We work our Chaplains hard in these parts

Unlike many fire departments, our Chaplain is an active member of the suppression forces. Here's Reverend Bob at a car fire this afternoon.

Fill the Boot

Over the Labor Day weekend, eight Rowley firefighters participated in the annual Fill the Boot drive to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Our latest effort in this long-standing tradition netted $3000.11 for the charity. Thanks to all who participated!

Brave New World

At 12:01 AM on July 1, 2009, emergency services in Rowley will undergo two major changes.

First, the Rowley Volunteer Fire Protection Association will end 82 years of dedicated service to the community. Under a reorganization plan forced by the Board of Selectmen, the volunteers will be replaced by call firefighters employed directly by the Town. The RFD will continue to use the equipment and station owned by the RVFPA under a month-by-month agreement until permanent arrangements are finalized. Many of the current volunteers have agreed to stay on under the new management, although some have taken this as the proper moment to retire.

Second, the Town of Rowley will end a 30+ year association with American Medical Response and its predecessor companies in the provision of emergency medical services. Rowley signed its first paid contract with Peter Poor Ambulance in 1975; subsequent mergers and buyouts brought Amcare Ambulance, Chaulk Ambulance, and eventually AMR into the community. Starting tonight, EMS will be provided by Action Ambulance of Wilmington, MA with paramedic units responding from Linebrook Station and Cable Medical in Ipswich as well as Graf Rd in Newburyport.

Engine 1 delivered!

Engine 1 was delivered on Friday, 6/5. It will enter service after all of the equipment has been mounted and training has been completed.

Photos should be forthcoming soon.

Engine 1 arrives at the dealer

Rowley Engine 1 from James Chadbourne on Vimeo.

Engine 1 has arrived at Greenwood Emergency Vehicles. It still needs graphics and some dealer-installed items prior to delivery.

Call Firefighters

The Town of Rowley is advertising for call firefighters. Please see the job posting and application at TownofRowley.net.

Engine 1 progress

Engine 1 is 99% complete and due to ship from the factory in Ocala sometime next week. Final prep, graphics, and lettering will be done at the Greenwood facility in North Attleboro, MA. Click the slideshow for more images.

Thanks to Ron Arnow, aka FLRon on Firepics.net, for the photos and permission to use them.