The Wakefield Fire Department responded to 244 emergency incidents during the month of June 2008 including 45 Box Alarms and 199 Still Alarms.
The most serious incident handled by the fire department during the month of June was a 2-alarm house fire at 10 Evans Place in Greenwood on June 29, 2008. Evans Place is a very steep and narrow street off Oak Street, which presented a significant problem in accessing this fire with our equipment. This combined with a serious house fire and hot, muggy weather conditions resulted in the Incident Commander Captain Paul Pronco to transmit a second alarm for additional resources. Firefighters did an excellent job under difficult conditions controlling this fire and limiting damage to the home.
The fire department responded to 3 mutual aid requests during June, including Melrose (2) and Lynnfield (1). The department received mutual aid 6 times in June, from Stoneham (2), Reading (1) Melrose (1), North Reading (1), and Lynnfield (1).
Fire Department activities during the month of June included:
- Aerial – ladder pipe training
- Hydrant Assist Valve training
- Conducted several end-of-year school visitations
- Participated in the annual Firefighters Memorial Sunday Services at Lakeside Cemetery
- Participated in the annual Fireman’s Muster held at Edgewater Park on June 14th
The department received another generous donation from the Smurfit Stone Corporation in the amount of $7,000 which will be used to purchase a new technology Thermal Imaging Camera for Engine 2 at the Greenwood Fire Station. We are grateful for the private support and assistance during these tough financial times.
The June report represents the last report that I will submit as your Fire Chief, as I will be using accrued vacation in August and retiring from the Wakefield Fire Department on September 5, 2008. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Town Administrator Steve Maio, retired Town Administrator Tom Butler, all the members of the Boards of Selectmen, Finance Committees, and especially, firefighters past and present and the residents of Wakefield for their support over my 30+ year career. It has been an honor to serve as your Fire Chief and I am grateful to the Town of Wakefield for providing me with a fruitful and rewarding career.
