The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 233 emergency incidents during the month of February 2008 including 55 Box Alarms and 178 Still Alarms.
On Sunday evening, February 17th at 8:50 PM firefighters were called to 39 Melvin Street where they found a working fire burning in a third floor kitchen area. Under the direction of Acting Fire Captain Kevin Carney, firefighters made quick and excellent work of the fire containing it to the rear of the third floor. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.
The fire department responded to 7 mutual aid requests during February, including Melrose (2), Saugus (2), Lynn (2) and Reading (1). The department received mutual aid from Stoneham and Reading during February.
Fire Department activities during the month of February included:
- Review training on our Standard Operating Procedures for water & ice rescue incidents
- Quarterly inspections of nursing homes, schools and lodging houses / hotels
- Training with self contained breathing apparatus and our Rapid Intervention SCBA equipment
Wakefield Fire Lieutenant Joseph G. Riley was promoted to Fire Captain on February 1, 2008. Captain Riley replaces Captain John F. Brown who retired in January. Captain Riley has been assigned as the Fire Prevention Officer. To fill new Captain Riley’s Lieutenant position, Firefighter Robert J. Taggart was promoted to Fire Lieutenant, also on February 1st. Lieutenant Taggart has been assigned to the Greenwood Station on Group 3.
John T. Mercurio of 47 Oak Street, Wakefield and Clifford P. Silva of 1 Furness Circle Wakefield were appointed Permanent Firefighters effective on February 28, 2008. The new firefighters replace Captain Brown and Firefighter Russ Berube who retired in October of 2007. Their appointment brings the department back to its budgeted authorized number of 46.
It was with regret that the Fire Department – Dive Rescue Team was disbanded during February, due to budgetary issues. There simply has not been any funding, nor does there appear to be funding in the future for the important and necessary ongoing training required by the Dive Team to remain proficient. The department appreciates the hard work performed by the members of the Dive Rescue Team while it was active.
