The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 214 emergency incidents during the month of April 2008 including 34 Box Alarms and 180 Still Alarms. April, particularly the end of the month was very dry and firefighters were kept busy with outside brush and grass fires.
On April 28th Firefighters battled an intense and stubborn chimney fire at a home on Newhall Court. Under the direction of Captain Paul J. Pronco, firefighters were able to confine the fire to the chimney itself, minimizing damage to the home interior.
The fire department responded to 5 mutual aid requests during April, including Melrose (1), Saugus (3), and Lynnfield (1). Wakefield Firefighters assisted Saugus Firefighters in battling a ferocious 3-alarm fire on April 24th that resulted in several occupants being rescued by firefighters over ladders. The department received mutual aid from Stoneham (1) and Melrose (1) during April.
Fire Department activities during the month of April included:
- Training on a new set of air pressure operated rescue-lift bags.
- Pre-fire plan tour of the YMCA building renovations and the Rockledge Apartment complex on Bartley Street.
- Training with the department’s Boston Whaler rescue boat at Lake Quannapowitt.
- Started our annual hose testing program.
The department received another generous donation from The Savings Bank in the amount of $2,500.00 that will be used in conjunction with grant(s) to purchase / upgrade the departments hydraulic and air powered rescue tools, aka the “Jaws of Life”. We are grateful for the private support and assistance during these tough financial times.
Firefighter Robert J. Brown was granted a civil service – lateral transfer to the Chelsea Fire Department, effective on April 20, 2008. We wish Firefighter Brown good luck in his new endeavor.
The Wakefield Firefighters Union held their third annual Retirement Party on April 25th. At this event, the department honored recent retirees Captain John F. Brown, Jr. and Firefighter Russell C. Berube. Also recognized for dedicated service where Captain Richard Smith (35 Years), Chief David Parr, Lieut. Kevin Carney, Firefighters Jerry McCullough, Gene Doucette (30 years), Firefighters Tom Curran, John Riley and Rick Cardavelli (25 years) and Firefighter Dan Sullivan (20 years).
