Thoughts and prayers go out to FF Joseph Fasano of the Milton, MA FD who was shot in the abdomen during an attack resulting from road rage.

An update on Harry Kissinger IV of the Raleigh FD- he sadly passed away on Friday December 11th. Here is the release from the RFD:
The City of Raleigh is mourning the loss today of Raleigh Fire Department Lt. Harry P. "Flip" Kissinger IV, who was critically injured in an automobile accident Dec. 4.
The three-vehicle accident occurred on Ligon Mill Road. at approximately 6:30 a.m., near the intersection of Louisburg Road. A school bus was involved in the collision. The North Carolina Highway Patrol has concluded its investigation and have sent the facts of the case to the Wake County District Attorney’s office.
Lt. Kissinger joined the City of Raleigh Fire Department on Oct. 27, 1997. At the time of the accident Lt. Kissinger was assigned to Fire Station 6 on Fairview Road. He was married and was the father of two daughters.
“On behalf of Flip’s wife Jill, his two beautiful young daughters, and the entire Kissinger family, we want to thank those who have expressed their love and support during this difficult time,” said Assistant Fire Chief W. Rusty Styons. “The Kissingers and the Raleigh Fire Department have been blessed with numerous offers of assistance from concerned friends, acquaintances, and complete strangers and we are very grateful.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Kissinger family may seek out any First Citizens Bank and ask to make a donation to the “Kissinger Family Care Fund” account. The Kissinger family will be the sole beneficiary of all proceeds.

I received an email regarding an application for Blackberrys and Droid phones that I thought might interest some of you. It is called Policestream and it streams PD/FD radio from arround the country including FDNY, LAFD, Chicago and Detroit. Local streams include Lakes Region, Boston, SWNH and several in metro Boston. I'm not really up on these types of things, but I'd imagine you could find it where you download other applications for your phone.

Vincent J. Bollon, the General Secretary-Treasurer of the IAFF, has announced his retirement after serving in that position since 1988.

Congratulations to my FD neighbors in Reading Mass for taking first place at the chili cookoff hosted by Hampton Local 2664 at Wally's Pub on Hampton Beach.

Greenwood Emergency Vehicles in North Attleboro, MA will be making full sized Maxim apparatus. For more, check out this article: Clifk Here.

Bristol, RI has put on hold its plans to purchase/lease a pumper to replace Engine 1. The town hopes to revist the issue in July if the funds to purchase it are available.

Chelsea, MA has taken delivery of Cambridge's former 1989 Maxim TDA and will be designated Ladder 3.

Lincoln, ME has purchased a 1990 Spartan 100' ladder truck from the Stepney FC in Monroe CT.

Stratford, CT's new mayor has announced he will issue an emergency order for two pumpers.

Union, Maine's 1976 FWD/Seagrave has been donated to the Mid-Coast School of Technology Firefighter 1 & 2 program.

West Fairlee, VT has placed in service a 1986 Pierce Dash that had formerly been assigned to Grantham NH Engine 3. It will be designated as Engine 2.

Belmont, NH- the budget committee turned down a request for funds to purchase a new engine.

Branford, CT. has signed a contract for a 2010 Excellance Ambulance. Delivery expected in February 2010.

Carver, MA has installed Plymo-Vent exhaust removal systems into their stations with money obtained from a federal grant.

Holden, MA has on order a Spartan/Rosenbauer Tanker/Pumper 1500/2500 which will replace Engine 6 and Tanker 1. Delivery expected in May 2010.

Tisbury, MA has approved the funds to build a new building for the fire department, ambulance service, and emergency management.

We have an update on Officer Pete Laroche. Peter's blood clot is completely gone. The doctors told the family that his long-term prognosis is excellent in reference to a full recovery. He is not completely out of the woods as of yet because he is still susceptible to more clots. But this news was much better than what they were being told early on. The breathing tube has been removed and he was able to sit up for a little while.
The Nashua Police family, and Officer Laroche family would again like to thank everyone for their thought, concern and prayer! Please keep Peter and his family in your prayers tonight. Sincerely, Chief Conley

The family of a Raleigh, NC Firefighter is asking for your prayers. Lt. Harry P. "Flip" Kissinger IV, 35, was injured in a chain reaction MVA and suffered a head injury. More can be read online at http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/6565270/.

Update on this: The firefighters have been allowed to put the sign back up. Click here for the updated story. Just when you think you've seen it all, North Andover MA FD has been forced to take down a 50 year old Merry Christmas sign because someone complained. Here is the story: Click here.

Boston has placed an order with KME for 3 pumpers and with E-One for 2 ladders.

The Aroostook Fire Protection Dist 1 in Maine has received a 1985 Pierce Dash 1000/750/130 that had previously served at the US Navy base in Willow Grove, PA

Newton, MA has awarded the contract for a new pumper for Engine 4 to Pierce. The bid specifications can be read at the Newton website: http://www.ci.newton.ma.us/purchasing/current_bids.htm.

North Providence, RI- The city will be closing fire station 3 due to financial issues on December 2. Manpower will be redistributed to the other 3 stations. (This decision has been halted until a court ruling on Monday 12/7)

Northfield, CT has moved into their new fire station at 12 Knife Shop Road. There will be an open house this coming weekend.

Rochester, NH- Thanks for the responnses. The FD did take delivery of a 2008 E-One 2000 GPM 100' tower for anyone that is interested.

The Sterling, MA Fire Department has signed a contract with Seagrave Fire Apparatus for a Marauder II Engine with 1500 gallon tank to replace Engine 5.

Uxbridge, MA has ordered an ambulance to replace Rescue 1. It will be identical to their Rescue 2, but on a 2010 Ford chassis.

Waltham, MA will be putting out for bid a pumper to replace Engine 2.

I know a lot of my police brothers and sisters check in on my site too, so want to send out a get well to Nashua NH Police Officer Peter LaRoche. Here is the story:
On December 1, 2009 at 4:11 pm members of the Nashua Police Department's Uniform Field Operations Bureau arrested Joseph Bissonnette, age 32, of 7 Harbor Court #A, Nashua, New Hampshire. Bissonette was charged with the following offenses; Resisting Arrest, Class B Felony, Resisting Detention, Class A Misdemeanor, Simple Assault on a Police Officer, Class A Misdemeanor, and Operating A Motor Vehicle while being deemed a Habitual Offender by the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicle, Class B Felony.
On December 1, 2009 at 4:00 pm Officer Peter LaRoche observed Bissonette's vehicle traveling on Pine Street. The vehicle did not have a valid inspection sticker and the officer reversed his direction in order to conduct a motor vehicle stop on Bissonette's vehicle. As the officer did so Bissonette's vehicle pulled into an adjacent driveway. Bissonette and his passenger exited the vehicle and the officer made contact with the passenger. While the officer was speaking with Bissonette's passenger, Bissonette ran from the area. The officer pursued Bissonette as Bissonette scaled a nearby fence. Bissonette and the officer fell from the fence and the officer attempted to maintain his grasp on Bissonette, however Bissonette broke free from the officer. Bissonette was located moments later and arrested without further incident by assisting officers.
The Officer LaRoche was transported to the Southern New Hampshire Medical Center where he was treated for soreness in his shoulder. As his treatment progressed and pain worsened officer LaRoche was transported by helicopter to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. It was learned that officer LaRoche had an arterial internal tear which created a blood clot later determined to be life threatening. The officer underwent emergency surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
A Class B Felony is punishable by one up to 7 years imprisonment, exclusive of fines, operating a motor vehicle while being deemed a Habitual Offender by the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicle is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. Each Class A Misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail exclusive of fines. Bissonette is being held at the Nashua Police Department on $7,500.00 cash bail pending his arraignment at Nashua District Court on December 2, 2009.

Boston - 2 E-One rear-mount ladders are due in shortly and will be assigned to Ladder 6 and Ladder 24. Two E-One pumpers are also on order and will be assigned to Engines 21 and 24. KME was low bid for 3 pumpers and one ladder, no order has been placed at this time.

Lee, ME has received a donated 1989 FMC pumper from Ansonia, CT.

Medford, MA has requested funding to purchase a ladder truck. This will be part of a package deal with Winchester. One pump and ladder for Winchester and one ladder for Medford. It is expected the order will be awarded to Pierce.

Sturbridge, MA placed an order for 2 trucks. Both are from E-One, the first being a commercial Tanker 1250 GPM pump and 2000 gallon tank on a Kenworth cab and chassis. The second is a custom pumper with 1500 GPM pump and 1000 gallon tank. Delivery is expected to be in the spring of 2010.

Westport, CT has received funds to refurbish their 1993 ladder truck.

Whitman, MA's new E-One pumper has been delivered to the local dealer. It will be delivered to the department after some additional work is completed.

Worcester has rejected the bids for the two pumpers and has but them back out for bid.

Abington, MA has closed their Station 2 due to budget cuts. Engine 2 and Ambulance 3 have moved to HQ.

Cambridge, MA - Engine CO 1 is now a paramedic engine company.

Chelsea, MA - the city has decided to go through with the purchase of Cambridge, MA's former Ladder 5, a Maxim tiller, for use as a spare.

Colchester, CT has awarded the bid for a new pumper to Marion.

Essex MA's former Compac/Continental that had once served as Engine 2, is on it's way to Cumalapa Guatamala to serve that village as it's first piece of fire apparatus ever. Dave Thompson had bought the truck and then donated it to the Long Way Home Foundation to serve this village.

Gray, Maine has awarded a contract for a custom 18' non walk-in heavy rescue to Ferrara.

Hamilton, MA is in the process of purchasing Beverly's former E-One ladder that was replaced recently with a new Pierce.

Lexington, MA has awarded a contract to Ferrara for a MVP-Igniter Pumper which will be assigned to East Lexington. Delivery is expected in early July 2010. Also, a new command car (Chevy Tahoe) is being delivered and will replace the current C-3, which will then be reassigned to fire-prevention. Rescue 1's 2006 Lifeline has been reconditioned/reletterd and is now assigned as Medic 2.

Loudon, NH has on order a 2009 Chevy 4500 ambulance for Ambulance 1. it expected the week of Christmas.

Nashua, NH has placed and order with Pierce for a pumper to replace Engine 5. Specs are be similar to the new Engine 3 with the addition of a foam cell.

New Castle, NH has completed construction on a new Public Safety building for Fire and Police located behind Town Hall on Main Street. An open house is scheduled on December 12th from 9 AM - 12 Noon.

Newton, MA has put out to bid a pumper for Engine 4. The rig will include a 1500 GPM pump and 25 gallon foam tank. The entire bid requirement/specs can be seen at the city of Newton's website under purchasing contracts.

Orange, CT has a Spartan/Rosenbauer pumper on order, delivery is at any time.

Salem, NH has on order a 2009 Pierce Arrow XT 1500/1000 pumper. It will be assigned to Engine 1 and is scheduled to be delivered in January 2010.

Trumbull, CT- Marion is currently building a heavy rescue for the Long Hill FD.

My friends have asked me to share a video with you all of them playing a prank on the probie firefighters. Here is a link to the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Cz_h4rhZ9A.

Boston has put out to bid three engines and two ladders with the bids due by November 18th. Additionally, Rescue 2's new KME is complete and will be delivered to the local dealer soon.

Essex, CT Ambulance Association has purchased a 2009 AEV/Dodge Ram 4500 Type I ambulance.

New London, CT has purchased two 2009 AEV/Dodge Ram 4500 Type I ambulances.

Chief John DeFusco announces Pascoag Fire Dept. in RI, has ordered a 2010 Type III, Class I Ford E450 Osage Rescue from Quality Emergency Vehicles. This will be the 2nd consecutive purchase from Osage.

Torrington, CT has approved funding for a tanker for the Drakeville Fire Dept.

Waterville, ME Engine 1 has returned to service after being refurbished. Engine 4's former American LaFrance that had been on loan from the Maine Tech Center is scheduled to return to them shortly.

York, ME is scheduled to receive their 2008 Pierce for Squad 2. Squad 1's 1986 Mack/Pierce will be put out to bid when the new rig is in service.

Ed Lyons, of Ed Lyons Fire equipment has passed on after a battle w/cancer. Ed was a true friend to the fire service and he will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family and friends.

Manchester Boston Regional Airport in NH has an Oshkosh Striker 3000 gallon Airport fire truck on order. Delivery is expected in May 2010.

Northborough, MA's new 2009 E-One Bronto 2000/300/114' has arrived at the dealer and will be delivered soon.

The Northfield, NH Board of Selectment have appointed a nine member committee to examine the fire/ambulance needs of the town and possibly dissolve the Tilton-Northfield Fire Department to form a separate and individual fire service for Northfield alone.

Old Lyme, CT has on order a Ferrara 77' quint. Delivery is expected before the end of the year.

Due to a mechanical breakdown of Springfield MA's 1971 tiller, Ladder Co 3 is temporarily running spare Ladder 8, a 1994 Pierce RMA. Due to the height restriction at Station 3, they are temporarily running out of Station 8 on Eastern Avenue. It's unknown if or when the 1971 tiller will be back in service.

Alna, ME has opened their new fire station.

Chesterfield, NH remounted Rescue 1's body onto a new 2009 Dodge Ram 5500 chassis.

Lowell, MA has on order a Pierce 105' Arrow ladder for Ladder 4 and 2 Pierce Arrow 1500 GPM pumpers for Engines 6 and 11.

The New Haven, CT Regional Fire Academy has received 4.1 million dollars to rehab their condemned burn building as well as make other improvements.

Portland, Maine has officially decommissioned the 1959 fireboat (City of Portland 3) on Monday 10/26/09 ending 50 years of service. It will likely be sold for scrap.

The Town of Southborough, MA awarded a contract to New England Fire Equipment and Apparatus for the construction of a Smeal 100' mid mount platform/quint. Delivery in the fall of 2010.

The Swampscott, MA FD will be installing a permanent memorial next to the fire station honoring the 4 firefighters that have died in the line of duty serving that town. The four firefighters on the monument will be: William J. Pratt 12/3/46, Ralph Owens 4/29/53, Albert Lalime 11/21/72 in town and Herve LeBlanc, a firefighter from Lynn, suffered a fatal heart attack during a mutual aid response in Swampscott.

The Town of Warren, ME has awarded the bid for their new Pumper/Tanker to K&T Fire Equipment of Island Falls, ME who is a dealer for MetalFab.

Bridgewater, MA has purchased a 1982 Maxim that once served Millis to fill in for Engine 1 which has a blown motor. The department hopes to receive funding for a new pumper within the next 2 years and will utilize the Maxim until a replacement can be purchased.

Chelsea, MA has issued a bid request for a 75' tower ladder. If you are interested in reading the complete specification and bid requirements, they are on the Chelsea website at http://www.ci.chelsea.ma.us/Public_Documents/ChelseaMA_Bids/.

Also from Chelsea, the deal for the Maxim tiller from Cambridge has fallen through. As of this writing the city is going to issue a bid proposal for a used tiller.

Hanson, MA FD took delivery of Polaris 6x6 ATV that was paid for from the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. 2009 Grant program.

Keene, NH has on order an E-One rescue on a Spartan Gladiator chassis with a 20ft non-walk-in body. Delivery is expected in December.

Marlborough, MA Fire has secured an 800 MHz frequency through a grant for fireground operations, in addition to their normal operating 800 MHz primary channel.

Smithfield, RI is set to received a new Specialty Vehicles ambulance for Medic 2 within the next few weeks.

Stamford, CT has on order an HME rescue for Rescue 1 and a Sutphen tower for Truck 1.

Hanover, NH has in production a pair of a pair of Lifeline ambulances. One is on an International chassis (being considered a Rescue/Ambulance) and the other is on a Ford chassis.

Maine has passed a law requiring homes and apartments to have carbon monoxide detectors.

Newton, MA has awarded a three year contract to Cataldo Ambulance Service to provide the city's ambulance service. Cataldo will assume the contract from AMR on 1/1/10.

Oxford, MA has approved $150k for a new ambulance for Ambulance 3. It will be going out to bid and the plan is for it to be on a Chevy van style chassis.

St. Michael's College in VT has on order a 2009 Sutphen Monarch 1500/1000.

Smithfield, RI has appropriated funds for a new ambulance.

Somerset County, ME received a federal grant to renovate and expand their emergency management facility and dispatch center.

Southborough, MA has awarded the contract for a new ladder to Smeal.

Sturbridge, MA has put out to bid a 2000 gallon tanker that is a replacement for a 1988 FMC and an engine that will be replacing a 1981 Maxim Ford F-C 8000.

Governor Deval Patrick has said he would release 8.1 million dollars of stimulus money to return 127 laid off firefighter to work. Communities marked to rehire firefighters are: Bridgewater, Easton, Fall River, Hull, Lakeville, Lawrence, Methuen, Monson, New Bedford, North Attleboro, Quincy, Walpole and Worcester.

Chelmsford, MA- voters shot down a proposal to build a new central fire station.

Chelsea, MA has purchased Cambridge's former Ladder 5, a 1989 Maxim TDA, to be used as a spare.

Dresden, ME has moved into their new station, which is next to the old one, at Routes 197 and 128.

East Longmeadow, MA has on order a Pierce Contender pumper. Delivery is expected in a few weeks.

Eddington, ME has approved funds to hire a full time firefighter. The on-call department received federal funds which required a town vote to accept and match. The proposal passed without opposition.

The Harmony Fire Company in Gloucestr, RI has ordered a Ford/Road Rescue ambulance with delivery around March of 2010.

Manchester NH - Through a grant from the ATF, Manchester Fire has obtained an accelerant sniffing 2 year old Golden Lab. Also, Truck 3 was involved in a motor vehicle accident. No members were injured, but the truck did sustain damage that will keep the truck out of service for the foreseeable future.

Springfield, MA- construction has begun on a new firehouse at 382 White St. It will replace the Oakland Street and Sumner Avenue stations when completed.

Vermont has broken ground on a new fire training facility at Vermont Technical College.

Wallingford, CT- One firefighter received minor injuries when Rescue 3 was struck by a car on Tuesday. The rig has been taken out of service due to the damage.

West Springfield, MA has awarded the bid for a new pumper to Pierce. The truck is being built on a Saber chassis and will be assigned to Engine 2. Delivery is expected in March or April of 2010.

Pretty cool story about a retired Fall River Fire Chief's inititive to honor a fallen firefighter. Read about it at Click here for off site story.

Bethany, CT's former Engine 82 has been donated to Milford, CT and placed into service as Engine 260 (Explorer post, not an active firefighting unit).

The Western Coventry, RI FD in Coventry has opened a new station at 1110 Victory Highway.

East Greenwich, RI has received a $17,000 grant to replace equipment.

East Longmeadow, MA has on order a pumper to replace Engine 3. No further info at this time.

Malden, MA has received a grant to upgrade the radio system.

The Massachusetts DCR is prepared to lay off 19 firefighters, which would leave only one forest warden in each of the 13 fire districts. From a press release, here is what the forestry firefighters do: "The Bureau of Forest Fire Control's mission is prevention and detection of fires in the commonwealth's 3.5 million acres of public and private forests. It is also charged with assisting cities and towns in fighting fires. Firefighters are also trained to use and maintain specialized equipment such as water pumps, tankers and foam units. They also distribute surplus federal government firefighting equipment within the state, 70 percent of which goes to local fire departments. When not fighting fires or working with equipment, the firefighters represent the forestry service at public events as escorts for Smokey Bear and conduct fire safety programs for schoolchildren and other groups." Info courtesy of telegram.com.

Melrose, MA- a couple donated $10,000 to repair the floor of the East Side fire station as a thank you for saving their home back in January. The department and surrounding communities worked dilligently in freezing temperatures to save the home.

Providence, RI is set to conduct a drill on Saturday that will involve the moch crash of an Amtrak train. Along with Fire and Amtrak officials, the drill will involve local and state law enforcement, EMS, and emergency management agencies.

Scituate, RI- The Town Council voted to ban the Chopmist Hill Fire Department from using the fire station and equipment, but made plans to establish a new volunteer organization that will work from the same station and use the same apparatus. The station is set to re-open on Friday utilizing volunteers from other local fire companies until new volunteers can be recruited.

Funds have been approved in Southborough, MA for a new ladder truck.

Tewksbury, MA has put in a request for one of the more than 1,000 pieces of steel recovered from the World Trade Center at Ground Zero. The pieces are being made available by the Port Authority and the fire department and town officials are interested in obtaining a piece for their permanent memorial. For more information on the steel, you can visit http://www.911families.org.

Warren, RI recently held a gold tournament with the proceeds going to purchase a new pulse oximeter.

Easton, MA Firefighter Timothy Vamosi, serving with the Coast Guard Reserve unit in Kuwait, is asking for help in getting N-95 respirators for his unit. If anyone has the ability to obtain these, they can be sent to him via:
Timothy J. Vamosi
CTG 56.5
Camp Patriot
APO AE 09337

The Chopmist Hill Fire Department in Scituate RI has been shut down due to allegations of filling the apparatus with water from neighborning Johnston. The station has been closed and apparatus moved to a secure location while the investigation takes place. Other fire departments within Scituate will cover the Chopmist Hill area.

East Hartford, CT has received federal stimulus money to build a new fire station at the corner of Brewer Street and Graham Road.

City officials in Gilford, NH have approved the usage of a piece of land near Laconia Airport for use as a training facility. The department will need to raise $30,000 for building construction and plans to launce fund raising activities over the winter.

Hamden, CT- the Town Hall fire station at Whitney and Dixwell Avenues has begun a renovation. Equipment has been moved and response districts adjusted while the station, along with the adjascent Town Hall, under go a 1 1/2 to 2 year renovation project.

Londonderry, NH received a federal grant to build a new fire station.

Meredith, NH officials are in Wisconsin performing the final inspection on their 2009 Pierce Arrow XT 100' rear mount tower. The unit has a 2000 GPM pump and is expected to be delivered in mid-October.

The is a breakdown of the apparatus being delivered to Monroe, CT departments:
Monroe FD: 2009 Sutphen Pumper and 2009 Sutphen Rescue Pumper, both to be delivered within the next few weeks
Stevenson FD: 2009 Sutphen Pumper and 2009 Sutphen 1800 Gallon Tanker on a Commercial Chassis (both to be delivered soon)
Stepney: 2009 Sutphen 100' Mid Mount Aerial (delivered) and 2009 Sutphen Pumper (to be delivered soon)

North Farms, CT Vol FD has secured funds to build a new fire station.

Peabody, MA has funds to purchase a tower-ladder. The city is currently in the specification process.

The Pelham, NH Fire Station was damaged when two cars collided in front of the station, sending one care into the building. The drivers were transported to the hosptial with non-life threatening injuries and no fire personnel were injured.

Pittston, ME has received a federal grant to replace the firefighter's turnout gear.

Plainfield, CT - The Atwood Hose Company has received funding for a new fire/rescue truck. (I believe this is a rescue with perhaps a small pump/tank, but the info I was given was somewhat vague)

St. Albans City VT has laid off 3 firefighters. The total number of full time firefighters has been reduced from 13 to 6 over the last year.

Turn of River, CT FD in Stamford has received a grant to hire 16 firefighters.

Wayland, MA Fire will be upgrading it's EMS service from BLS to ALS.

Worcester, MA has put out to bid 1 or 2 1500 GPM pumpers.

Goffstown, NH has on order a Pierce mid-mount tower. Unknown delivery date.

Guilford, CT has been awarded a federal grand that will allow them to hire 8 firefighters.

Lawrence, MA FD has made the decision to start responding to certain medical emergency calls. If a call is deemed to be life threatening and a fire truck is available, they will now respond.

Lebanon, NH has refurbished their 1991 E-One 110' RMA ladder truck.

Manchester, ME will be holding an open house at their new fire station on Route 17 from 9 until 2 this Saturday September 19th.

North Providence, RI has received the used E-One pumper they purchased from Pennsylvania. It will be designated Engine 1, with the current unit being reassigned to Engine 3. Also, North Providence is now operating on an 800 MHZ frequency. P25 AUTO, 868.5125mhz, talk group 1547, firegroundtalk group 1548.

Northfield, MA has placed into service a 1986 GMC/E-One medium duty walk through as Rescue 1.

Pascoag Fire Department in RI announces they are out to bid for a 2009 or newer Class 1 Type 3 Rescue (ambulance). Sealed Bids will be due by Friday November 6, 2009 with opening date of Tuesday November 9th. For any further info please Call (401)568-4920. They also have a 2001 Ford E450 with 130,000 miles for sale, with availability approximately March 2010. If interested contact above number for inspection or offers.

Providence, RI is now operating on an 800 mhz frequency. AUTO P-25, 868.7125, TALK GROUP 10101, FG CH-1 talkgroup 10107.

South Hadley, MA Dist 1 has been awarded a federal grant to hire 4 firefighters.

Retired Boston Fire Commissioner George Paul has passed away at the age of 86.

Livermore Falls, ME longtime firefighter Maurice "Moe" Chretien passed away at the age of 58 following an illness.

West Springfield, MA FF Paul Foley died in a diving accident while SCUBA diving in Gloucester.

Auburn, MA is set to take delivery of a 2009 Pierce Contender 1500 GPM pumper sometime next week.

Barre Town, VT has awarded the bid for a 2,000 gallon tanker to VTEC.

As of September 1, 2009 @ 0900 hours DHART Air Medical Transport Helicopter is permanently stationed at the Manchester Airport.

Bath, ME has appropriated funds to purchase a new pumper.

Boston District 9's Chevy SUV was severly damaged in a motor vehicle accident. The unit was responding to a fire call when it was struck by a motor vehicle, who's operator owne the house in which the deputy was responding to. The occupants of both the FD vehicle and the private vehicle were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Boston Police have cited the driver of the private vehicle for failing to yield.

Chester NH awarded a bid to AEV for a new ambulance.

Derry, NH has opened bidding for a new Type 3 Ambulance.

East Montpelier, VT will be breaking ground on a new 4 bay fire station on November 1st. It will be located near the current station on Route 2.

Essex, CT has purchased a 1994 Sutphen 100' tower from Palm Beach, FL. The truck with undergo a minor refurb before being delivered to the department in November. Essex is selling their current 1977 Maxim ladder. For those interested, I have posted the information on the for sale section of this site.

Lawrence, MA has ceased responding to most medical emergencies due to the lack of staffing and coverage. Recently 10 firefighters were laid off and 2 of the city's 6 firehouses were closed. The department had been responding to most medical responses in conjunction with Patriot Ambulance. In addition, burglars brook into the vacant Tower Hill Station and stole several portable radios.

Manchester, NH has awarded a bid to KME for a non walktrhough rescue. Additionally, Manchester and Hooksett are considering building a joint fire station that would be built on Route 3A near the Manchester/Hooksett border. This comes in response to growth in the area and a longer response time from both fire departments to this section compared to other sections of both communities. This project is only in the planning stage and no money has been appropriated at this time.

Raynham, MA- the former Middleborough ladder truck that was purchased and refurbished caught fire and suffered extensive damage. It is believed the fire was caused by and electrical problem.

Reading, MA's new Seagrave pumper has arrived at the local dealer and is set to be delivered soon.

The Veazie, ME Fire Department recently donated their 1980 Mack 1250/750 pumper to the town of Beddington, ME Fire Department. Veazie replaced the Mack with Engine 192, a 2008 E-One 1500/750/30A.

As part of a restructuring, Woonsocket RI recently cut eight positions and closed Station 5 in the Fairmont section of the city. Local residents have voiced concern of the closing and the added response time to now reach their neighborhood. At this time the city has made no plans to reopen the station or restore the 8 cut positions.

Dedham, MA has reopened their sub-station after underdoing renovations.

Providence, RI has changed over to an 800 mhz system. No info on frequency numbers yet.

North Providence, RI has purchased a 1992 E-One from a department in PA. It is my understanding that it will be assigned to Engine 1, with the current piece then being assigned as reserve Engine 5.

York, ME has awarded the bid for a Pierce was awarded the bid to replace Squad 1's 1986 Mack MC/Pierce. They have ordered a Pierce Impel PUC with delivery expected sometime this Fall.

Acting Chief Mike Sullivan of Wakefield, MA will be appointed permanent chief on September 1st.

Bennington, NH has ordered a new non-walk-in rescue truck from Valley Fire Equipment. It will be mounted on a 2009 Ford F-550 four door chassis. The current rescue truck, a 1996 Ford F-350, will be converted into a brush truck.

Gloucester, MA Ladder 1's new 2009 Pierce 105' RMA is about 2 weeks away from final inspection with a delivery date to the department in September.

Lawrence, MA has laid off 10 firefighters, which has forced the closing of 2 firehouses.

Lexington, MA will be putting out to bid a rescue/pumper with in the next month. Currently on order is a new Chevy Tahoe for the Shift Commander's vehicle.

Lowell, MA has awarded a contract to Maintainer Custom Bodies of Rock Rapids Iowa for a Haz Mat Response rig. It will be mounted on a Ford F 550 4 X 4 chassis with a 16' box.

New Bedford, MA has laid off 5 firefighters, 2 of which had just been rehired, which brings to the total amount of firefighter layoffs in that city to 38.

Reading, MA's new pumper is undergoing final inspection and will be delivered to the local dealer shortly. It is a 2009 Seagrave Marauder II with a Cat engine, 1250 gpm Waterous pump, all LED lighting, 30 gallons of class B foam, 750 water tank, rear intake and an ALS medical compartment.

Smithfield, RI has put out to bid a rescue truck. They also are purchasing a fire crew bus.

For those interested, I posted my photos from Battleship Cove in my Navy Section. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS.

Waterbury CT Fire has switched to 154.3250 MHz PL 118.8.

Retired Needham, MA Fire Chief Bob DiPoli has accepted a 9 month interim Chief position in Rockland MA.

Chicopee, MA Med 4's ambulance was involved in an accident when a civilian motorist failed to stop for a stop sign and ran into the rig. Luckily, there were no seroius injuries. The rig is a total loss, but fortunately a pair of 2009 ambulances were just delivered to the city.

In Methuen, MA Engine 6's 2003 E-One Typhoon has been assigned to Engine 1, with Engine 1's 1995 E-One be reassigned to Engine 6. The reason for the swap is due to budget cuts and Engine 6 is being taken out of service when the manpower goes below 21.

In September, Woonsocket, RI Engine Company 6 will be closed permanently. Engine 4 will become a 4 man "Squad company" that will cross staff a third Rescue(ambulance).

Stowe VT has demolished their fire station to make way for a new Public Safety Center. While construction is underway the apparatus are being stored at a garage at the Percy construction company property off Weeks Hill Road.

For those in Facebook, NH buff Len Williams has started a NH Fire Apparatus group. Search "NH Fire Trucks" on Facebook and you'll find it.

The town of Union Maine Fire Department is putting their 1976 Seagrave 1250/500 up for sale on Ebay. Read more in this article: http://knox.villagesoup.com/Government/story.cfm?storyID=169206