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Nantucket
Fire Department

Department Profile

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33

Fire Chief Michael Cranson   C-1
(Oct 2022)

ON LINE PRESENCE
NANTUCKET FIRE DEPARTMENT Website
Nantucket Fire Department Facebook
Nantucket Firefighters Local 2509 Facebook
 

IAFF: Local 2509. Nantucket Personnel are civilian.

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Email Contact
General Info:
Fire Chief:                     smurphy@fire.nantucket-ma.gov
Deputy:                          rbates@fire.nantucket-ma.gov
Fire Prev                       smitchell@fire.nantucket-ma.gov
Office Admin                 khodge@fire.nantucket-ma.gov
IAFF Local 2509:          nantucketfirelocal2509@gmail.com

Phone Directory


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Total Personnel:  49

Career Personnel: 29
(1)   Fire Chief
(1)   Deputy Chief
(4)   Shift Captains
(0)   Shift Lieutenants
(20) Firefighters
(1)   Fire Prev.
(1)   Fire Alarm Super. (vacant)
(1)   Admin Asst

Including:
(2)    Paramedics, 
(26)  Basic EMTs,
(0)    First Responders.

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Call Personnel:20
(20) Firefighters

Including:
(0)     Call Paramedics     
(20)   Basic EMTs
(    )   First Responders

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Staffing:
There are 4 groups of (6) personnel
Minimum staffing is (4) working per shift (Mem Day - Labor Day).
Minimum staffing is (3) working per shift (Labor Day - Mem Day).
Each group works an average 42 hour week on an 8 day rotation
The week includes (2) 24 hour shifts 0800-0800.
The work schedule is (1) On, (1) Off, (1) On, and (5) Off......(1-1-1-5)
(1) 24 On 0800-0800, (1) 24 Off, (1) 24 On 0800-0800, (5) 24 hr Days off

Station staffing is:        (6) Station 1,    (0) Station 2, (0) Station 3, (0) Station 4
Minimum staffing:        (3-4) Station 1, (0) Station 2, (0) Station 3, (3) Station 4

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Stations:
Station 1 staffing is:    (1) Captain, (5) FFs                Min: (1) Capt, (2) FFs
Station 2 staffing is:    (0) Call station only
Station 3 staffing is:    (0) Call station only
Station 4 staffing is:    (0) Call station only

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Dispatch by:
NANT - Dispatch by Nantucket Public Safety Dispatchers
Previously dispatched by Nantucket Firefighters on rotation at Station 1
 

E-911 Info
E911 PSAP:          NANT - Nantucket Public Safety Dispatch - Police Station
E911 Backup:        BSO - Barnstable Sheriff's Department
911 Secondary:     N/A - Nantucket Public Safety Dispatches Fire Dept

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NOTES
Nantucket is a unique community in many ways.  It is located approximately 30 miles south of Cape Cod.  The only way to reach the island is by ferry (when running) or airplane (when flying).
The Fire Department is drastically under staffed for the area (approx 50 sq mi) and population of (15,000 year round and over 80,000 in season) that is protected by between 3 and 6 on duty personnel responding to over 5,000 calls annually. Off duty personnel are frequently utilized for multiple calls.
 
Mutual Aid is hours away, at best.
 
Nantucket is one of the only communities in Massachusetts that has not yet gone ALS.
The department currently has (2) Paramedics and has (6) personnel enrolled in an on island
Paramedic Class.

Hiring: Applications accepted when advertised. No testing. Career requirements could become
certified paramedics in future when department becomes ALS.
 

FIRE CHIEFS
2022-Present            - Michael Cranson    (Oct 2022)
2017-2022                - Stephen Murphy      (July 2017)
2015-2017                - Paul Rhude   
2013-2015                - Stephen Murphy      (Acting)        
2006-2013                - Mark McDougall
2002-2006                - Everett Pierce        (ret 6-29-06)
1979-2002                - Bruce Watts
1962-1979                - Irving Bartlett
                                  - John Gaspie

DEPUTY CHIEFS
2021-
2018-2021                - Robert Bates          (Oct 2018)
                                  - Stephen Murphy
2007-                         - Edward Maxwell

 

2002 runs... 1307 fire, 1442 EMS, 2749 total
2005 - 3,259 runs
2006 - 3,183 runs
2008 - 3,231 runs
2009 - 4,128 runs
2010 - 3,823 runs
2011 - 3,667 runs
2012 - 3,681 runs
2013 - 3,910 runs
2015 - 3,103 runs
2016 - 2,907 runs
2017 - 1,155 runs
2018 - 3,246 runs
2019 - 3,235 runs

 
 

NANTUCKET FIRE DEPARTMENT

1750 - Documentation of early firefighting equipment on island. Nantucket was center of world
           whaling industry.

1797 - Fire Wards had been appointed.

1887 - Sanborn Maps - Fire Dept includes (3) 2 Wheel Hose Jumpers. (2) Hook & Ladders,
           2500' 2-1/2", 116 Call men
1892 - Sanborn Maps - Fire Dept includes (5) Hand engines, (3) Independent Hose Carts,
           (2) Hook & Ladders, 4500' 2-1/2", Tower at Unitarian Church on Orange St is staffed by
           a watchman from 10p - 6a to spot fires. Uses a light to locate a fire.
1898 - Sanborn Maps - FD includes 225 men. (3) hand engines, (3) independent hose carts,
           (2) hook & ladders, (1) 1896 Steam Engine, 5000' 2-1/2", (1) Hand eng at Siasconset
           Station at: Gardner & Howard. (1) Hand E6, (2) Hose H8
           Station at: Centre off Main. (1) Hand E
           Station at: Center & Quince. (1) Hand & (1) H&L
           Station at: Shell & Cottage PL SIASCONSET. (1) Hand E1

1899 April 4 - Nantucket Fire Department Established Ch.290 - Mass Laws

1904 - Sanborn Maps - Fire Dept includes 225 men, (3) Hand Engines, (5) Independent Hose,
           (2) H&L, 8000' 2-1/2", SIASCONSET has (1) Hand & (1) Chemical
           Station at: North (Cliff Rd) opp.  Sea Cliff Inn, (1) Hose Cart 9, 500', 8 men
           Station at: Center & Quince. (1) Steam Eng 4, (1) Hose Cart. 500', 25 men
           Station at: Gardner & Howard. (1) Hand E3, (3) Hose Carts 7, 8, and 10, 500' ea, 54 men
           Station at: Centre off Main. (1) Steamer No.1, (2) Hose Carts, 1000', 25 men
           Station at: Orange & Mulberry. (1) Niagara Eng 2, (1) H&L 2, (1) Hose No.5, 1000' 2-1/2"
                            56 men
           Station at: Orange near Cherry & railroad crossing. (1) Hose No.11, 500' 8 men
           Station at: Shell & Cottage, SIASCONSET. (1) Hand Eng 1, (1) Hose Cart, 500', 20 men
           Station at: Main & McKinley, SIASCONSET. (1) Chemical Eng, (1) Hose Cart. 10 men

1907 - Gamewell Fire Alarm System installed. 23 Fire Boxes.

1909 - Sanborn Maps - Fire Dept includes 196 men paid $10/yr. Also (2) Engineers and (5) Fire
           Wardens. (2) Steam Engines, (2) Hand Engines, (1) Chemical Engine, (7) 2 Hose Carts,
           (2) H&L, (6000' 2-1/2". SIASCONSET (1) Hand Eng, (1) Chemical, 30 Firemen, 500'
1923 - Sanborn Maps - Water System. Built 1879. 425,000 Gal Storage, 15 mi pipes 4"-10"
           74 double hydrants, 25 triple hydrants, 40-50 psi
           Fire Dept includes: (4) Perm, (155) Call men. (2) Steam Engines, (2) Hand Engines,
           (2) Chemical auto hose wagons, (2) Hook & Ladders, (11) Hose Carts
           SIASCONSET - (1) Chem Eng, (2) Hand Engs
           Gamewell 25 boxes
           Station at: CENTRAL STA. Orange & Mullberry.
           Station at:

1929 - New brick Central Fire Station at 20 South Water Street.

1936 - Sanborn Maps - Fire Department includes: (1) Chief, (3) paid men, (3) Asst Chiefs,
           (98) call men.
           (1) American LaFrance 1000 gpm,
           (1) ALF 750 gpm,
           (1) ALF City Service Ladder 600 gpm,
           (1) Stutz 400 gpm,
           (1) Chevy Utility,
           3500' 2-1/2" on trucks, 2500' 2-1/2" spare hose
           SIASCONSET:
           (1) Ford 500 gpm 1000' 2-1/2",
           (5) Hand Hose Carts 500' each
           Gamewell 40 Boxes
 

NANTUCKET FIRE STATIONS
1929 - 1980       CENTRAL FIRE STATION - 20 South Water Street
1980 - 2020       Fire Headquarters - 131 Pleasant Street
2020 - Present - New Fire Headquarters - 4 Fairgrounds Road
1935 - Present - SIASCONSET STATION - Old School house at 10 West Sankaty Road.
                          (Sconset Public School built 1916. Later became Sconset Police & Fire Station
                          around 1935 when new Cyrus Pierce Elementary School opened.)
1976 - Present - MADAKET STATION - 293 Madaket Road.
 

SOME NANTUCKET APPARATUS
1912                  Knox Chemical Engine No.1 (First motorized apparatus on island)
1925     E4         American LaFrance Type 25 750gpm Pumper
1927     L1         American LaFrance Type 69 - 750gpm City Service Ladder
1937     E4         American LaFrance Pumper
1953     E2         FWD 750gpm, 300gal Pumper open cab
1957     E1         American LaFrance 800 Pumper
1961     L1         Ford C/Maxim 75' Aerial Ladder
1965     E4         Ford/Maxim rear mount 1000/500 Pumper
1974     E1         Mack MB 1000/500 Pumper
1981     E3         Chevy/ALF 1000/1000 Pumper
1984     E2         Seagrave 1500/750 Pumper
1986     E3     
1986     R1         Ford E350/Miller Type III Ambulance
1987     L1         Spartan/LTI 1500/400  75' rm Aerial Ladder Truck
1988     T1         GMC/FMC 250/1250 Tanker
1988     E6         Spartan/FMC 1250/750 Pumper
1988     E7         Ford F800/E-One 1000/1000 Pumper
1989     T2         GMC/FMC 250/1250 Tanker
1992     E1         E-One Protector 1250/1000 Pumper
1996     E4         E-One 1250/1000 Pumper
2000     A1        Ford E450/Road Rescue Type III Ambulance
2002     A3        Ford F450/Road Rescue Type I Ambulance
2002     E3        Freightliner 4x4/S&S 1250/775 Pumper
2004     R1        Freightliner/E-One 250/200 Walkin Heavy Rescue (lime)
2005     E1        HME/Rosenbauer 1250/1000 Pumper
2006     L1        HME/Rosenbauer/Metz 1500/180  105' Aerial
2006     A2        Ford F450/Road Rescue Type I Ambulance
2006     E2        Freightliner 4x4/S&S 1000/775 Pumper
2008     A1        Ford F450/Road Rescue Type I Ambulance
2009     E1        HME/Rosenbauer 1250/1000 Pumper
2011     E4        HME/Rosenbauer 1250/1000 Pumper
2014     A3        Chevy/Horton Type III Ambulance
2016     A4        Ford F550 4x4/Horton Type I Ambulance
2017     T1        1998 S&S 6x6 LMTV 250/2000 Tanker
2017     T2        1998 S&S 6x6 LMTV 250/2000 Tanker
2017     A2        Ford F550/Horton Type I Ambulance
2018     B1        1999 AM Gen 6x6/Fire-One 300/650 Brush Breaker
 

1995 APPARATUS ROSTER
NANTUCKET FIRE DEPT   "KCF 907"
STATION #1  131 Pleasant Street
Car 8               Fire Chief Bruce Watts - 1981 GMC Suburban  
Car 2               Deputy Joseph Rezendes - 1985 Ford LTD
Car 3               Deputy Chief Charles Flanagan
Car 54             Fire Inspector
Engine 1          1992 Emergency One 1500/1000 Pumper. R/W, 4 door CF
Engine 2          1984 Seagrave 1500/750 Pumper. R/W. 2 door CF
Engine 4          1965 Ford/Maxim rearmount 1000/500 Pumper. Red. 2 door CO
Engine 6          1989 FMC 1000/1000 Pumper. R/W.  2 door CF. Jaws
Ladder 1          1987 LTI 1500/400  75'rm Aerial Ladder Truck. R/W. 2 door CF
Tanker 1          1988 GMC/FMC 250/1250 Tanker. Red. 2 door.
Breaker 1         1952 Reo 6x6 250/1000 Brush Breaker. Lime. Former Barnstable 204.
P-1                   1977 Dodge Pickup Truck. Red.
Rescue 1          1985 Ford E350/Miller Type III Ambulance. White & red. BLS
Rescue 2          1994 Ford E350/Road Rescue Type III Ambulance. White & Red. BLS
Rescue 3          1989 Ford E350/Road Rescue Type III Ambulance. White & Red. BLS
Marine 1          13 Foot Boston Whaler 30 HP
Marine 2          21 Foot Outrage Boat 200 HP
Air 1                8 Foot Scat Hovercraft            

STATION #2   SIASCONSET  
Engine 7           1988 Ford/E-One 1250/1000 Pumper. Red. 2 door
Tanker 2           1987 GMC/FMC 250/1250 Tanker. Red. 2 door

STATION #3   MADAKET
Engine 3           1981 Chevy/American LaFrance 1000/1000 Pumper. Red. 2 door

STATION #4   TUCKERNUCK
Engine 5           1981 GMC/American LaFrance 250/300 Mini-Pumper. Red. 2 door.
 

NANTUCKET FIRE HISTORY

1736 - Fire destroyed Friends Meeting House.
1759 - Fire at Brant Point Light House.
1769 - Fire on South Wharf destroyed several buildings.

1782 - Another fire at Brant Point LIGHT HOUSE.
1836 May 10 - Fire at large 3 story WASHINGTON HOUSE at Main & Union St.
1838 June 2 - 2300hrs - ROPE WALK Fire, Union and Washington. Major fire resulted in the
            harbor being on fire at 0200hrs with burning whale oil.
1844 Feb 21 - 0200 hrs ASYLUM Fire at Quaise. Large 3 story "poor house" .Fire burned the
          building to the ground. Help had trouble getting there due to snow drifts. 10 of the 59 Inmates
          died in the fire.
1846 July 13 - GREAT FIRE. At the peak of the whaling era, Nantucket was home to some 70
          Whaling ships that sailed all around the world. Much of the whale oil made its way back to
          Nantucket where it was processed, made into various products, or stored in barrels.
               At the time, Nantucket had about 10 fire companies, made up of hand pumps, hose carts,
          and two hook and ladder wagons, with as many as 255 volunteer firemen. It was common
          to post watchmen in the higher towers in town as lookouts for fires after dark.  The South
          tower was in the steeple of the Unitarian Universalist church steeple on Orange Street. It
          was the watchman in the South tower that first spotted and turned in the alarm for the Great
          Fire of 1846.
              At about 2300 hrs, a fire broke out in a hat shop on Main Street. Strong winds and dry
          conditions quickly spread the fire out of control, jumping to the north side of Main Street.
          Fire companies brought Cataract No.6 and Fountain No.8 to fight the fire. As the fire got
          into the whale oil processing and storage buildings along the waterfront, flaming oil made
          its way into the harbor, setting it and many vessels on fire. The fire devastated Nantucket,
          burning over 250 buildings covering about 33 acres to the ground. 800 residents became
          homeless and many of the shops and stores that supplied residents were destroyed. The
          fire, along with the California Gold Rush, and eventually the Civil War, all contributed
          to the decline in Nantucket's whaling industry and economy for decades.
1911 June 24 - BARNES BOATHOUSE fire on Commercial Wharf. Two men and two women
          were unable to escape and died in the fire.
1925 Aug 8 - POINT BREEZE HOTEL fire. Large 4 story hotel destroyed.
1949 July 30 - PINELANDS Fire. Dry and windy conditions quickly spread a forest fire from
         its origin on Fairgrounds Road (about where the Fire and Police Station is now) towards
         the airport to the east. About 1300 acres were burned. The Fire Chief called the base at Otis
         and others for help, sending about 2000 soldiers to assist fighting the fire.
1975 April 19 - STRAIGHT WHARF THEATRE. Fire destroyed the building in the middle of
         town.
1979 Dec 20 - 0 MAIN STREET. A large building was on fire at about 0200 hrs, bringing 911
         calls. Most of Nantucket's 60 firefighters battled the fire in bitter cold for over 16 hours.
1999 April 20 - BROTHERHOOD. A popular restaurant on Broad Street was heavily involved
         with fire on 2nd and 3rd floors. Firefighter David Watts (brother of the Fire Chief Bruce
         Watts) suffered a hearth attack towards the end of the fire and died as a result. LODD.


NANTUCKET POLICE DEPARTMENT
4 Fairgrounds Road, Nantucket, MA 02554
Phone:       508-228-1212
FAX:         508-228-7246
Police Chief William Pittman
Deputy Charles Gibson

Updated 01/04/21