Well wishes to Stoneham Firefighter Sean Fitzgerald and members of the U.S. Army's 181st Infantry as they leave for Afghanistan. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers for a safe return home.

MY LIEUTENANT, MARK CHABAK, MADE THIS WEEKS' FINALS FOR THE REGIS AND KELLY FIREHOUSE COOKOFF. TO VIEW HIS VIDEO AND VOTE FOR HIM, VISIT CLICK HERE.

Gorham, Maine has ordered a heavy rescue vehicle from Ferrara. It will be on an Intruder II chassis with a 22' non walk-in heavy duty extruded aluminum body.

Harpswell, Maine has awarded the bid for a 4 wheel drive International CAFS pumper to Ferrara.

Massport Fire/Rescue at Logan Airport- The Meteghan River boatbuilding company A. F. Theriault & Son Ltd. has been awarded a contract to build a 79-foot, aluminum high-performance fireboat for the Massachusetts Port Authority. This vessel will replace the existing Marine One fireboat at Logan International Airport. The expected delivery date for this new boat is in June 2011.

Princeton, MA has purchased Oxford's former 1979 Hahn reel truck to temporarily replace Engine 2 (1980 Farrar).

Saugus, MA has ordered a Pierce Arrow pumper which will replace Engine 1. Delivery is expected in the spring.

Worcester, MA has awarded the bid for a TDA ladder truck to Smeal Fire Apparatus at a cost of $899,919.00.

Well wishes to Georgetown firefighter Cameron Moyer who is enlisted in the US Army and is in the 507th Firefighting Detachment. He and his group are on their way to Afghanistan. Cam's father, Russ Moyer, is a Deputy Chief for Georgetown Fire. Thoughts and prayers go out to all members of the military serving over seas for a safe return.

Bedford, NH has on order a new Ford F-350 4x4 Forestry unit being built by North American Fire Equipment. They also have on order a new International chassis which will be used to refurbish Tanker 2.

Cambridge, MA has appropriated funds to purchase a 1250 GPM pumper to replace Engine 4. They are also in the process of hiring 7 or 8 firefighters.

Lynn, MA Fire has begun the rotating "brown outs" of Engines 9, Engine 7,and Tower 4. One piece will go out for eight days at a time.

Lynnfield, MA- Thomas Bogart a Retired Lynn FD Lieutenant and Lynnfield call firefighter was recently appointed Fire Chief in Lynnfield. This is the first time since 1978 that the town has had a dedicated fire chief. The prior chief, Paul Romano, was both police and fire chief until his retirement last year.

Quincy, MA Fire has laid off 5 firefighters and demoted 6. They will "brown out" Engine 8, Ladder 2, and Rescue 1 as necessary.

Scarborough, ME has received a grant of $448,000 to hire 4 firefighters.

Hingham, Quincy, and Weymouth Mass have received a federal grant for $2 million that will be used to purchase boats, cameras, and underwater recovery equipment that will be split between the 3 communities.

Hollis, NH has on order a Spartan/Dingee pumper that is scheduled to be delivered sometime in the fall.

Lawrence, MA has laid off 23 firefighters and closed Engine 9's firehouse at 161 Bailey Street. This leaves the city with 72 firefighters staffing 2 engines, 1 quint, 1 ladder, and 1 rescue.

Merrimack, NH has on order a Sutphen pumper that will be delivered in late July/early August.

Milford, Maine Fire Department has ordered a Maxim Brush Truck from Greenwood Emergency Vehicles. The truck will be built on a Ford chassis and have a Waterous CAFS unit. This truck was funded by an AFG grant and will replace the departments current 1970 Military 6x6. Delivery is expected in December.

Westport, MA is set to open their new fire headquarters station on Hixbridge Road in a few weeks. A grand opening and dedication ceremony is scheduled for July 30th at 11 AM.

Belchertown, MA selectment voted unanimously to hire four full time firefighters and merge the Ambulance Department in with the Fire Department. Hiring is expected to take place within the next week or so.

Beverly, MA- Almar Boats is nearing completion of a 30' fireboat with 1250 GPM pump. Delivery is expected at the end of July.

Boston Engine 51 has temporarily moved in with Engine 41/Ladder 14 while their quarters are being renovated.

Burlington and Lowell, Maine Fire Departments have officially started operations. The departments came into existence after the Triangle Fire Company that served both towns ceased operations. Howland and Lincoln Fire Departments have been covering the towns while they were putting together fire departments.

Framingham, MA has on order a Spartan/Rescue 1 heavy rescue which will replace the 1991 Pierce. It is expected sometime in July and will be the first Framingham piece to be painted in a black/red color scheme.

Georgia, VT has broken ground on their new fire station located on U.S. 7 north of the town offices. Currently, the fire department shares space with the highway garage.

Hampton, NH - correction - selectmen voted down a request to staff a second ambulance full time. They will continue the practice of calling back members to staff a second ambulance when the primary ambulance is transporting a patient. Sorry, I had originally posted they voted down to use call back to cover a 2nd ambulance.

Lewiston, ME has awarded the bid to Pierce for a new 2010 Pierce Arrow pumper to replace Engine 5.

Rockland, MA- Scott Duffey has been named as the interim Fire Chief.

Waterbury, CT FD has received a federal grant for $144,960 to be used towards the purchase of equipment.

Weymouth, MA has laid off 5 firefighters due to a budget defecit.

Williston, VT has placed into service a pair of ambulances and has assumed the EMS duties for that town. The town has previously been served by St. Michael's Rescue or Essex's ambulance for EMS transports.

Worcester, MA has put out to bid a 100' TDA. Bids are due by 7/19.

Amherst, NH- The board of Selectmen have named Deputy Chief Mark Boynton of the Keene NH Fire Dept as the new Amherst Fire Chief.

Dorset and East Dorset, VT Fire Departments recently received a grant of $37,052 for thermal energy efficiency retrofits of the two fire stations.

Fall River, MA has received a federal grant for $10.8 million over two years to increase staffing levels back to 232 firefighters.

Plymouth, NH signed a contract with E-One for a 95' remount platform with 2000 GPM pump and 300 gallon tank.

The Swampscott, MA Fire Department has named Captain Kevin Thompson as acting chief.

Warwick, RI's mayor has ordered Engine 2 shut down with the crews dispersed as a cost saving measure. It is not known at this time if this is a permanent closure or if this is a temporary measure.

CT- the legistlators have passed a bill that would consolidate dispatch centers for towns with a population of 40,000 or less. The governor still needs to sign off on the bill and cities and towns would have until 2016 to work out how the dispatch centers would operate.

Belmont, NH- David Parenti has been appointed as the new fire chief.

Etna, ME- the board of selectman voted to stop automatic mutual aid to other towns in a cost cutting measure. They will still allow mutual aid if requested.

Lebanon, ME voters rejected the article that would appropriate funds to purchase a new fire truck.

Milford, CT hopes to finalize an acquisition agreement within the next month for a piece of land on New Haven Avenue that would become the site of a new $4 million fire station.

North Andover, MA has appointed Andrew Melnikas as the new fire chief.

Rocky Hill, CT- After 15 years of work, firefighters have turned the department's original firehouse into a museum. It is located at 35 Church Street and is currently only open by appointment. You may make an appointment by calling 860-258-7603. Admission is free.

For those interested, Boston Jakes Apparel, www.bostonjakes.com, is now up and running? They're designing high quality Boston Fire t-shirts at reasonable prices and is run by Boston Firefighters.

Enfield, CT Fire Dist 1 has received a federal grant for $59,310 that will be used for equipment and training.

Exeter, RI- the former Ladd School at 162 Main Street will become the site for the new RI Fire Academy and State Police Headquarters.

Kingston, MA received funding to rechassis and refurbish modules of the 2002 and 2004 PL Custom ambulances. Yankee Fire Rescue, the PL Custom dealer, was awarded the bid.

Westfield, MA has received a federal grant for $268,581 to hire firefighters.

The Willimantic, CT Fire Department received a federal grant for $263,083 to address staffing needs.

AMR has been awarded the Manchester, NH 9-1-1 ambulance contract effective 1/1/11.

Boston put out a re-bid for a fireboat. Currently the department has on order 3 engines and 2 ladders.

Brentwood, NH has broken ground on their new fire station at the junction of routes 125 and 111A.

Burlington, MA: Steven Yetman has been appointed as the new Fire Chief.

Chelsea, Maine has received a donated pumper from a NY area FD. It is a 1988 Spartan/E-One with 1000 or 1250 GPM pump and 1000 gallon tank.

Derry, NH has appropriated funds to purchase a pumper to replace Engine 1.

Fitchburg, MA has received a federal grant for $389,516 that will be used to hire firefighters.

Gilford, NH: Fire Chief James Hayes has retired after 30 years on the job.

Hampstead, NH has received a grant for a new Quint that will take the place of the current Engine 2, Engine 3, and Tower 7.

Holden MA voters approved the purchase of a ambulance.

Hopedale, MA has approved to spend $180,000 to purchase a new ambulance. The fire dept will be keeping the current ambulance for 2nd medical calls.

Northbridge, MA has received a federal grant for $100,000 to purchase new bunker gear.

Plymouth, MA has received a $627,000 federal grant that will allow them to hire 5 firefighters and keep all of their stations open.

Westborough, MA voters approved the purchase of new ambulance for Medic 1. It will be aFord E-450/Horton.

Arlington, MA has appropriated funds to make repairs to the Headquarters Station. A number of problems plague the station including leaks that are leading to damage and strong mildew odors.

Derry, NH received a federal grant for $265,000 that will be used towards work needed at three of the town's fire stations.

Goshen, CT has on order a Pierce pumper.

Hollis, NH is expecting a Spartan Metro/Dingee pumper next month. This will be the last piece of apparatus that was part of a 3-vehicle deal.

The Jonesboro, ME Fire Dept has opened a substation in Roque Bluffs. It houses a tanker and a forestry rig.

New Fairfield, CT has received a $579,210 federal grant that will be used in conjunction with a $250,000 state grant to significantly reduce the amount of tax payer funds needed for their new radio system which costs 1.2 million dollars.

New Haven, CT has received nearly $600,000 in federal grant money to replace their air packs and medical equipment.

Pittsfield, MA has received a $427,000 grant to hire 4 firefighters.

Portsmouth, NH has opened their new Station 2 located down the street from the old station at 3010 Lafayette Road. It houses a medic unit in addition to Ladder 2 and Tower 5.

Saugus, MA voters approved $730,000 to replace Engine 1.

Scotland, CT has received a grant that will be used to purchase a pumper.

Shrewsbury, MA- James M. Vuona has been appointed as the new Fire Chief.

Waterbury, VT- voters approved funds to replace both the Town and Village fire stations.

Woburn, MA has purchased a 1986 Mack CF/Pirsch that had previously served Wakefield and Reading. It is assigned as Engine 6 and will be utilized as a reserve engine.

Hampden, MA has received a federal grant to purchase a new radio system.

The Hianoland Fire Company in West Greenwich, RI has received a federal grant for $57,000 that will be used to purchase new protective equipment and for training.

Hopkinton, MA has appropriated funds to purchase a pumper.

The North Cumberland, RI FD has received a federal grant for $117,000 which will be used towards a new dispatch system.

Paris, ME has approved the use of a federal grant to purchase a tanker.

Saugus, MA Fire has received a federal grant for a new radio system. Also, Saugus has a new frequency for Channel 2- 453.5250. Channel 1 also switched recently to 482.2625.

Webster, MA EMS has purchased and placed into service a 2006 Chevy C4500/Lifeline Highliner for Paramedic 4.

West Warwick, RI has received a federal grant for $247,000 that will be used towards a new pumper.

In CT, the Mystic Fire Department, Belltown Fire Department, and Eastford Independent Fire Company #1 will receive $301,200 in federal grants.

Agawam, MA has received a federal grant for $149,261 that will allow them to replace all of their breathing apparatus.

Fitchburg, MA has been operating on a new frequency of 470.550.

Hanover, MA Town Meeting approved the purchase of a new Rescue-Pumper to replace Engine 3 and to take the spot of Rescue 1 currently running out of Headquarters. Town Meeting rejected the purchase of a new ambulance.

Malden, MA has awarded the bid for a new pumper to Pierce. The initial plan is for it to replace Engine 3's 1998 Pierce with that unit then being reassigned to Engine 4.

Raymond, NH has funds to purchase a replacement tower-ladder for their current unit.

Stoneham, MA has appropriated funds for a new pumper.

The governor of Connecticut has announced that $390 million dollars in grants are now available to local fire departments that can be used for training or equipment.

Boylston, MA has placed into service a 1982 Duplex/Grumman/Hahn 106' RMA that has previously served Northborough.

Hill, NH has placed into service a 1995 Spartan 1250/900/50F and designated it 11 Engine 4.

Newbury, MA Fire Protection Dist 2 has placed into service a 1998 Ford E-350/Horton ambulance as Rescue 21.

Sturbridge, MA's new E-One pumper has been delivered to the local dealer for final work up before delivery to the department.

Worcester, MA has received a federal grant of 2.2 million dollars that will allow them to hire 17 firefighters.

Aroostook Fire Protection District 1 has placed into service Loring Engine 4: 1996 KME P-22 1,250GPM Pump, 750 Gallon Tank, 25 Gallon A Foam, 25 Gallon AFFF Foam - JAWS. It is housed at Limestone Station 2.

Brookfield, CT has on order a Spartan/Crimson pumper for the Lake Candlewood Fire Company.

Brookline, MA Quint 5 is scheduled to be delivered to the department soon. The 2010 Pierce Arrow PUC 1500/420/100' will replace the current Engine 5.

East Haven, CT Truck 1 (1987 Pierce Smeal) is permanently out of service due to mechanical failur. The Truck 1 crew has been moved to Engine 3 and Engine 3 crew is going to Squad 5 (now the first responder truck) which was purchased used last summer. It is a 2001 Marion on a Ford Chassis. There are no plans to replace the truck as of now.

The Hawleyville, CT Fire Department has received a federal grant for $68,780.

Industry, ME has been awarded a federal grant for $190,000 which will be used towards a new tanker.

Melrose, MA has awarded a bid to Seagrave for one 1500 GPM 750 GWT engine, which will be similar to the 2007 Seagrave assigned to Engine Co. 2. Melrose has also been awarded a SAFER Grant to hire four Firefighters.

Meriden, CT has on order a Seagrave pumper with delivery towards the end of the year.

New Haven, CT has on order a Pierce Arrow XT rear mount aerial for Truck 3 with delivery sometime this summer.

Newbury, MA has purchased Townsend's former 1985 Seagrave ladder truck.

Newton, MA will be taking delivery of a new 2010 Pierce Arrow 1500/750/25F for Engine 4 soon.

Readfield, ME has purcahsed a 2002 Freightliner FL80/American LaFrance rescue with 20KW Onan PTO Generator. A casacade system will be installed locally and a new set of Amkus tools are being purchased. It will be designated Rescue 62.

Torrington, CT has approved funds to purchase a Rosenbauer pumper.

Trumbull, CT- a heavy rescue is being built for the Long Hill Fire Company with delivery expected this summer.

Wallingford, CT will be using their grant money towards a new aerial ladder truck. It is not known for certain when bids will go out.

Waltham, MA has been awarded a $678,812 federal Homeland Security Grant.

Waterbury, CT has on order a Spartan/Gowan's Knight heavy rescue with delivery soon.

Boston has put out for bid for a 69 foot Rapid Response Fire Rescue Type 1 Marine Firefighting Vessel.

The Corinth Fire Department in Maine has entered into an agreement with Mayo Regional Hospital to station a Paramedic Ambulance at the Corinth station crossed staffed by Mayo Paramedics and Corinth Firefighters bringing daytime staffing up to 3. The Ambulance stationed in Corinth is #1706 and is a 2007 PL Custom.

Rockport, MA has received a federal grant for $38,000 that will be used to purchase new airpacks.

The West Greenwich Volunteer FD in West Greenwich, RI recently placed into service a 1990 American LaFrance 1500/500/75' that had been purchased from the Cherry City FD in PA.

The town of Millbury, MA is seeking bids for 1 heavy rescue truck & 1 95' aerial ladder truck. http://www.millbury-ma.org/Public_Documents/IFBfiretruck.pdf

Newfields NH has placed an order with Ferrara for a custom tanker pumper. It will be built on an Intruder II chassis with a 1500 GPM QMAX pump, 2000 gallon tank and a heavy duty extruded aluminum body. Delivery will be in late 2010.

Amesbury, MA firefighters have been forced out of the station due to mold. They are living in trailers behind the station. It is unknown how long it'll take to remove all of the mold.

Bangor, ME has received a federal grant for $300,000 that will be used for staffing.

Bath, ME has on order an E-One Tradition 1500/750 that should be delivered in short order.

Boston has on order an E-One Cyclone II 110' RMA with a delivery date of July 2010.

Colchester, CT has on order an International/Horton Type I ambulance that should be delivered soon.

Concord, MA has on order an E-One Typhoon 1250/530 with delivery scheduled for June 2010.

Danvers, MA- Fire Chief James Tutko has retired after serving 39 years as a member of the department, including 18 years as chief. Deputy Chief Kevin Farrell will be acting chief until a new one is appointed.

Foxborough, MA has on order an International/E-One 750/500 with delivery scheduled for July 2010.

Gilford, NH- Deputy Chief John Beland has been appointed as the new fire chief.

Guilford, ME has on order an International 4400/E-One 1250/1000 that has a delivery date of April 2010.

Holbrook, ME has on order an E-One Typhoon 1250/530 with delivery in June.

Kittery, ME has appropriated funds to purchase a 2008 demo combination pumper with 75' aerial. It will replace Engine 2.

Leominster, MA- Fire Chief Ronald Pierce has retired and Deputy Chief Daniel Kirouac has been named the acting chief until a new chief is appointed.

Malden, MA FD has changed over to their new UHF system on 482.0125 PL 179.9. The VHF system on 154.25 is no longer in use. Malden will be using Metro North Fireground 482.1875 PL 141.3 for fireground operations.

Melrose, MA FD changed over to their new UHF frequency 482.150 PL127.3 their VHF system on 159.405 is no longer in use. Melrose will be using Metro North Fireground 482.1875 PL 141.3 for fireground operations.

Natick, MA has on order an E-One 2000/500/75' quint with delivery scheduled for August 2010.

New Durham, NH has received a Federal Homeland Security grant for $64,600.

New London, CT has been awarded a federal grant that will allow them to hire 4 firefighters over 2 years.

Orrington, ME has on order an E-One 500/2000 tanker that is scheduled to be delivered in April 2010.

Ossipee Corner NH approved funding for a pumper to replace Engine 3's 1993 E-One/Spartan. They also approved funding to staff the station during the week.

Stonington, ME has on order an International 4400/E-One 1250/2000 tanker with delivery in September.

Sturbridge, MA has on order an E-One Typhoon 1500/1000 with delivery scheduled for May 2010. They also have on order a Kenworth/E-One 1250/2000 tanker with a delivery date of July 2010.

Wayland, MA has on order a Ford F-450/Horton Type I 4X4 ambulance with a scheduled delivery date of April 2010.

Weymouth, MA has on order and E-One Typhoon 1500/750 with scheduled delivery time of July 2010.

AEV has delivered two Dodge Ram 4500/AEV Trauma Hawk Type I ambulances to the New London Fire Department, CT. AEV has available for immediate delivery a similar 2008 trade-in on a F350 chassis from New London that has run 27,000 miles and carries extensive Ford & AEV warranties. Price $75k. Contact Pete Schaumburg at 860-388-7970.

Brentwood, NH- voters approved funds for a new fire station.

Brewster Ambulance is coming back and is hiring. For more information you can visit their website at http://brewsterambulance.com/.

Candia, NH has received a federal grant for $38,000 which will be used to replace an air bottle filling station.

East Andover, NH has approved the purchase of a new engine.

Enosburgh, VT Fire Department received a federal grant for $61,969.

Foster Center FD in Foster, RI has placed into service a 1983 Seagrave 1500/600 that had formerly served North Providence and Westerly. It is designated Engine 5. South Foster has also acquired the 1986 Ford F-350/American Eagle brush unit that has previously been designated Brush 3. It has been reassigned as Brush 1.

Hampton Falls, NH has ordered a new rescue pumper from Ferrara. It is built on an Intruder II chassis with a 1500 GPM pump, extended front bumper with rescue tools and reels, 1000 gallon tank, and a light tower.

Henniker, NH has approved the purchase of a new ambulance.

Jay, VT Fire received a federal grant for $28,220.

Manchester, NH has received a federal grant for $625,800.

New Canaan, CT Volunteer Ambulance Corps has been awarded a $11,773 federal grant.

Northfield and Tilton, NH- voters rejected splitting the Tilton-Northfield Fire Department in favor of creating a separate Northfield Fire Department and Tilton Fire Department. The move originally appeared to have enough support to pass, but at the meeting that would approve the split, not enough votes were cast.

Norwich, VT Fire Department received a federal grant for $6,270.

Nottingham, NH has received a federal grant for $8,550 to purchase a thermal imaging camera.

Rehoboth, MA has placed into service a 1985 Pemfab/E-One 110' RMA as Ladder 1.

Rupert, VT Fire Department received a fedearl grant for $45,429.

Rutland City, VT received a federal grant for $90,326.

St. Albans Town, VT Fire Department received a federal grant for $3,325.

South Burlington, VT Fire Department received a federal grant for $503,364.

Tremont, ME- Wayne Patton has been named as the new fire chief.

Webster, MA EMS has purchased a 2009 Chevy 4500/Lifeline Highliner for Paramedic 4.

West Dummerston, VT Fire Department received a federal grant for $45,220.

West Fairlee, VT Fire Department received a federal grant for $91,656.

Westport, CT's tower was severely damaged by a falling tree. The aerial was bent in two places and the bucket received major damage. It is unclear as to what the department will do for a replacement as it is being reported that the truck is totalled.

Wilmington, MA has placed an order with E-One for a tower-ladder.

Brunswick, ME has selected Topsham Fire Chief Ken Brillant to succeed Clark Labbe as their new chief of department. Clark will retire with 37 years on the job.

Dunbarton, NH has approved funds to purchase a new ambulance.

East Kingston, NH has changed the fire chief's position from part time to full time. Additionally, voters approved the purchase of a new tanker truck.

Exeter, NH voters approved the purchase of a 2 acre piece of land that will be for a new public safety building.

Hampstead, NH approved the purchase of a new Quint to replace 2 trucks as well as the purchase of a new ambulance.

Hudson, NH approved to purchase a new 3000 gal Eliptical tanker.

Litchfield, NH approved the purchase of Londonderry's 1998 Freightliner/Valley rescue truck.

Newmarket NH has ordered a Ferrara 77' Quint on an Intruder II chassis. The truck is equipped with a 1500 GPM pump, 400 gallon water tank and a heavy duty extruded aluminum body. The truck will be delivered in May.

Mont Vernon, NH approved funds to purchase a used fire truck.

Norwalk, CT is having KME build them a 100' tractor drawn aerial with Predator cab. Delivery is expected in September.

The Orr's and Bailey's Islands, ME FD has received a federal grant for $42,700. It will be used for training equipment and to update the facilities.

Pembroke, MA has on order 3 brush units with the first being delivered in April.

Portland, ME has signed a 5 year deal with Seagrave to be the sole supplier for fire apparatus. A pumper will be the first piece of apparatus to be built with delivery in early 2011. A ladder and another pumper are expected to be ordered at some point in the near future as well.

Providence, RI Fire has received a federal grant that will enable them to purchase 11 hand held thermal imaging units.

Sandown, NH approved to purchase a new forestry.

Tewksbury, MA FD received a state grant for $72,480 and a federal grant for $20,651. The funds will be used to replace an aging radio system and to help keep the South Street fire station open.

Watertown, MA has ordered a 2010 Ford Expedition for C-2.

Weare, NH has on order a new ambulance with delivery expected in June. Also voters approved staffing their ambulance M-F with 2 personnel 10 hours per day.

West Ossipee NH FD has approved funds for new SCBA, updated Hurst tools and PPE.

Worcester, MA has awarded the bid for a pumper to E-One.

From the Town of Acushnet Mass, as of 2/25/2010, the Acushnet Fire Department has merged with Acushnet EMS and is now the Acushnet Fire & EMS Department.

Durham, CT has placed an order for a Spartan/Gowan's Knight pumper to replace a Ford/E-One pumper.

Londonderry, NH has received a $50,544 federal grant to update their station.

Milford, MA has received a $163,000 federal grant to upgrade their communications system and purchase new portables.

Portland Maine's fire boat City of Portland 4 is back in service after 3 1/2 months of repairs due to running aground Nov. 10, 2009. The old 1950 fire boat City of Portland 3 is back up for sale. It had temporarily been placed back into service while the new fireboat was out for repairs.

Readfield, ME has appropriated funds to purchase a used 2002 Freightliner/American LaFrance Heavy Rescue to replace the 1976 Chevy Heavy Rescue. Delivery is expected in 45-60 days.

Tewksbury, MA has ordered a Seagrave Marauder II Matrix Pumper. It will have a Cummins 500 hp ISM, Allison 4000-EVS, Independent Air Ride Front Suspension, 500 gallon Water Tank, 30 Gallon Class B Foam Tank, Waterous 1500 gpm Pump, FoamPro 2002 Foam System, Front Bumper Discharge, 8” Raised Roof, Roll-Up Doors on the Body, Stainless Steel Cab, Pump House & Body. Delivery expected January 2011.

Belmont, NH has received a $95,000 Homeland Security Grant that will be used to upgrade the station.

The Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department in Torrington, CT has received funding to purchase a new 3,000 gallon tanker. The department will also be building an addition to the firehouse to accomodate the new truck.

Littleton, ME received a $212,707 Federal Department of Homeland Security Grant that will be put towards a new pumper/tanker.

Lowell MA’s new 2010 Pierce rear mount for Ladder 4 has been completed and is due to arrive at the dealer around March 1st. Also, two Pierce engines have been ordered and they should arrive sometime this summer. They will replace Engine 6 and Engine 11.

Milford Maine has received two AFG Grants in Round 2. $125,000 for a brush truck, $40,400 for a Cardiac Monitor and 4 AEDs.

Oxford, MA- Assistant Fire Chief Sheri R. Bemis will become Massachusetts' first full-time female fire chief next week.

Pawtucket, RI- William J. Sisson has been appointed as the new Fire Chief.

Wellesley, MA has been awarded a $107,749 Federal Department of Homeland Security Grant that will be used to purchase new equipment.

Woonsocket, RI has purchased Bellingham MA's former Rescue 1, a 2002 International/Horton, and will be placed into service as Rescue 4.

Worcester, MA- a little more on the grant- The new rig will replace L5's current rig, which is a 1989 Maxim S TDA. The city will match the grant $260,000 for a total of $900,000. I have been told the rig will be a tractor drawn aerial.

York, ME has purchased a Ford F-350 and has ordered a Kimtek Corporation FDH-10-160 skid unit for it w/ 160 gallon water tank/5 gallon foam tank with Darley/Davie 9 Hp. Honda pump.

Alna, ME has received a federal Homeland Security grant for $173,340.

Baldwin, ME Fire has received a federal Homeland Security grant for $190,000.

Littleton, ME Fire has received a federal Homeland Security grant for $212,707.

North Adams, MA FD has received a Homeland Security Grant for $64,564 that will be used towards purchasing/upgrading their brush equipment.

North Providence, RI- the mayor has opted to not replace the fire chief and have the battallion chiefs run the day to day operations. He is also looking at cutting 10 police officer and 20 firefighter positions due to what is being deemed a severe financial crisis.

Northfield, NH- the petition to dissolve the Northfield-Tilton Fire Department in favor of having each town create their own separate Fire Departments has been approved and will be a warrant article at the next town meeting.

Salem, NH- the department will be taking delivery of a 2009 Pierce Arrow XT pumper, a sister rig to the 2006. It has a 1500 pump/1000 tank; Class A and B foam, and is designed for maximum firefighter safety with side roll protection and chauffer and officer front airbags.

Sandy Hook, CT has received a $143,000 Homeland Secruity Assistance to Firefighter Grant that will be used to purchase new air packs.

Worcester, MA has received a $640,000 Homeland Secruity Assistance to Firefighter Grant that will be used to purchase a new tractor drawn ladder truck.

Bristol, CT- Deputy Chief Armand Lemieux, one of four deputy chiefs in Bristol, CT, will retire on March 8, 2010. He has served the department since September 29, 1968. A promotional exam for Captain and Lieutenant is being scheduled by the personnel director to fill the position.

Brockton, MA- Chief Kenneth Galligan has retired and Richard Francis has been named as his successor.

Central Falls, RI has placed into service a 1988 E-One Hush 1250/500 as Engine 3. The unit previously served as Valley Falls Engine 12.

East Providence, RI has received a federal grant for 5.2 million dollars that will be used to renovate and improve 2 fire stations (Station 1 on Broadway and Station 4 on Wampanoag Trail).

Fairfield, CT has been awarded a $222,600 Assistance to Firefighters Program grant to replace 57 of their air packs.

Goodwin Mills, ME received a grant for $879,753 to renovate and expand their fire station.

Manchester, CT is set to open an emergency operations center that will serve as a regional planning and communications facility during major storms and large scale incidents. It will be located at the town's DPW facility on Olcott Street.

Manchester, NH has refurbished their air supply unit and placed the body on a new 2010 Internationsl chassis.

Milford, NH has received a federal grant for $102,000 to upgrade their air packs.

Portland, ME- the new 2000 Pierce pumper that was recently purchased has been placed into service as Engine 11 while the company's regular piece is out for an extended period of time at the Pierce MFG plant. The recently purchased Pierce ladder has been placed into service as Ladder 5. The 1989 Pierce it replaces was involved in an accident and will not return to service.

Update on the Rockland, MA apparatus situation. They have obtained Whitman's former Engine 3, a 1988 GMC/FMC, and disposed of Engine 2's Ford/E-One. Special thanks to those that straightened out the information.

Saco, ME voters approved funds for a new fire station.

Valley Falls, RI has placed into service a 1995 E-One Sentry 1250/750 as Engine 1. The unit previously had served as North Cumberland Engine 54.

Waltham, MA has ordered a Seagrave Marauder II Matrix Pumper. It will have a Cummins 500 hp ISM, Allison 4000-EVS, 500 gallon Water Tank, 30 Gallon Class B Foam Tank, Elkhart Inline Eductor, Front Suction, Front Bumper Discharge, 8” Raised Roof, Hinged Doors on the Body, Stainless Steel Cab, Pump House & Body. Department members are preparing for a PreConstruction Meeting for Mid-February. Delivery expected January 2011.

Weymouth, MA Fire received the $10,000 Be Fire Smart Grant that internet users helped them obtained by filling out a short online survey.

Whitefield, ME has received a $165,000 federal grant to put towards purchasing a few fire truck.

Barrington, NH- the Fire, Police, and Rescue departments received a combined grant to purchase physical fitness equipment that will be utitlized by the members of all three agencies at the public safety complex.

Berwick, ME has purchased a 1997 Freightliner FL-70/3D rescue and assigned as Squad 5.

Great Barrington, MA has opened a new fire station at 37 State Road.

Hampstead, MA has received a federal grant that will allow them to install a vehicle exhaust removal system in the station.

Natick, MA has signed a contract with E-One to build a new 78 foot rear mounted quint. The unit will be assigned Engine 1 out of Headquarters and will feature a pre-piped waterway with a 2 1/2 discharge at the tip for use as an elevated waterway at the parking garages at the Natick Collection. The unit will also carry 800 feet of 5 inch hose and 300 feet of 2 1/2 with a front bumber dedicated foam line. It will carry 470 gallons of water and 30 gallons of foam and has a delivery of time of 8 months.

Northfield, NH- a group of residents have put forth a petition to create a warrant article that would dissolve the Northfield-Tilton Fire Department and have each community create their own separate fire department.

Vassalboro, ME is set to receive a donated 1990 pumper from the Wiccopee Fire Company in East Fishkill, NY. No further specs on the truck at this time.

Acton, ME has purchased York's former Squad 1 and Engine 2.

Kevin Goodhue has been named as the Bennington Rural, VT Fire Chief.

Exeter, NH is requesting funds to purchase land at 6 Continental Drive in order to build a sub-station. The warrant article will go before town meeting in March. They are also putting forth another article requesting funds to purchase a pumper that will replace two engines that are over 20 years old.

Guilford, CT is looking to hire 8 firefighters citing a reduction in the volunteer force as the main compelling factor. The hiring process is expected to begin in March. They are also looking to purchase a new pumper sometime in the up coming year.

Harmony, RI has appropriated funds for a new ambulance.

Haverhill, MA is in the process of hiring between one and four new firefighters this month. The department is down 10 firefighters at this time and the department is looking to bolster man power and cut back on overtime.

The Lenox, MA Fire Department has awarded the contract for a new engine to Seagrave. The new engine will be a Marauder II rescue pumper, all stainless steel construction almost identical to Engine 6 which was delivered in February of 2009. This new pumper will replace the 1993 Pierce which runs out of Central Station which is suffering from serious mechanic and body problems.

Liberty, ME is in the process of purchasing a 1988 Ford telesquirt from a department in Wisconsin after their sole front line pumpper failed it's pump inspection. The 1988 FMC would be costly to repair due to the manufacturer no longer being in business.

Litchfield, ME will use a federal grant to purchase a brush/quick-attack truck.

North Providence, RI Station 3 is now closed due to budget cuts.

Northbridge, MA has mounted the 2002 Osage ambulance body of Rescue 2 onto a 2009 Ford E-450 chassis.

Piermont, NH has elected Aaron Rich as their new Fire Chief.

Salem, NH firefighters will switch to a 24 hour shift schedule starting in April. They currently work two 10 hour days, two 14 hour nights, with four days off. The new schedule will put them on the popular 24 on 24 off 24 on followed by five days off.

Sharon, MA has appropriated funds to purchase a new pumper. It will be built by Pierce Manufacturing.

Stratham, NH has received a $25,363.85 federal grant to upgrade equipment at the Emergency Operations Center.

Many firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, military units, and other emergency workers have been deployed to Haiti as part of rescue and relief efforts. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers as they travel into an unstable environment so that they may be able to perform their duty skillfully and return home safely when their jobs are done.

8 Massachusetts towns (Hingham, Mashpee, New Bedford, Plainville, Randolph, Raynham, Tisbury and Wareham) will be receiving foam trailers soon. The trailers are being provided by the Southeast Regional Homeland Security Advisory Council and will be for fighting haz/mat incidents and fires involving tractor trailer roll overs along with other emergencies. Kingston, Needham, and Somerset are said to be getting trailers next year.

Burlington, ME is looking to hire a fire chief, who then then lead the charge in forming a fire department for the town. It is undetermained if the department will be volunteer or paid, but the town is currently without a fire department and is relying on a contract with a neighboring FD for the time being.

Chester, NH has on order an ambulance that will be delivered this year some time.

Budget constraints in Derry, NH have forced the minimum staffing to be cut from 18 to 15 per shift. While this does not yet force the closing of a station, it does put strain on the safety of the firefighters on duty along with the cutting of hours in the fire prevention bureau decreasing the number of dispatchers on duty from two to one.

Detroit, ME has accepted a fully equipped 2005 GMC Yukon XL for use as a rescue vehicle. The unit was donated by the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.

Jay, ME has appointed Randy Berry as interim chief.

Good news: FF FF Marc Ducharme of the Lynn FD has been released from the hospital and is resting at home. Marc had collapsed at a fire scene last week and was revived by his fellow firefighters. Best wishes Marc on your continued recovery.

Barrington, NH has purchased a demo 2009 PL Custom ambulance with delivery due in early February.

Beverly, MA- Deputy Chief Paul Cotter will assume the position of Chief of Department upon retirement of Chief Richard Pierce at the end of January.

Braintree, MA has appointed Kevin Murphy as the new fire chief.

Brunswick, ME Fire and Police will begin responding to medical calls at the Bruinswick Naval Air Station starting January 30th. The Brunswick NAS Fire Dept will continue to provide fire protection until it is phased out in preparation for the base's closing in May of 2011.

Burlington, ME has contracted with Lincoln for fire protection until April while options are reviewed. The Triangle Vol FD folded last week, which had previously provided fire protection to the town.

Centerville-Osterville-Marston Mills, MA has completed the new Osterville Station located at 999 Main Street.

The rehab of Dedham, MA Station 2 is complete.

Greenwich, CT has received a grant to purchase extrication equipment and rescue air bags that will go to Station 8 on North Street.

Marlborough, MA Fire Channel 2 (854.3875) will be in service after radios are reprogramed.

Massport Fire/Rescue at Logan Airport has on order a new Oshkosh Striker and a new 81 foot live on Marine unit which will take a little over a year to build.

North Providence, RI Station 3 on Douglas Ave has been closed due to budget constraints.

Prospect, ME has purchased a 1989 Simon Duplex/Young 1500/1000 from Wheatfield NY.

There have been some changes in apparatus designations in Tolland County, CT.
Truck Companies: A straight stick will remain “Truck”, platform devices are now “Tower”
Rescue: Standard Rescue trucks without pump or water. Must have at least a large generator, scene lighting, hydraulic rescue capability, etc. Several small rescue trucks throughout the county now carry “Service” Designations.
Squad: Rescue Pumpers with at least 500gal water/1000gpm., large generators, light towers or other scene lighting, hydraulic rescue capability, etc.
Several “Engine Tanks” were redesignated “Engine” due to 1000 gwt. Tankers must now carry at least 2500 gal. Engine Tank is now 1000 to 2500 gallon.
For example, West Stafford Truck 144 is now Tower 144. Rescue 144 is now Squad 144.

Waterbury, CT- The simulcast channel 154.325 has been temporarily shut down due to a frequency conflict with another department. A new frequency is being sought out that will not interfere with another department's operation.

Get well wishes to FF Mark Ducharme of the Lynn, MA FD who suffered a heart attack while fighting a fire earlier this week. He was revived by fellow firefighters after collapsing at the scene.

Boston- the previously reported Collapse Rescue and Tunnel Rescue units are actually trailers that are kept at HQ that will be towed by department vehicles such as a pick up truck. They do not replace the current H4 and H6.

Braintree, MA- Mayor Joseph Sullivan has appointed Captain Kevin Murphy as Braintree’s next fire chief. Murphy will succeed Kenneth McHugh, who retired on Oct. 31 after four decades of service. Murphy, a Braintree resident, has been a local firefighter for almost 30 years and is the senior captain on the force.

Cambridge, MA Rescue 1 is back in service after the frame problems were addressed and fixed.

CarePlus Ambulance Svc has been awarded the 9-1-1 contract for Tuftonboro, NH.

Londonderry, NH has on order a Pierce heavy rescue. Delivery is expected sometime this year.

Newton, MA has put out to bid contracts for the renovation of Station 7.

Pittsfield, MA has named Deputy Chief Robert Czerwinski the new chief of department.

Plainville, MA has purchased a 1996 pierce Lance 1500/750/30B from Central Islip NY. It was their Engine 371 and will most likely be assigned as Engine 2.

South Berwick, ME has purchased a 1996 Pierce Lance from Franklin Sqaure & Munson Fire Dept in New York.

Weston, CT has opened their new Lyons Plain Firehouse located at 257 Lyons Plain Road. An open house will be held on Sunday, January 24 from 1 to 4 PM.