The Southborough Fire Department had its busiest year ever in 2001.  Along with an increase in the number of emergency responses came an increase in other services that the Department provides: inspections, public education programs, maintenance programs and training.  Along with an increase in department functions came diverse new challenges to the Department in the form of calls for suspicious white powders thought to be Anthrax.

 ACTIVITY

 The Department responded to 1,328 emergency calls in 2001.  This is an increase of 13.7% over 2001.  Medical emergency calls accounted for 647 calls, or 48.7% of the total emergency calls.  In the last 10 years, the Fire Department’s emergency responses have increased by nearly 121%.  The Town’s population has increased by 33.5% during this same period.

 A new Engine that was approved at the Annual Town Meeting of 1999 was picked up in Lyons, South Dakota on January 19th and placed in service in February.  Engine 23 replaced a 1993 GMG/FMC.  The Special Town Meeting of 2000 approved $20,000 for a used pick-up truck.  After a long search, a used pick-up truck that met G.V.W. requirements, had low mileage, and was in good shape was located. It was placed in service in October as Car 30.

 Generally, the Fire Department responds to several calls for flooded basements each year.  A heavy rainstorm combined with melting snow in March created a flooding situation that quickly overwhelmed our capabilities to handle such calls.  On March 22nd the department responded to 102 emergency calls between the hours of 4:36 AM and midnight!  There were 92 calls for flooded basements, 8 fires (6 in houses related to the flooding, a car fire and a telephone pole fire) and 2 medical emergencies.  As a result of the flooding, 170 telephone customers lost service south of the MassPike.  It is important to know that if you had even one occurrence of water in your basement, you will probably have another.  Steps should be taken to minimize this problem and the hazard that it creates.

 The regional Hazardous Materials Response Teams, staffed by firefighters from around the state, have been training and preparing for terrorism incidents for many years.  The sheer volume of call for suspicious powder that were received after the October 12th announcement that Anthrax had been mailed to Senator Thomas Daschle quickly overwhelmed the response capability of the regional Haz-Mat teams. Local Fire Departments were now faced with responding to incidents with little knowledge and training.  Because the State’s Haz-Mat teams were so overwhelmed with calls, we had to purchase supplies and equipment that would normally arrive on a Haz-Mat truck.  In addition, training on Anthrax response was provided to all personnel from the two Southborough members that were on the state team, Captain Joseph Mauro and FF James Peltier, as well as from Lt. John Kendall, Training Officer and Firefighter Marc Vaillette who is a haz-mat technician for a local company. The Southborough Fire Department responded to their first of 14 suspicious powder calls on October 12th.  As was the case throughout the State, 100% of the samples submitted to the state lab tested negative for Anthrax.  This is another example of how the firefighters and EMT’s of the Southborough Fire Department stepped up to the plate to handle situations never before encountered.

 Firefighter Matthew Boland is currently attending Eastern Kentucky University majoring in Fire and Safety Engineering.  FF Boland has completed an internship with the Department during the summer break.

 Once again, the members of the Southborough Firefighters Association sponsored the annual Children’s Halloween Party.  Members of the Department worked with the Salvation Army of Framingham to collect toys for the less fortunate during the holiday season.  Thank you for your support.  

 STAFFING

In accordance with the recommendations of the Town of Southborough Public Safety Study, On-Duty staffing has been increased.  There are currently five personnel assigned 24/7 to provide fire and emergency medical service.  This number drops back to four when a member is on a day off.  A minimum of two FF/EMT’s are assigned to Headquarters and two Firefighter/EMT’s are assigned to Station 2 at all times.   This staffing configuration greatly increases the response to provide a minimum of two personnel on scene in the shortest possible time as well as to provide adequate staffing for a majority of the instances of simultaneous calls.  It also meets national standards for initial operations at a fire scene.

 

The process has started to bring the Department up to the paramedic level of care.  A majority of the new full-time employees hired in the last year are paramedics.  The Town’s current paramedic provider, U-Mass Medical, which provides paramedic service to 10 nearby cities and towns, will be ceasing paramedic operations in March of 2002.  The Board of Selectmen endorsed the Fire Department’s upgrade to the paramedic level at its November 27, 2001 meeting.

The Department is comprised of the following personnel:

·        1 Full-time Fire Chief

·        1 Administrative Secretary/Dispatcher (32 hours/week)

·        18 full-time Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s)

·        7 Call Firefighter/EMT’s

·        11 Call Firefighters

·        4 EMT’s

·        1 Volunteer First Responder

 It is important to note that 61% of the Full-Time members live outside of Southborough, and 43% of the on-call members either live or attend college outside of Southborough. 

 The following personnel were added in calendar 2001:

·        FF/EMT-I Jason Roach was promoted from call to full-time (FY01)

·        FF/EMT-I Matthew Rice was hired full-time (FY01)

·        FF/EMT-P Mark Sadowski was hired full-time (FY01)

·        FF/EMT-P Keith Dybas was hired full-time and subsequently left the department (FY02)

·        FF/EMT-P Christopher Shanahan was hired full-time (FY02)

·        FF/EMT-P Kenneth Strong was hired full-time (FY02)

·        FF Kenneth Fitzgerald joined the call department

·        FF Keziah Mauro joined the call department

·        FF John Peltier joined the call department as Safety Officer

·        FF David Wills joined the call department

·        Andrew Gleckel joined the department as a volunteer first responder

One of the recommendations that came out of the tragedy that struck the Worcester Fire Department on December 3, 1999 was that Fire Departments should have a dedicated Safety Officer at major incidents.  John Peltier was appointed to the department to fill the needs of Safety Officer.  FF Peltier brings a background strong in fire ground safety to the Department.

FIRE PREVENTION

(Captain Joseph C. Mauro, Fire Prevention Officer)

A total of 469 inspections were conducted in 2001. This represents an increase of approximately 6 % over the previous year. The following is a breakdown of inspections:

2000                2001

 

 136                148                  26F Smoke detector (home resale) inspections

     7                    9                        26F Re-inspection

   79                   57                    26B Smoke detector (new home) inspections

     7                    9                        26B Re-inspection

   64                  51                    Oil burner inspections

     4                    9                        Oil burner re-inspections

   26                  31                    Propane inspections

     2                    7                      House number re-inspections

   18                  35                    School inspections and fire drills

   42                  31                    Annual town license renewal inspections

   53                  50                    Commercial building inspections

   10                    6                      Tank Truck inspections 527CMR 8.00

     2                    3                      Pre-blast survey/blast observations

     0                    2                      Underground Tank removal observation

     6                  20                    Misc. safety inspections (insurance, etc.)                    

 

The following programs were presented to the public:

   60                  77                    School Fire Prevention programs

     5                    9                      Misc. Fire and Safety Programs

     3                  19                    Fire Station tours for groups

 

The number of plans reviewed were as follows:

  112                135                  Residential Smoke Detector plans (new 

                                             Construction & renovation)

    77                  36                    Commercial plans (new construction, fire

                                                            Alarm, sprinkler, site plans, etc.) 

                10                    7                  Site Plans Reviewed

 

FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAMS PRESENTED

·        The National Fire Protection Association’s Learn Not to Burn curriculum was once again presented to the kindergarten and first grade classes at the Finn School. This program was presented in 4 separate modules throughout the school year. The students were presented with information such as match and lighter safety, stop-drop-roll, and crawling in smoke. The final module involved bringing the department smoke trailer to the school and demonstrating the effects of smoke in a burning house. The students were also given the opportunity to have some fun by using a fire hose to extinguish a mock fire in a prop constructed of plywood. I would like to thank Fire Fighter Nancy Mabardy for providing assistance teaching and scheduling the school programs. Nancy is a S.A.F.E. certified instructor and is significant to the success of this program. I would also like to thank Fire Fighter Jason Roach for assisting with the smoke house demonstration.

·        On the Sunday of Heritage Day weekend, the Southborough Fire Department held an open house sponsored by Papa Gino’s Pizza in Marlborough. Papa Gino’s provided the pizza and the members of the fire department had an opportunity to open the doors to the citizens of the town. Some of the activities included the smoke house demonstration, thermal imaging camera demonstration, children’s interactive games, and fire apparatus demonstrations. The open house was a success and was attended by approximately 400 residents. I would like to thank all the fire fighters and their families who volunteered their time for making this a successful day.

·        Several fire safety presentations were delivered throughout the year and included presentations to the faculty of the New England Center for Children, Southborough Senior Citizens, and various pre-schools. A 3 hour program was delivered to the students and faculty of St. Mark’s School in October and involved awareness about dorm fire safety practices. The program included an interactive demonstration of common fire hazards and ways to prevent fire incidences from occurring.    

PLAN REVIEWS, INSPECTIONS, and FIRE INVESTIGATIONS

·        While not all fires can be prevented, it is the responsibility of the Fire Department to ensure that the incidences of fires, fire deaths, and injuries be reduced through proper prevention and education. The department can be proud that there has not been a death as a result of fire in over 15 years. This is accomplished through the review of residential and commercial plans to ensure proper safety codes are followed. There were a total of 171 residential and commercial plans reviewed during the year.

Fire Prevention is also responsible for the investigation of fire as well as inspections of suspected violations found while responding to emergency incidents. There were a total of 5 fires investigated and 3 complaints investigated for potential fire code violations. The incidents of fires and fire hazards have decreased over the past year with few major incidents to report. The only major fire occurred in April in a house on Clifford Rd that caused significant damage to the first floor of the home. 

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

(Lt. Victor G. Robidoux, EMS Coordinator)

It gives me great pleasure to submit this report as the Southborough Fire Department Emergency Medical Services Director. The year of 2001 has been a productive one within the Department and specifically in the area of Emergency Medical Services.  In following the recommendations of the 2000 Public Safety Staffing and Facilities Study we hired skilled and experienced advanced-level EMT-Intermediate and Paramedics.  FF/EMT Neal P. Aspesi was certified as an EMT-Intermediate.

A major goal was set to advance the existing ambulance service to a self-sufficient Paramedic level of care.  This level of care will, in short, bring the emergency room to the scene of all emergency ambulance responses.   This is a lengthy process that required compliance from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services, the Department of Public Health and the Southborough Fire Department’s Medical Director, Dr. Taryn Kennedy of U-Mass Marlborough Hospital.  In addition, the Department has formed a motivated EMS Committee that overlooks the entire EMS operation for the department including a revamping of the Departments’ EMS Policies and Procedures.  A comprehensive Continuous Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance of EMS responses is coordinated by newly appointed ALS Coordinator Francis (Sam) Mahoney.

The Department’s two ambulances were inspected by the Office of Emergency Medical Services in December and received a satisfactory report.

EMS continuing education training classes were held over the year in order to maintain certification for all EMT’s.  Training education consisted of:

In a cooperative agreement with Massachusetts Bay Community College, the Department hosted an intensive vehicle extrication class.  It took place in the rear parking lot of the fire station.  Had it not been for the donations of motor vehicles by RoadOne and several off-duty personnel that volunteered time, the class may not have come to fruition.

TRAINING

(Lt. John L. Kendall)

Our first major drill of the year was conducted in April.  This was used as a tool to evaluate the current status of the department, and to determine what training would be needed in the future.  There was some training conducted in-service by on duty members, however this was limited to drills that required a minimum number of people.

Beginning in July, the department went “Back to Basics”.  With the assistance of a training committee consisting of myself, Firefighters Jim Peltier, Ken Franks, and Safety Officer Jack Peltier, a series of drills were designed to reacquaint members with proper SCBA usage, hose line handling, ladder work, and with the department’s two Thermal Imaging Cameras.  A property that was scheduled for demolition was provided to the department for non-fire training.  Two drills were conducted at this site providing the opportunity for all members to participate in scenario-based training.  Using simulated smoke, several evolutions were conducted bringing together all facets of firefighting.

On September 11th, this nation was stuck by terrorist acts in both New York and at the Pentagon.  Among those killed at the World Trade Center were 343 New York City firefighters, some of whom were experts in Specialized Rescue, Critical Incident Stress Management, and Incident Management. These acts have changed the face of firefighting forever.  Now more than ever all emergency workers are more cautious yet continue to be vigilant.

Following these attacks, a new fear cropped up.  In October, there were several pieces of mail sent to such people as congressmen and television commentators.  These mailings contained the bacteria Anthrax.  These acts brought about another problem for the fire service to contend with.  Haz Mat teams within the Commonwealth became extremely busy responding to ever increasing numbers of incidents related to anthrax scares.  In response to this, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with its Hazardous Materials Response Section, Hazardous Devices Section, and the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy created a program to train firefighters throughout the Commonwealth in handling these letters and packages. 

A “Train the Trainer” program was conducted by the Academy.  Lt. John Kendall, who is a state and nationally certified Fire Instructor attended the program.  The program was then brought to Southborough and taught to members of the department. This training not only helped us re-develop policies, it actually changed how this department responded to such incidents, and reduced the number of responses.

After months of discussion, the towns of Southborough, Ashland, Hopkinton, and Milford combined resources to form a Technical Rescue Team.  Members from the fire departments from each town have been training in High Angle Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, as well as other technical areas. Such a regional approach enables smaller Departments to have members trained and equipped to respond to technical emergencies at a reduced cost to the individual municipalities.  Members from Southborough are Lt. Victor Robidoux, FF Kenneth Franks, FF James Peltier, FF Matthew Rice, and FF Mark Sadowski. 

Several members of the department have attended courses at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, National Fire Academy, and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.  Firefighters Robert Kane and Nancy Mabardy completed and graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy 11 week Recruit Firefighter Training course.  Other accomplishments are as follows:

Firefighter Kenneth Franks – Fire Officer Supervisory Training

Captain David Dockstader – Emergency Operations Center Management,

            Multi Hazard School Program, and Critical Incident Stress Management

Lieutenant John Kendall – Basic Fire and Arson Investigation

Firefighter Nancy Mabardy – Fire Officer Supervisory Training, Leadership I

Captain Joseph Mauro – Basic Fire and Arson Investigation

Firefighter James Peltier – Fire Department Instructors Conference

Lieutenant Victor Robidoux – Fire Officer Supervisory Training

Chief John Mauro – Public Contracting Overview Seminar

EMT Susan Chorey – Critical Incident Stress Management

EMT Cynthia Bechtel – Critical Incident Stress Management

EMT Linda Shine – Critical Incident Stress Management

Firefighter Matt Boland – FDIC Seminars

Five members of the call department participated in a Firefighter I/II training program sponsored by the Regional Fire Training Committee consisting of the towns of Southborough, Ashland, Holliston, and Sherborn.  These members spent many hours over a 12 week period learning basic firefighting skills such as SCBA use, ground ladders, and hose handling.  This culminated with a day of live fire training at the Barnstable County Fire Training Center in Hyannis.  These members will be participating in the State/National Certification process beginning in January of 2002. 

I look forward to continuing as the Training Officer for the department, and hope that with proper funding, the training programs for the department can be expanded.

 

EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

(Captain David J. Dockstader)

The members of the fire department were deeply affected by the events of 9/11/01.  Firefighters, EMTs and members of the LEPC and Operations Staff have newly dedicated themselves to preparing Southborough for any emergencies it may face.  As recently elected chairman of the LEPC, there is still much to do to prepare Southborough. A lot, however, has already been done.

Monthly CPR for citizens has continued. CPR classes were conducted for Town Hall employees and The Recreation Department summer playground staff.  Plans are underway to expand citizen CPR to include First Aid and Emergency Preparedness.  I would like to thank FF Anthony Alessi and Lt. Kevin Moran for assisting with these classes.

A survey of town hazards was completed for MEMA in June.  Preparations were also completed for an ISO inspection. Commercial surveys for about 60 businesses were updated.  Work was done on fire department Standard Operating Procedures.  These steps proved to be valuable later in the year as Southborough LEPC geared up.

As Emergency Planning Officer, I attended MEMA classes on School Hazards, and Emergency Operations Center Management and Operations. I toured a nearby local industrial facility, attended the Critical Incident Stress Management Workshop, and attended conferences on Municipal Response to Terrorism, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and anger management.  We developed a new policy for anthrax calls and purchased equipment for handling these calls.

In October I was elected chairman of the Southborough Local Emergency Planning Committee.  The LEPC has held four meetings and has accomplished much. Members of the committee have received updates of terrorism threats and state and local responses. Local hazards have been identified and discussed. Revisions have been made to the Southborough Emergency Plan. Youth and Family Services added procedures to monitor and manage Critical Incident Stress.  Modifications are being made to the Emergency Command Center.  The Committee developed three deep staffing of personnel for the Operations Staff.   Communications were one of the chief concerns of the committee. Bob Legasse prepared budget items to address this concern.  Briefings were held on the Incident Command System and a tabletop exercise was conducted and witnessed by MEMA. Fire, police and DPW workers need more training in Incident Command and hazardous materials.  As a result of the hard work by the LEPC, an application for certification can be made this spring.    

CONCLUSION

I would like to thank all of the members of the Southborough Fire Department and their families for the dedicated service that they provide to you, the citizens of Southborough. I would also like to thank the members of the Board of Selectmen, all of the Town’s Department heads and Town Boards and Committees for their continued cooperation, assistance and support.

Respectfully Submitted

John D. Mauro, Jr.,

Fire Chief

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