FFRD Blog

5th Annual Cape Cod Firefighters Chili Challenge

2009-03-07T20:27:00.000-05:00

It’s that time of year again, please come and support Habaneros Bomberos Local 1397’s team on Sunday March 15, 2009 12:00 to 4:00 to help them compete for first place chili and make money for Muscular Dystrophy. Click here for more information.

Open Burning Season in full swing...

2009-03-01T20:02:00.000-05:00

Brush burning season is January 15th through and including May 1st. The Fire Prevention Office (2nd floor of Fire Rescue Headquarters) is open 8:00 am until 12:00 noon, 7 days a week, January 1st through May 1st, to obtain a burning permit. The cost is $10.00, or $5.00 for senior citizens. Please click on the link below to find out more information about open burning.

Open Burning Information.

Information from Falmouthmass.us

Special Attention to the LT on shift #4

2009-03-01T20:01:00.000-05:00

Man Dies from Too Much Cowbell

Is the FFRD having a quiet year or is the blogmaster spread too thin?

2009-03-01T19:50:00.000-05:00

It seems to me that if your going to have a successful blog you have to post more often than every six months. With the annual St Patrick's day fundraiser coming up
at Liam Maguire's maybe a plug is in order,,or maybe with burning season post the rules for permits.

For Mike

2009-03-01T13:17:00.001-05:00

Created by OnePlusYou

Firefighter of the Year Award

2008-11-02T20:08:00.001-05:00

Governor Patrick will present Falmouth firefighter Christopher Brown with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts's "Firefighter of the Year" award in a ceremony at Faneuil Hall in Boston on December 3 at 1100 hours. Firefighter Brown will receive the award for his actions at a fire on Deer Run Lane North Falmouth. When he arrived on scene with his partner, Firefighter Gary Sabens, to find a large house that was still under construction and a fire broke out in the attic. Firefighter Brown entered the structure alone and proceeded into the attic to rescue a worker that was unconscious and trapped by fire. Firefighter Brown went above and beyond his call of duty endangering himself to rescue the construction worker. Congratulations to Firefighter Brown on this achievement.

Local Launches Website

2008-07-24T22:49:00.000-04:00

Falmouth Firefighters Local 1397 has launched a new website, it is currently under construction but will be up and running soon. The web address for it is: www.L1397.org. The site is expected to be up and running by late August. If you have any ideas or something you would like to contribute to the site please send an email to mmueller@l1397.org.

Training Videos

2008-05-31T21:52:00.002-04:00

A few months ago Deputy Rogers started doing neighborhood training videos, which he likes to call, “Deputy Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The videos give an overview of access and interior roads, approximate number of houses, response times, any special hazards, and the condition of the water system in the area. Personally, I have learned many facts about each of the neighborhoods that have been covered by these videos. What are your opinions on this type of video training? Have you found any beneficial information? Anything not so good about the videos? Would you like to see something different all together? Please share your thoughts.

Triple Load

2008-05-31T21:52:00.001-04:00

For several months now we have been using the Triple Load as a new hose load on the engines. Many of us have had the opportunity to deploy and repack this load whether at a structure fire, a brush fire, or just in training. In your experience has this load worked? Any good experiences, any bad? Please share your thoughts.

Debt Exclusion Passes…

2008-05-31T21:49:00.000-04:00

Question #3 in the May 20th ballot passed with 4,755 “yes” votes, which was the largest margin of votes of any of the 3 questions on the ballot. Thanks to everyone who voted “yes” on Question 3.

Brush fires continue…

2008-05-19T17:34:00.001-04:00

A span of brush fires alongside of roadways throughout town has continued since the end of March. The count is near 50 and most of these fires are similar in nature, starting near the side of the roadway and only burning small areas of underbrush before they are reported and extinguished.

Don’t Forget to Vote!

2008-05-19T17:30:00.000-04:00

Tuesday May 20, 2008 is Election Day, don’t forget to vote. On the ballot will be 3 questions on Debt Exclusions; please vote ‘yes’ on question #3 which will provide a $1.85 million dollar debt exclusion to the fire department for the purpose of buying 2 fire pumpers, 1 brush breaker, 1 ambulance, 5 defibrillator monitors, and an electronic ambulance billing system. Polls will be open from 7 am – 8 pm. If you do not know where your precinct votes, click here to find out.

Debt Exclusion to Go to Ballot…

2008-04-13T22:18:00.000-04:00

Chief Brodeur’s colorful PowerPoint presentation highlighted with jokes and sounds, which animated QRS complexes, had a positive reflection on Town Meeting members. After the presentation no questions were asked and there were no requests for detailed information about the need for the new equipment. The Chief did an excellent job demonstrating the need throughout his presentation.
As Town Meeting Moderator, David Veira, asked for all opposed only one or two “no’s” could be heard and he declared the article passed by the necessary two-thirds.
The next question will come on the May 20th ballot regarding the bidding process and when it will begin. Chief Brodeur hopes to make orders prior to July 1st when there will be an automatic cost increase from the manufacturers. This exclusion will bear an $11 yearly increase on a $500,000 home for 10 years.
Please encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to vote ‘Yes’ on the Fire Department Debt Exclusion question.

Annual PAL Hockey Game a Success

2008-04-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

This year’s “Guns and Hoses” benefit hockey game for the Police Athletic League was once again a success, according to KC Clarkson, several hundred people attended, but the exact amount raised is not yet available. As far as the hockey game, the Falmouth Police prevailed again this year with a 5-3 victory over the Fire Department.

Profitable Saint Patty’s Day MDA Benefit

2008-04-07T16:56:00.000-04:00

The annual Saint Patrick’s Day event at Liam McGuire’s Irish Pub was a huge success once again. Local 1397 raised about $4,600 at Liam’s and about $1,600 selling shamrocks at local businesses for a grand total of $6,200 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This is one of two major events the Local does for MDA, the second being Fill the Boot in August.

Child Restraint Technicians now able to serve community..

2008-03-30T12:20:00.000-04:00

The Falmouth Fire Rescue department now has five nationally certified Child Restraint Installation Technicians. Lt. Scott Thrasher, and F/F’s Boyd DeMello, Scott Starbard, Mike Jusseaume, and Mike Mueller attended the four day certification class last week held at COMM fire headquarters. Previously, the town did not have any technicians and had to send interested parents to the town of Bourne or elsewhere when they wanted a child seat installed. Along with the fire department techs, the Falmouth Police Department now also has three technicians, with Patrolmen Rob Curtis also being certified last week.

This group hopes to start a community program and hold regular checkpoints throughout the year, as well as having the availability to install seats by appointment. Further details are being discussed, but they will be posted when finalized.

FFRD Hockey Retirements

2008-03-21T21:12:00.000-04:00

The Falmouth Fire Rescue Hockey Team announced today the retirement of two veterans. Forward Boyd “Boydo” DeMello and Defenseman Richard “Doc” Henry have retired. Rich Henry has accepted the head coaching job for the team. Boyd DeMello has accepted a job with the PAL broadcast team.

Team Co- Captains Todd Taylor and Tim Smith announced the changes today. “Doc brings a leadership role to the team which has been lacking for a while” says Todd Taylor. Boyd retired to replace ESPN personality Wayne Soares who recently launched his own sports talk show on TV. Pal President K. C. Clarkson in a prepared statement believes that “Boydo’s insight and professionalism will bring a refreshing aspect to the game.”

#1

2008-03-19T14:07:00.000-04:00

I hope the creator of this blog makes it safely home from his vacation to San Diego with some interesting stories to share

2008-03-09T19:10:00.000-04:00

Good Job Mike.

Falmouth's Finest Heroes

2008-03-07T21:45:00.006-05:00

The following is a letter to the editor of the Falmouth Enterprise on Friday, March 7, 2008:

As a longtime resident of Falmouth, since February 24, 1964, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting 12 of Falmouth's finest heroes, not that I wanted to under the circumstances.
You see, my house was on fire. As a three-time veteran with 31 years of service in the military and recently returned from Baghdad, truly I now what makes a hero. As I stood outside my home of 30 years one will never know what was going through my mind.
But as I watched these brave men answering the call, my adrenaline, anxiety, and stress level were clearly lowering to one of ease. These men clearly showed me how they fight fires on the front lines in America and our communities. You could definitely see how they go to work, leaving behind wives, husbands, or loved ones at home when duty calls, with no regard for themselves. They form a family and bond as brothers and sisters to fight fires, to protect lives and personal property, and sometimes give their own lives for our nation and communities while doing their job.
The whole time you could clearly see an orchestrated or Swiss-watch work team and wingman-to-wingman operation above and beyond the call of duty to save my home. As a result of their brave actions, my home was spared and no lives lost.
As they left, I thanked them from the bottom of my heart for saving my home. Their reply was, they were just doing their job and thank God no one was hurt. Truly, that is a hero's reply. I cannot thank you all enough times, but from the bottom of my heart once again, thank you for putting your lives on the line, for the jobs you men and women do in our nation and communities, and for saving my home.
As you all fight on the home front lines, we will continue abroad with deepest respect, admiration, and regards for all you do, Truly, you are all my heroes.

MSgt. Steven O. DeLeon USAFR and Katherine C. DeLeon
Seacoast Shores Boulevard
East Falmouth

Personally, I feel this is a very bold statement of gratitude coming from a three-time veteran with 31 years of service in the military.

3rd Time May be a Charm for Ballymeade Partners..

2008-03-05T09:28:00.000-05:00

With Spring and Special Town Meeting right around the corner the Ballymeade Partners and CLSV development group have proposed a third and possibly a final option for the town to be able to have a say in what is developed on the 31 acre site on Nathan Ellis Hwy. The newest proposal will be attached to two articles on this years Special town meeting, one being to create a limited use Business 4 district for this project and the other would be to change the parcel of land from agricultural to the new zoning district. The parcel of land which the town has had right of first refusal on has been on the market for over ten years and the town has recently rejected two plans for development of the land. The first was housing, retail development, a conference center and a skating rink / pool facility. The second was to build a 175-unit Chapter 40B development on the property. Which the developers have moved forward with this plan and is currently awaiting approval from the state on this plan.
The newest plan if approved the articles pass town meeting will be to build a 200 unit senior housing facility with a supermarket and pharmacy on the land. This new development would consist of 3 large buildings and 8 smaller buildings to house all the units and the buildings would look similar to the new Wise Living facility on Dillingham Ave. However, these units would be monthly rentals opposed to being purchased by the occupants.
So I ask you to keep this in mind in the upcoming weeks and month, would you rather a 175 unit 40B development (25 units affordable) or a 200 unit senior facility that is relatively appealing to the eye with a large supermarket and pharmacy.
What will the neighbors think? Cavossa has certainly built his property up. The animal hospital isn't small anymore with the Doggy Daycare building soon to open. What will the impact be on traffic, the developers did a study saying not much, but can you really rely on them for a full and honest report? What will the impact be on the fire department? If passed, what about having the developers pay for a 5th ambulance or that garage door expansion at station 3? What about having them build a Hatchville fire station? Purchase one or more of the apparatus needed on the upcoming Debt Exclusion. What will the new supermarket do to the local stores in the area, Dean's, Superette, Jack & the Beanstalk, Village Pantry, Wild Harbor General Store, West Falmouth Market? Wouldn't the new pharmacy be the exact reason places like the North Falmouth Pharamcy go out of business? If the senior facility doesn't fly and a 175 unit housing facility goes in, what will this do to the North Falmouth Elementry school district?
It will certainly be interesting in the upcoming weeks to see what the outcome will be.
Information for the blog post from the Falmouth Enterprise.

Necessary (For Most) North Falmouth Landmark Reopens..

2008-03-04T08:36:00.000-05:00

The Wild Harbor General store at the corner of Old Main Road and Wild Harbor Road has reopened with new owners and a new flair. Late last month Ray Rowitz of North Falmouth sold the landmark to two North Falmouth families, the Phares and the Brakes. According to the Falmouth Enterprise, the new owners would like to turn the store into a "year-round upscale gourmet market with a full service butcher shop and specialty breads and cheeses". For some time the general store and deli has been a staple in North Falmouth and very helpful to those serving the area at the North Falmouth fire station. Being right across the street, it is just a short walk with a portable radio to pickup anything from breakfast to lunch, to a late afternoon coffee and snack. However, a drawback with the previous owners was being closed on Sundays. With a call to the store this morning the employees there stated the the store will now be open from 12-6 on Sundays however, they do not believe the deli will be open. More information about the store can be found at: http://www.wildharborgeneralstore.com/index.htm. This website is from the previous owners but the will soon be updated. Good luck to the new owners.

Red Shirt Friday

2008-02-15T10:21:00.000-05:00

The Union body and the chief of the department has approved a voluntary purchase of and is allowing red t-shirts to be worn on Fridays to support US Troops serving for our county in overseas conflicts. This isn't a political statement or showing support or opposition to the war it is simply supporting the men and women that are overseas in harms way fighting for the freedom that we all experience everyday here at home. For more information and department members interested in ordering a shirt should contact Brother Waggett via email at jwaggett@falmouthfire.us.

Salty Roadways...

2008-02-12T08:32:00.000-05:00

Just prior to this past winter storm the Falmouth board of selectmen adopted DPW Supervisor Ray Jack's new plan for ice removal.
This new plan consists of sending equipment out prior to the main part of the storm hitting and spreading salt on the roadways in an effort to stop any ice from forming on the roadways. This program is different to the previous one because the old method was to spread a salt-sand mix (7:1 - sand:salt), also as part of the old plan, equipment would not be out on the roadways prior to the weather hitting. Sup. Jack believes this new method will actually cut down on the amount of salt being used.
However, with more salt on the roadways as I'm sure you all noticed after this past storm it creates a headache of trying to keep apparatus and personal vehicles clean during and after in climate weather.
Ultimately, with the hope that road conditions are improved with this new plan, this should outweigh the mess it makes.

Spring Town Meeting..

2008-02-10T20:46:00.001-05:00

As the first warrant for Spring Town meeting was published in the Enterprise, many critics will say "oh, the DPW and Fire Department are looking for money, I wonder what they 'need' now". But someone who is more in tune and pays attention to how the town operates would know that this isn't simply another case of "oh, they just want to spend a bunch of money on something they don't need". The Fire Department will bring to town meeting a request to replace apparatus, two class A pumpers, a brush breaker / tanker, and an ambulance, and replace the cardiac monitors we currently have. As well as, make the next step into the computer era with optaining laptop computers for electronic ambulance billing.
As far as the replacement apparatus goes, I feel in my opinion this is much needed, of the groups of engines needing replacement, two of them are 1987s and two of them are 1989s. That in itself to me is argument enough to justify their replacement nevermind the volume of use and wear and tear they have gotten over the years. The breaker / tanker replacement is justified due to the fact that the piece of apparatus being replaced was taken out of service at the end of March due to mechanical issues, the tanker was a 1965. The ambulance to be replaced is a 1997 with over 100,000 miles on it. That also should be reason enough to justify to the towns people its replacement. Especially, in my opinion because this piece of equipment brings revenue into the town. The cardiac monitors are also in need of replacement because like any piece of equpiment, time takes its toll on them.
Electronic ambulance billing is becoming more poplular for many reasons, the most important ones being saving time, manpower, and drastically cutting down on the time it takes for billing to be processed with insurance companies therefore, the town gets paid faster when services are rendered.
So please keep these things in mind in the coming months during the Spring Town meeting, and during the May voting if this article passes town meeting.