On October 10, 1887 the first Board of Fire Engineers was organized in the Town of Freetown. Prior to this, fire protection was the responsibility of loosely organized private citizen volunteers who operated such appliances as the Water Witch Hand Tub Fire Engine. The town appropriated funds to purchase both a hand tub engine, The Narraganset, from the Town of Warren, RI and a Hook and Ladder truck from the Town of Franklin. Around this time, a Chemical Engine was also placed in service. Beginning in 1888 these appliances were stored in the Town Hall. Prior to this, the townspeople kept the appliances in their own barns.
1917 saw the development of a system to signal firemen of a fire. Daley’s Bleachery, the Davis Gun Shop, and the Crystal Springs Bleachery agreed to blow their whistles upon notification of a fire. These early fire warning systems would improve to the use of “Air Raid” sirens. The “cycling” of the air raid sirens would become familiar to all who lived near the fire stations. Their distinctive sound could be heard every time the fire department turned out and when they were tested on Saturday at noon in Assonet and quarter to one in East Freetown. Subsequently, certain homes and businesses including the town hall were equipped with “Red Network” fire phones. As the town centralized communications, home base Tone Alerting equipment would replace the fire phones and evolve to the personal fire pagers the firefighters wear on their belts today. Click here to listen to what the air raid sirens would have sounded like.
By 1925, the need for motorized fire apparatus became apparent and the town purchased a 1925 REO Fire Engine equipped with a 350 gallons per minute pump. The town also purchased a used Ford Fire Engine. It was also during this time that a siren was installed on the roof of the Freetown Town Hall. In 1927, Engineers voted to place the Hand Pumping Engine, Hose Reel, and Hook and Ladder Truck in East Freetown. The Hand Tub would eventually make its way back to Station 1 and in 1960 it was moved to the town shed. In 1933, the current fire apparatus did not prove to be efficient and a Chevrolet Fire Engine equipped with a 200 GPM pump, was purchased at a cost of $1925. This piece was stationed in the East Freetown Garage so the town could provide better fire protection coverage.
In 1938, the Board of Fire Engineers approved purchase of aluminum fire helmets. These helmets would be the standard head protection for members of the fire department until the mid 1970’s.
Tragedy struck the Freetown Fire Department when Hoseman Perley Wotton was killed in the line of duty on April 13, 1941. While responding to a house fire on Water Street, Hoseman Wotton fell from the apparatus in the Assonet Four Corners and died from his injuries.
Due to the entry of the United States into the Second World War in 1941 an Auxiliary Fire Department was formed. This also allowed the department to keep up with the National Defense Program. In1943, the Board of Fire Engineers appointed a committee to meet with Selectmen to inquire if the Fire Department and Forest Fire Department could be combined into one department. Also in ’43, a GMC Fire Engine was place in service for the Forest Fire Department. The Ford Engine was relocated to East Freetown. In 1944, it took about a week to bring a large forest fire under control that burned from Fall River to Lakeville.
In 1945 the Town purchased a Buffalo Fire Engine equipped with a 600 gallon per minute pump. The REO and the Ford were disposed of. A second Buffalo Fire Engine was bought in 1947 for East Freetown.
According to the Town Report, “The Beginning of 1948 would find the Fire Department at its highest point of efficiency in its history with a 1945 Buffalo 600 GPM Pumper in Precinct 1 and a 1947 Buffalo 600 GPM Pumper in Precinct 2.” Construction was completed on a New Engine House located at 3 Elm Street in Assonet.
In 1949 concern to have the ability to provide first aid comes to light as First Aid Kits are purchased for each Fire Station. In the late 1940’s, many of the new firemen were returning WWII veterans who brought a level of dedication and maturity from their military service to the fire department.
1951 saw the beginnings of concern for firefighter safety with the purchase of two Scott Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. These early models were primitive and not favored by most firemen. More Air Packs would be purchased and technology would advance over time to equip every fire unit with the required number of four air packs.
In 1953, a new Ford Forestry Fire Engine was placed in service at Station 1. This unit was the first vehicle to be equipped with a two way radio. Over time all fire department vehicles and firehouses would be equipped with radio communications. In 1954 the Fire Department was kept busy when the East Coast was hit by two hurricanes. Members remained on duty until power and phone lines were restored. This year also saw the first resuscitator placed in service. Rudimentary emergency medical care was now provided by the Fire Department.
One of the largest fires to occur in the history of Freetown occurred in December 1955 at the Crystal Springs Bleachery located on South Main Street in Assonet. Mutual Aid from several surrounding communities was needed to extinguish this massive blaze.
On November 26, 1956 a New Ford Pumper equipped with a 600 GPM pump was placed in service at Station 2In July of 1957 a spectacular blaze occurred at the Woolen Mill located on Chace Road. Firefighters were frustrated in putting out the fire due to lack of water in area. On November 13, 1957, a used tank trailer was received. After repairs were made to make the trailer serviceable for the fire department, this unit was placed in service in 1958. The water trailer eventually would be housed in the “old town barn” in 1959. Local businesses would provide a tractor and a driver to pull the water trailer to fires. In 1958 the East Freetown Firefighters Association raised money to purchase and equip an ambulance and presented it to the town. The ambulance, a Cadillac, was placed in service at Station 2. Ambulance service began in Freetown.
The 1960’s was a busy decade for the Fire Department. First, the addition of a New Rescue Truck placed in service at Station 1 on July 18, 1960. In 1964 the ambulance at Station 2 was replaced with the 1958 Cadillac. In 1965 the Town of Freetown purchases Insta-Alert Home Receivers for all Firefighters. These receivers, as the pagers and station tone alert system are today, were tested nightly at 1830 hrs. On August 2 that year the Communications Center was officially in operation at the Town Hall. On February 14, 1968 a New Ford Pumper equipped with a 750 GPM pump is placed in service at Station 1. The 1945 Buffalo was traded in as part of the purchase price. Also in ’68 the East Freetown Firefighters Association requested the Board of Selectmen to place an article on the town warrant to have displayed numbers on houses, businesses, and building lots. By 1969 the need for a permanent place to house the Fire Department equipment in East Freetown led to Station 2 being purchased for a sum of $22,000.00. Also in ’69, the Board of Fire Engineers voted to drop the age for membership to the department from 21 years to 18 years old. Finally, in April 1969, the Board of Fire Engineers voted to purchase a 1950 Ford Fire Truck from the Farrar Company and turned the 1933 Chevrolet over to the selectmen to be disposed of.
In 1970 the Board of Fire Engineers purchased a new ambulance, an Oldsmobile, for $14,500.00. In 1972 Freetown Firefighters were trained in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation by the National Heart Association. The town purchased an Ice Rescue Sled Boat for the Fire Department. The East Freetown Firefighters Association bought a trailer and motor for the boat. The Old Hand Tub Engine was moved to the Historical Society Building. This year also saw the introduction of portable radios into the fire department.
1973 was a historic year with the appointment of the first three full time firefighters and the delivery of a new Pumper, a Ford L-9000 750 GPM, which was placed in service at Station 2. 1974 saw the acquisition of a 13 foot Boston Whaler Rescue Boat for Station 2. In 1975 the Board of Fire Engineers purchases new Poly-Carbonate fire helmets for all members replacing the old aluminum fire helmets. The first of many members complete Emergency Medical Technician Training.
By 1976 Emergency medical responses became the bulk of work for the fire department and all members received First Responder Training. Also in this year the Board of Fire Engineers voted to adopt a new work schedule for fulltime members. It consisted of six days on duty, followed with 3 days off duty. This schedule would become a mainstay in the fire department for next twenty four years. The Board at this time also established the requirements for the department work uniform. The uniform would consist of navy blue pants and light blue shirts for privates and officers were given the option of wearing a white or light blue shirt when reporting for duty.
In 1977 the Fire Department was saddened with the loss of Chief Adelino Souza due to illness. The Fire Department received its first Class 1 Modular Ambulance, a Chevrolet and dedicated it to Chief Souza.
In 1978 the Fire Department was kept busy with the arrival of the great blizzard. Members were recalled to man stations during the tenure of the storm. Fire department assisted the highway department to stop the Forge Pond Dam from overflowing and flooding Assonet Village. Also in May of this year, the Communications Center was moved from the Town Hall to the Police Station, where it resides today.
In 1979 The Fire and Police departments joined forces with the Lions Club to raise money to purchase the Jaws of Life. Also in 1979, March 17-26, the Fire Department spent eight days battling a major tire fire off of Braley Road in East Freetown. Many departments from Southeastern MA were called to assist. Other notable blazes of the 70’s were the Beech Bluff Lounge on Middleboro Rd, the Wood Shavings fire off of Chace Road and a gasoline tanker truck fire on Route 24.
In December of 1979 the first Full Time Fire Chief was appointed. The Board of Fire Engineers ceased to exist.
On September 6 & 7, 1980, a second large tire fire off of Braley Road required assistance from nine towns. Also in 1980, an army surplus Jeep is converted into a forestry unit to combat brush fires. Another surplus Army truck, a yellow tanker nicknamed the “Banana”, was decommissioned due to mechanical failure.
In 1983 the 1960 Rescue truck at Station 1 was replaced with a 1000 GPM 4X4 Rescue Pumper. Also a government surplus 1969 dump truck was converted by department personnel into a Brush Breaker to fight brush fires. This unit was placed in service at Station 2. The 1950 Ford was disposed of.
The year 1984 brought advanced life support to the citizens of Freetown, with the first group of department members certified to the level of Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate. On September 27-28, 1985, Hurricane Gloria hit, forcing the evacuation of Station 1 due to flooding in the Village.
1986 was a busy year for the Fire Department, with the appointment of an additional fulltime member. This now brought the total to five full time firefighters and the Chief. At this time the need for more specialized training for Freetown Firefighters came to the forefront as all firefighters receive the first in a long line of Hazardous Materials Training. All members were outfitted with new bunker gear to meet with current standards for firefighter safety. Also, the department accepted delivery of a new Ford Class 1 Ambulance in February. The 1970 Oldsmobile was retired from service. The Fire Department now operated two Class 1 Ambulances, In April of that year, a new Ford 1250 GPM Pumper was placed in service at Station 2. The Selectmen approved the opening of an office on the second floor of the town hall for the Fire Chief due to expanding administrative duties needed to operate the department.
In 1988 by order of House Bill 5395 signed by the Governor on June 1, the Route 140 overpass on Chace Road was dedicated as the Freetown Firefighters Memorial Bridge. Also in this year the full time members unionize as members of IAFF Local 3213.
In 1989, a new addition is put on Station 2 to house the Ladder Truck and to add much needed space for training. August 23, 1989, was a sad day for the Freetown Fire Department. Chief Allan Whitcomb died from a heart attack while preparing for the annual Fireman’s Clambake.
Other memorable fires in the 80’s included a sizeable fire at Assonet Industries located on Mill Street in Assonet which required Mutual Aid from most of the fire departments in South Eastern Massachusetts. A large forest fire in the Freetown / Fall River State Forest kept firefighters on scene for more than a week. Firefighters also fought two additional tire fires off of Braley Road during this period. The Fire Department provided assistance to the City of Fall River for conflagrations at the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church and the Kerr Mill complex
In 1990, a 75 foot Aerial Ladder, a 1959 Maxim, and a 1973 Maxim 1000 GPM Foam Engine were placed in service at Station 2. The Foam Engine was purchased from ComEnergy for one dollar. Also in this year the fire department fulltime staff was reduced to four firefighters and the Chief.
In 1991, although not a popular decision, the Town began charging for ambulance service. In 1992 Pre-Hospital defibrillation found its way to the front lines of emergency medical care. Members donated time to raise money for two semi automatic defibrillators.
In 1994 the Department took delivery of a New KME / International 1250 GPM Pumper. This unit was placed in service at Station 1 and dedicated to Fireman Perley Wotton who was killed in the line of duty in 1941. A New 1994 Ford Class 1 Ambulance was placed in service at Station 2. The Chevy ambulance was removed from service.
In 1995, the Freetown Fire Department began paramedic service. Paramedic firefighters have become an essential part of the department’s ever-expanding mission. In November of this year the voters approved funding to hire an additional firefighter to bring staffing levels back up to pre 1990 levels of six fulltime firefighters.
In 1997, the department took delivery of a New KME/International 1250 GPM Pumper. This unit was placed in service at Station 2.
In 1999, a 1976 government surplus military “Deuce and a Half” was converted into a Brush Breaker and placed in service at Station 2. The Jeep forestry unit was relocated to Station 1 and the 1964 Maxim was disposed of.
Some of the memorable fires of the 1990s included a large Warehouse Fire on Middleboro Rd, a 100 plus acre brush fire off of Route 24 in the State Forest, and the Mansour’s Restaurant fire on 4/17/99. A large brush fire off of Chace Road required mutual aid from as far away as Wellfleet. The stubborn blaze would keep fire units on the scene for most of the summer. Finally, there was a 30,000 gallon propane tank leak in Assonet which kept firefighters on scene well into the night.
The end of the 1990’s decade brought hope and optimism for the members of the department with completion of a New Central Fire Headquarters Station on Bullock Road near the Elementary School. This optimism would be tempered with the deaths of six firefighters in Worcester, MA. Freetown Firefighters would show their support for their fallen comrades by attending Funerals and Memorial Services in the closing weeks of December.
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.
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 was acquired 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 when severe 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 Freetown as 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.