The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 242 emergency incidents during the month of July 2007 including 45 Box Alarms and 197 Still Alarms. The fire department responded to 6 mutual aid requests during July, including Saugus (1), Melrose (1), and Lynnfield (4) including responses to 2 serious house fires. The department received mutual aid once during July, that being from Lynnfield.
Firefighter Shawn Hudson resigned from the Wakefield Fire Department on July 5, 2007 for personal / medical reasons. Firefighter Hudson was appointed to the Wakefield Fire Department on July 1, 1999 and was an excellent member of the department. We wish Shawn good health and good luck in his future endeavors.
The fire department was actively involved in the annual Fourth of July celebration in Wakefield, including the morning events on the Common, the parade and in particular the safe discharge of the evening fireworks. Although the weather wasn’t picture perfect, the annual celebration went well with no significant incidents.
Captains Michael Sullivan, David Myette, Paul Pronco and Lieutenants Kevin Carney and Randy Hudson all completed the Incident Command System – 300 – 24 hour training program during July. All fire department officers are required to complete this program before September 30, 2007 and the remaining officers are scheduled to attend in mid-August and early September.
Training activities during July included:
- Drill with the Hydrant Assist Valve
- Drill using the Ladder Pipe on Ladder 1
- Drill with the Aerial ladder and the 35’ extension ladder
The department also had the opportunity to conduct various training evolutions at the vacant Montrose Ice Cream building at 518 Salem Street, including sprinkler operations, forcible entry and ventilation.
The Fire Chief was able to take 2-weeks of vacation during July, and many thanks to Captain Paul J. Pronco who served as Acting Fire Chief during this period.
