2000 - Present
The turn of the century proved to be an exciting and dynamic time for the Freetown Fire Department. Station 3 opened on January 1, 2000. In addition to the new station three more firefighters were hired bringing the total staffing to the current level of eight firefighters and the Chief. This new station was staffed with two Firefighter/ EMT’s twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The 1986 Ford 1250 GPM Pumper, 1994 Ford Ambulance and the 1969 International Brush Breaker were relocated to this station. The department received a grant from the Office of Public Safety which was used to purchase protective clothing and a Thermal Imaging Camera.
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In 2001 a new Ford Class 1 Ambulance was placed in-service at Station 3. The 1994 Ford was relocated to Station 2 and the 1986 Ford was disposed of.
September 11, 2001 was a day no one will ever forget. Terrorist attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The Firefighters Association and Union joined forces to raise money for the widows and children of the members of the FDNY who were killed on that unforgettable day.
On January 16, 2002 a house fire on Forge Road in Assonet leaves one dead. The victim, a 44 y/o male was rescued by firefighters but was later pronounced dead on arrival at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. In 2002, the 1959 Maxim Ladder was replaced with a 1955 Maxim 75’ Ladder that had been re-powered with a diesel motor and updated drive train. The 59 Maxim Truck was placed in reserve at station 2.
On February 20, 2003 the furthest response in the history of the Freetown Fire Department notably occurred with the dispatch of the ambulance to the City of West Warwick, RI. This response was to the “Station Nightclub” Fire in which 100 people were killed.
In 2003, a newer Ladder Truck was placed in service at Station 2. This unit was a 1978 Ward Lafrance 100ft rear mount Aerial Ladder donated from Dartmouth Fire District 3. The 1955 Maxim Ladder and the reserve 1959 Maxim Ladder were donated to the Town of Rochester.
In 2004, the department received a large Federal Fire Act Grant and used the money to replace all of the existing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus.
In 2007, took delivery of a 2006 Class 1 Type 3 Ford Ambulance. This unit, a Horton demonstrator was purchased by the Town and placed in service at Station 3 in April. The 2001 Ford Ambulance was relocated to Station 2 and the 1994 Ford was disposed of.
In 2009, the department received a Federal Fire Act Grant to purchase two new Jaws of Life, replacing the original unitsdating back to the 1970s. The department also received a Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant to equip every firefighteron the department with a portable radio.
In 2010, a 1993 Ford F-350 pickup truck was placed in service at Station 1. This vehicle wasacquired through military surplus and replaced the 1983 GMC pumper that was taken out of service due to mechanical problems. Also in 2010, the fire department was faced with a crisis of epic proportion whensevere flooding impacted the area from March 30 - April 6. The flood waters damaged numerous homes and businesses. Additionally, many roads and bridges were damaged and rendered unusable. Fortunately, there was no loss of life in Freetownas a result of the flooding.
In 2012, a new Ford F-450 ambulance was placed in service at Station 3. The 2006 Ford wasmoved to Station 2 and the 2001 Ford was traded in. Also in 2012, the department received anotherFederal Assistance to Firefighters Grant to purchase a new forestry this vehicle. This unit, a 2012 Ford, was placedin service at Station 1, replacing the 1993 Ford pickup and the 1967 Jeep brush breaker.
In 2013, a new KME pumper was placed in service at Station 3. The 1986 Ford pumper was re-assigned to Station 2 and the 1973 Maxim foam pumper was retired.
The challenges facing the fire department as we head into the 21st century are many but the capacity of the fire department to adjust and overcome them is unlimited. The Freetown Fire Department currently operates out of three fire stations. These stations house four engine, one ladder, one squad, two brush breakers, two ambulances and assorted other equipment.
In the fiscal year of 2013 the fire department responded to 1,774 total calls for service. The fire department collected over $371,000 in ambulance fees.
In May of 2014, the Town took delivery of a new class A pumper for Engine Company #3 on Bullock Road. This vehicle is a 2014 KME Panther Custom 1500 GPM pumper. Pumper #3 is the primary responding apparatus for all fire calls for our full-time staff while on duty.
In the fiscal year of 2014 the fire department responded to 1,640 total calls for service. The fire department collected over $367,000 in ambulance fees.
In March 2015 the Department took delivery of a 2014 Kenworth 2,000 Gallon tanker truck, Purchased through funds from a grant. In addition to this, a grant was awarded to the fire department for a new SCBA filling station.
In the fiscal year of 2015 the fire department responded to 1,785 total calls for service. The fire department collected over $388,000 in ambulance fees.
In October 2016 The Department took delivery of a 2016 Ford/Horton F-450 Class 1 ambulance.
In the fiscal year of 2016 the fire department responded to 1,767 total calls for service. The fire department collected over $400,000 in ambulance fees.
Regrettably, On June 6th, 2017 Former Freetown Firefighter John Ross Laronda passed away. Firefighter Laronda served on the fire department with distinction before moving to Virginia where he joined the Alta Vista Volunteer Fire Company and quickly rose to the rank of captain. John Ross was a great firefighter but an even greater person, a rare individual who led by example without seeking recognition. The sorrow that we feel for John is one of loss as we are all diminished when such a young man of honor passes from our ranks.
In the fiscal year of 2017 the fire department responded to 1,974 total calls for service. The fire department collected over $430,000 in ambulance fees.
In 2018, the fire department received a grant in the amount of $39,940.00 to aid in the purchase of CPR devices. These devices greatly increase the quality of CPR being delivered to individuals should they need it.
In the fiscal year of 2018 the fire department responded to 2,164 total calls for service. The fire department collected over $421,000 in ambulance fees.
In January of 2019, the Freetown Fire Department received a Federal Assistance to Firefighters (AFG)-Staffing fore Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant. This Grant, in the amount of $258,445.00 was used to hire two additional firefighter/paramedics to cover station 2. This greatly reduced response times and increased safety for firefighters.
In the fiscal year of 2019 the fire department responded to 1,932 total calls for service. The fire department collected over $481,000 in ambulance fees.
In January of 2020 the department rose to the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Freetown Fire Department rose to the occasion despite this challenge, consistently putting community over self and providing continual exceptional care to Freetown residents.
In March 2020 the department took delivery of a 2019 Ford/Lifeline F-550 Class 1 ambulance.
In the fiscal year of 2020 the fire department responded to 2,223 total calls for service. The fire department collected over $623,000 in ambulance fees.
In February of 2021, the Town took delivery of a new class A pumper for Engine Company #1 in the village of Assonet. This vehicle is a 2021 KME severe service 1500 GPM pumper. This vehicle is dedicated to Chief Allan Whitcomb, last alarm august 23rd,1989. Station 1 Doors were renovated to allow fitment of this new Engine.
In the fiscal year of 2021 the fire department responded to 2,357 total calls for service. The fire department collected over $722,000 in ambulance fees.
In 2022, the department received a gift in the amount of $25,000 from Bristol County Savings Bank. The funds were used to purchase a new Polaris Ranger 1000 UTV with EMS style attachment for use in responses into the Freetown State Forest and any areas that a small vehicle can be utilized. .
In the fiscal year of 2022 the fire department responded to 2,356 total calls for service. The fire department collected over $770,000 in ambulance fees.
With an ever-increasing call volume, expansion of both business and housing in town, and 2 increasingly busier highways in town, The Freetown Fire Department continues to evolve and grow with the community. Going forward, the Department will continue to serve the town and its surrounding communities with pride and maintain a high level of proficiency and professionalism in their duties.