Town of Hingham Massachusetts - Town Government & Services, Departments: Fire Department

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2011 Annual Report

2011 was another busy year for the department with a total of 3,859 emergencies. As the town continues to grow, so does our work load. We are required to conduct many hundreds of inspections each year including smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors, oil burner inspections, tank removal inspections, sprinkler system reviews, blasting permits, open burning permits, hydrant inspections and plans review. The department is very involved in the residential as well as the commercial building that is taking place in Hingham despite the downturn in the economy.

Training is another area that is a requirement for the emergency medical services we provide and firefighting. Although we have been able to continue the proper level of emergency medical training, because of budget cuts we have fallen behind in firefighter, hazardous materials and incident command training, just to name a few. I have requested additional funding in the FY13 budget so that we may restore our training program back to responsible levels. For the safety of the residents as well as our firefighters, we cannot afford not to have a properly trained fire department. Our ability to conduct fire safety training for our residents and students has also been compromised because of budget cuts. This is another area I hope to restore and rebuild in the future.

In February, David Nickerson returned from a one-year deployment in Afghanistan. When he returned the first place he visited was Central Fire Station where he received a warm reception from family friends and department members. We are very pleased to have Dave back safe and sound serving the residents as a firefighter/paramedic.

Our radio upgrade was completed in March and for the first time in many years the fire department is in the same frequency spectrum (UHF) as the police department, all of our surrounding neighbors as well as most of the departments in Plymouth County. In addition, portable radio coverage was significantly improved throughout town. In the near future all town departments will have converted to UHF and will be able to communicate with each other utilizing a single radio.

Considerable progress has been made with the South Shore Regional Dispatch Center located in Town Hall. Completion is expected to occur in 2012. Once completed, Hingham, Hull Cohasset and Norwell 911 Fire & Police Dispatching will all be located in the new facility. The new facility will provide more efficient dispatching of emergency calls while at the same time providing a higher level of safety for residents and public safety personnel. In addition the facility has the capability of adding additional communities which would result in additional savings and efficiency. The new facility has provided a new and much needed computerized dispatch and records keeping system. Deputy Fire Chief Olsson has worked extremely hard on this project and spent many hours working out the technical issues. His assistance and expertise has been paramount to its success. Many others from all the participating communities have also made considerable contributions in time and effort.

Working with the Board of Health, our Local Emergency Planning Committee conducted our annual Table Top Exercise in May. Over 40 town officials participated in the all day exercise. This year's subject was an extended ice storm event. Much was learned and I cannot overstate the importance of these training exercises. We are very fortunate that the Board of Health is able and willing to fund these events utilizing a grant. The grant allows for an outside consultant to formulate and design the exercise that is challenging as well as educational. At the end of the day all of the participants are all better prepared to meet the needs of the residents during emergencies which can occur at any time without warning.

Tropical Storm Irene visited us on August 28th. Although Hingham was spared of any significant damage and power outages, it was because of the excellent preplanning that all departments participate in that made it possible. A special well done goes to the Department of Public Works who not only was well prepared for the storm but was also able to secure the services of outside contractors to assist with clean up. I am happy to report that most of the costs associated with the cleanup will be reimbursed by FEMA. During the storm our new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated. Representatives from Fire, Police, DPW, Light Department, Selectmen's Office, Harbormaster and Emergency Management were all present at the E.O.C. and were able to collectively make the necessary decisions needed to coordinate the cleanup and restoration of power to the town. A special thank you to all employees who left their homes and families and worked to protect the community.

During the year the department converted our 1999 pick-up truck into a brush truck. Now designated as "Forest One" and equipped with 4 wheel drive, it is available to respond to woods, brush and grass fires in areas where larger apparatus cannot reach. It is also available to respond to medical emergencies in those same areas if required.

Although our Central Fire Station is in fine shape due to the renovation that took place recently, our two satellite stations are again showing their age. Constructed in 1942, both buildings are in need of electrical, plumbing and heating updates as well as painting and roof work. I will be requesting funding in future budgets for the necessary required improvements.

Again I urge everyone to make sure you have working Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide alarms in every level of your home. Unfortunately, Carbon Monoxide incidents are on the rise. Carbon Monoxide is known as the "Secret Killer." We frequently find homes with Carbon Monoxide levels that are unsafe. A simple and inexpensive detector can prevent a tragedy. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors every seven years. Should you require assistance with installation or replacement, please call us.

Captain Frances Krause retired in May after 34 years of service. Firefighter Michael Antoine who also served as the Fire Alarm Superintendant retired in October after serving the town for 35 years. Both of these members served with great distinction and always had the best interests of the department and the community during their careers. They leave the department with the best wishes of their associates.

Each year I thank all the town departments, boards and committees we work with for their excellent cooperation, assistance and support. 2011 was no exception.

Mark Duff
Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director