracted COVID-19 or were quarantined because they were in close contact with individuals who were infected. This dramatically increased overtime expenditures, as quarantined members had to be replaced by others on an overtime basis. The increases in shift staffing levels during the COVID-19 surges also increased overtime expenditures significantly as the staffing increases were filled by members working overtime.
Department members assisted the Wakefield Board of Health and Emergency Management Departments at numerous COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Wakefield during 2021. The Department received a federal reimbursement from FEMA of almost $400,000 for overtime expenditures made during Fiscal Year 2021. The Department responded to 915 emergency calls where patients infected with COVID-19 were either confirmed or strongly suspected. Federal and state resources continue to play a vital role in defraying some of the financial costs of the virus to the Department, including overtime expenditures. There is no question that the pandemic will continue to financially affect the Department in 2022.
The Wakefield Fire Department continued to receive financial aid in the form of grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during 2021. The Department secured a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant in the amount of $1.1 million to fully fund the salary and benefits for four additional full-time firefighters for the Town of Wakefield or a period of three years. Four firefighters were hired and sworn in on May 19 as a result of this SAFER grant. This SAFER grant is in addition to a 2018 SAFER grant already awarded to the Department to staff one full-time firefighter for salary and benefits at a 75 percent level for two years and a 35 percent level for the third year (2022) for a total award of $195,229. The department is currently in the third year of this 2018 SAFER grant. A third federal grant in the form of a COVID-19 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $4,300 was awarded and expended on medical equipment and supplies related to the pandemic.
An additional AFG grant for $10,910 funded 90 percent of the training costs for an instructor-led program regarding the use of Firefighter Personal Escape Systems (bail-out kits) that would permit them to quickly exit a burning building via an exterior window. This training was held in May of 2021. A state Fiscal Year 2022 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant for $13,735 was awarded to the Department to fund a new battery-operated hydraulic rescue too. An additional state grant worth $2,500 will fund the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator for the department. Funding is also anticipated to provide reimbursement for personnel and PPE supply costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Federal and state financial aid continues to serve a vital role in funding resources the department needs to carry out its public-safety mission.
Emergency Incident Response
During 2021, the Wakefield Fire Department responded to 3,999 emergency incidents, including 3,598 still alarms and 401 box alarms. Wakefield had no civilian fire deaths in 2021. The Department responded to three incidents in 2021 requiring a multiple-alarm response. Firefighters, led by Captain Brian Purcell, responded to a reported house fire at 360 Water Street during the early morning of January 31. They found a fire in the front bedroom of the single-family residence, which was set back from the street at the top of a steep driveway. Hose lines were deployed quickly knocking down the fire. A second alarm was struck due to the zero-visibility conditions inside the home as well as the sub-freezing temperatures, approximately five degrees Fahrenheit. The second alarm brought engines from Stoneham, Melrose, and Reading to the scene along with a North Reading Ladder truck.
The residence was vented of smoke and heat with no further fire extension encountered beyond the front bedroom and hallway. The cause of the fire was determined to be due to a transfer of heat through a clean-out door to the rear of the fireplace, which opened directly into a bedroom closet. Combustible storage in the closet was ignited by this heat conducted through this clean-out door. The two occupants of the home and their pet dog escaped the fire unharmed. Two firefighters were injured in falls due to the icy conditions present outside the home. The occupants of the home were displaced for an extended period as a result of the fire. A Saugus and Woburn engine company as well as a Lynnfield ladder company covered Wakefield Fire Headquarters during the fire.
Wakefield’s second multiple-alarm fire of 2021 occurred at 26 Crystal Street during the afternoon of February 23. Firefighters, led by Captain John Walsh, responded to a report of a house fire at 3:40 p.m. They arrived to find a fire in the rear of the basement extending into the first floor. A second alarm was struck at 3:50 p.m. for extra manpower, bringing companies from Reading, Stoneham, Melrose, and North Reading to the scene. Several hose lines were deployed, bringing the fire under control in approximately 60 minutes. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, most likely due to the electrical failure of a household appliance in the rear of the basement. The sole occupant of the home at the time of the fire was able to exit the residence without injury. The couple living in this home was displaced for an extended period of time. No firefighters were injured during this fire. A Saugus and Woburn engine company as well as a Malden Ladder truck covered Wakefield Fire Headquarters during the fire.
The third and final multiple-alarm fire of 2021 occurred on December 5. Firefighters, under the command of Captain Randy Hudson, responded to a report of a structure fire at the Colonial Point Apartments, 95 Audubon Road, at 11:25 a.m. The fire was reported by an occupant of apartment 302, who discovered the fire after returning home from doing errands. The building’s fire alarm system activated at about the same time. Firefighters responded to the third floor and encountered a heavy smoke condition inside apartment 302 cause by a kitchen fire. The building’s sprinkler system had activated inside the unit, keeping the fire from spreading, but not completely extinguishing it. This was due to its location underneath cabinets located above the stove. Firefighters connected to the standpipe system in the stairwells and advanced two hose lines down the corridor and into the apartment. There was zero-visibility inside the apartment due to the heavy smoke.
Captain Hudson struck a second alarm as smoke poured into the third-floor hallway and the nearby stairwell, bringing engines from Melrose, Stoneham, and Reading and a North Reading ladder truck to the fire. The main fire inside the apartment was knocked down in about 20 minutes. Chief Sullivan struck a third alarm at 12:18 p.m, bringing additional engine companies from Saugus and Woburn and a Lynnfield Ladder truck to the fire. These resources were used to vent the building of smoke and check for the presence of carbon monoxide. The incident was finally brought under control by 3:13 p.m. The fire was confined to the kitchen of apartment 302 with the remaining apartments on that wing of the third floor as well as several apartments on the lower floors suffering smoke and water damage. Approximately a dozen building occupants were displaced as a result of this fire. Building management found shelter for the individuals at the nearby Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Audubon Road with the assistance of the American Red Cross and Wakefield’s Emergency Management Director Thomas Walsh. There were no injuries to any building occupants during the fire. One firefighter received a serious cut to his hand that required follow-up care at an area hospital. The remainder of the occupants of the 178-unit building were able to remain in their apartments.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in the vicinity of the Apartment 302’s kitchen stove. A Malden engine and ladder company as well as a Middleton engine covered Wakefield Fire Headquarters during the fire.
Personnel
As of December 31, 2021, the Wakefield Fire Department consists of 56 personnel: The Fire Chief, a Deputy Fire Chief, five Captains, including a Captain assigned as a Fire Prevention Officer, 12 Lieutenants, 36 Firefighters, and one civilian Administrative Assistant. The year 2021 brought several personnel changes to the Wakefield Fire Department. Lieutenant Louis Sardella retired on January 7 after serving the Department for 27 years. Firefighter Erik Cole was appointed as a Permanent Lieutenant on February 4 to fill Lieutenant Sardella’ s position. Lieutenant Robert Taggart retired from the department on June 28 after serving for more than 32 years. Firefighter Steve Bivens was promoted to Permanent Lieutenant on August 5, 2021, to fill Lieutenant Taggart’s post. Lieutenant Robert Ford passed away on October 24. Wakefield Firefighter Arthur Fennelly was appointed as Permanent Lieutenant on December 15 to fill Lieutenant Ford’s vacancy.
The Department was devastated by the loss of Wakefield Fire Lieutenant Robert Ford, who died in the line of duty on October 24. Lieutenant Ford died after a courageous 14-month battle with colon cancer, which has been classified as an occupational cancer for firefighters. Lieutenant Ford was 48 years old and a 16 year member of the Department. He leaves behind his loving wife Michelle and their three children, Robert, Caroline, and Michael. He was laid to rest on October 29 after a full Fire Department wake and funeral befitting his service with the Wakefield Fire Department. He was a dedicated firefighter who showed up for every shift with a positive attitude, ready to work for and serve his community. We will all deeply miss Rob, his warm smile, and his enthusiasm for the job that he truly loved. Rest in Peace Rob. We will carry on from here remembering your strength and courage as a worthy example to follow.
The Wakefield Fire Department officially increased its minimum staffing level per shift from ten to eleven firefighters on October 18. This is the first staffing increase in the Wakefield Fire Department in more than 50 years. The new staffing level allows the Department to staff its aerial ladder truck with three members at all times. This staffing level is being significantly funded for the first three years via a federal Department of Homeland Security SAFER staffing grant worth $1.1 million that was awarded to the Department in December of 2020. A steady annual increase in emergency responses combined with the recent construction boom with its many large-scale residential developments in Wakefield have placed a strain on available Department resources. The increased staffing level will help the Department meet its mission of providing the citizens of Wakefield with the best and most efficient fire protection possible.
Apparatus and Equipment
Annual Town Meeting in May of 2019 authorized $700,000 for the purchase of a new 1250-gallon-per-minute pumper for the Department. The bid was awarded to Seagrave Fire Apparatus with an expected delivery date near the end of 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic resulted in plant closures and significant production delays. The anticipated completion date was pushed to May of 2021. A final inspection of the pumper was conducted in Clintonville, Wisconsin on May 10-12. The engine was delivered in late June and was put in service on August 25 at the Greenwood Fire Station as the new Engine 2. The former Engine 2, a 2000 Seagrave pumper, was renumbered as Engine 4 and remains at the Greenwood Fire Station as a reserve pumper. The Department received funding for two capital projects for Fiscal Year 2022. The first was for $62,500 to purchase 30 portable radios and the second was for $57,500 in upgrades to the fire alarm notification and communications equipment at Wakefield Fire Headquarters. The Department took position of 56 new portable radios (26 were funded out of the FY21 capitol budget) during the summer and fall of 2021. These portable radios have been programmed and delivered to all members of the Department. The fire alarm notification and communications equipment are currently being installed at Wakefield Fire Headquarters. All the Department’s pumper engines, fire hoses, ground ladders, air compressor, and breathing apparatus were inspected, tested, and certified during 2020. The aerial ladder for Ladder 1 was also inspected and certified. All breathing apparatus face pieces were also fit-tested during the year to ensure their proper operation.
Training
The Department participated in many training programs this year, including programs offered by the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and outside vendors. Department members participated in many online training programs, especially those related to the continuing education requirements of their Emergency Medical Technician certificates. The Department conducted training on the following topics as:
- Practiced water and ice rescue procedures at Lake Quannapowitt and Crystal Lake, including the operation of the two fire boats owned by the Department.
- Reviewed high-rise firefighting procedures, including the use of standpipe systems.
- Conducted annual training with the Department’s hydraulic rescue tools, including the “Jaws of Life,” hydraulic rams, jacks, and air bags.
- Practiced aerial ladder pipe set-up procedures for the ladder truck.
- Participated in a table-top exercise on active-shooter procedures held at the Sheraton Colonial on June 8.
- Reviewed procedures involving the use of the Department’s multi-gas detectors and responses to carbon monoxide, natural gas, and propane-related emergencies.
- Practiced chimney fire procedures and related operations.
- Reviewed emergency dispatch and radio procedures.
- Participated in an instructor-led training on procedures for operating firefighter self-rescue rope repelling (bail-out) kits presented by representatives from Northeast Rescue Systems.
- Took part in emergency medical training classes sponsored by Cataldo Ambulance as part of the Department’s Emergency Medical Technician continuing education program.
- Conducted building familiarization tours of new or renovated buildings at 168-178 Albion Street, 69 Foundry Street, 301 North Avenue, and 27-37 Water Street. The construction site at 168 Albion Street was also toured several times by on-duty groups.
- Participated in a class on blasting procedures offered by the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy for Department members working blasting details.
- Took part in a live instructor-led class taught by well-respected fire instructor Michael Dragonett, on proper procedures necessary to rescue occupants of stalled elevators.
- Participated in a practical active-shooter drill at the Wakefield Memorial High School on October 23 involving Wakefield Police, Fire, School, DPW, and Emergency Management Departments.
- Conducted search and rescue drills and firefighting procedures on vacant buildings at 102 New Salem Street, 500 Main Street, Tarrant Lane, and the Hurd School.
Recruit Firefighters Richard Bruno, Samuel Carr, Charles Curran III, John Panzini, and Jarrod Fitzpatrick were enrolled in Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Recruit Training Class # 295 on July 26. They successfully completed the ten-week program and graduated as fully trained firefighters on October 8, 2021. Captain Paul Pronco and Firefighter Steven Bivens continue to be active members of the Northeast Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team, and Lieutenant Michael Long continues to be an active member of the District 2 Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Fire Prevention
The Department conducted 416 fire inspections in the community between July and December of 2021 by on-duty firefighters operating on a ready-to-respond basis. These in-service inspections also help familiarize Department members with the floor plans and hazards associated within these buildings prior to an emergency situation. An additional 79 quarterly inspections of school buildings, nursing homes, hotels, and boarding homes were also conducted by on-duty firefighters. Captain David Shinney, the Department’s Fire Prevention Officer, conducted 61 inspections related to local and state licensing of restaurants, liquor stores, assembly halls, group homes, day care centers, and after-school programs. He completed 221 compliance inspections during 2021 to ensure that any potential violations or hazards previously discovered were corrected. The compliance checks also allow emergency business contacts for these properties to be updated, resulting in faster notification of property owners during an emergency.
The year 2021 continued to reflect a significant construction boom in Wakefield. The Fire Prevention Bureau closely monitored and completed final inspections for an 81-unit apartment building located at 69 Foundry Street, a 184-unit apartment building at 168 Albion Street, a 12-unit apartment building at 301 North Avenue, and a 34-unit apartment conversion at 27 Water Street. Construction is presently under way on a new 19-unit apartment building at 581 Salem Street and a 16-unit apartment building at 259 Water Street. The Department conducted approximately 54 on-site inspections of construction sites during 2021. Plans have been submitted in 2022 for large apartment buildings on Crescent Street, Foundry Street, Hopkins Street, Quannapowitt Parkway, North Avenue, Salem Street, and Water Street. The Department conducted reviews for approximately 142 sets of plans during 2021, including dozens of residential additions, new homes, and commercial tenant fit-ups.
Fire Prevention Officer Captain David Shinney and Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Purcell fill a vital role in the Wakefield Fire Department. The Department can’t function properly without these two administrative positions. The Deputy Fire Chief also serves as the Department’s executive officer, assuming command of the Department in the absence of the Fire Chief. The Deputy coordinates training, develops new policies and procedures, and helps to prepare the operating budget. The Deputy also coordinates the maintenance of the Department’s fire stations, equipment, and vehicles. The Department was not able to conduct any fire station tours or participate in any classroom visits or guest reader days this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fire drills were conducted at each school facility whenever possible. Multi-hazard evacuation drills were postponed until the spring of 2022 out of concerns that social distancing could not be maintained.
Conclusion
I am grateful to the community and especially the Town Council, Finance Committee, and Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio for their ongoing support during the year. As Wakefield enters 2022, my goals are to closely monitor the Town’s ongoing major construction projects, provide quality training programs for Department members, and identify funding resources such as additional grants to assist in the Department’s equipment and training needs. I would like to thank all the members of the Wakefield Fire Department, the Wakefield Police Department, all other Town Boards, Committees, and Departments, and the citizens of Wakefield for their continued support and assistance.
Respectfully submitted,
Chief Michael J. Sullivan
Wakefield Fire Department
Also see the Statistical Report 2021
