The first qualified Emergency Medical Technicians in the department, effective June 13, 1974, Captain Robert S. Abraham, Lieutenant Charles J. Classen, Firefighters Richard J. Goodwin and Paul M. Malonson.
On September 26, the town contracted with Maxim Motors of Middleborough, MA for a 1250 8pm pump at a cost of $70,638, minus $1,000 for trade-in value on Engine 5. Also included as a 100-foot aerial ladder truck at a cost of $119,681.
A spectacular two-alarm fire transmitted at 11:33 P.M. on Saturday, October 5, destroyed the large vacant “Castle Clare” on Acorn Avenue. The cause of the fire in the frame structure was vandalism.
On December 17, a suspicious fire received at 11:27 P.M. destroyed the laundromat and cleaner at 25-29 Tuttle Street. A second alarm was required to contain the spectacular fire in the 1889 building, formerly the Upper Depot Station of the Boston and Maine Railroad.
For the year 1974, there were 418 box alarms and 1,389 still alarms, for a total of 1807 alarms, including 15 multiple alarm fires.
The first granite memorial monument of the Wakefield Fire Department was unveiled on Sunday, June 8, 1975 in Lakeside Cemetery on North Avenue. The 9 A.M. ceremony dedicated the monument to those who have served and those who have made the supreme sacrifice.
Construction began on Monday, September 8 for the one-story with basement, brick-veneered addition to the Central Fire Station for the new offices of the Fire Chief. This addition was completed on April 15.
Also, during September, 1975, and continuing through the rest of the year, the C.D. Auxiliary Fire Department members remodeled the old one-story, three door, frame and concrete block section attached to the rear of the Central Station into their headquarters. This remodeled area then housed the 1954 Reo-Boyertown rescue and the 1972 Ford-Morysville Lighting Plant.
On December 4, 1975, the new Maxim 1250 8pm pumper was delivered and went in service as Engine 1 on December 19. This is the first automatic diesel powered engine company to be purchased. It had a 500-gallon tank and carried 1000 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose and 800 feet of 3 inch hose and 250 feet of 3/4 inch booster hose. It also contained a 40-gallon foam tank.
The 1956 Mack pumper was reassigned as Engine 5 and relocated to the Greenwood Station as a reserve engine. Engine 3 was put in reserve status at the Central Fire Station on December 19.
