Falmouth News

APPARATUS NEWS

ENGINE
Falmouth has taken delivery of a new 2023 Pierce Arrow XT Engine.
It will be a 1500/750 Pumper similar to the other Falmouth Engines.
The new engine is expected to serve as Engine 21.
The present Engine 21 is expected to be reassigned as Engine 22.
The present Engine 22 will become the Spare Engine.
Updated Aug 2023 / Update Jan 2024

ENGINE
Falmouth has ordered another Engine that will serve
as the new Hatchville Station comes on line.
May 2023

AMBULANCE
Falmouth recently put a new 2023 Ford F550/Lifeline Type I Ambulance
in service as Ambulance 34 assigned to Station 1.
Ambulance 39, previously assigned to Station 1, has been reassigned
to Woods Hole Station 2.
Ambulance 36, previously at Station 2 has been reassigned as
the Spare Ambulance at Station 5.
Updated Aug 2023

AMBULANCE
Falmouth has also ordered another Ford F550/Lifeline Type I Ambulance
that will come in a year or two given the construction time.
It will enable an ambulance at the new Hatchville Station
as well as a Spare.
May 2023 / Updated Aug 2023

CARS
Falmouth recently put a new 2023 Ford Expedition in service
as the Shift Commander Car 28.
The 2013 Ford Expedition, formerly Car 28, will be retained
as a utility vehicle.
Updated June 2023

The 2016 Ford Interceptor EMS Supervisor Car, formerly Car 33,
has been reassigned as Car 31.
The 2014 Ford Expedition Paramedic Car, formerly Car 34,
has been reassigned as Car 32.
Updated Aug 2023

BOAT
Falmouth has also been authorized to replace their older
Boston Whaler Rescue Boat.
Dec 2021

FALMOUTH ENGINE

FALMOUTH ENGINES 20
2009 Pierce Arrow XT 1500/750/30
Formerly Engine 22
Reassigned Spare E20
Feb 2024

FALMOUTH ENGINE

FALMOUTH ENGINES 22
2018 Pierce Arrow 1500/750
Formerly Engine 21
Reassigned to E22
Feb 2024

FALMOUTH ENGINE

FALMOUTH ENGINE 21
2023 Pierce Arrow 1500/750 Pumper
Will be assigned to E21.
Current E21 to be reassigned to E22
Current E22 to be reassigned as Spare E20.
Oct 2023 / In Service Jan 2024

FALMOUTH CAR

FALMOUTH CAR 15
2023 (2013) Ford Expedition
Utility Car
Formerly Car 28
Oct 23

FALMOUTH CAR

FALMOUTH CERT 16
1998 Freightliner/Medic Mater
Former Amb 36
CERT Vehicle
Dec 2023

FALMOUTH CAR

FALMOUTH CAR 31
2016 Ford Interceptor EMS Supervisor
Formerly Car 33
July 2023

FALMOUTH CAR

FALMOUTH CAR 32
2014 Ford Expedition Paramedic Car
Formerly Car 34
July 2023

FALMOUTH AMBULANCE

FALMOUTH AMBULANCE 34
2023 Ford F550 / Lifeline Type I Ambulance
A new additional ambulance added to fleet
May 2023

FALMOUTH SPARE ENGINE

FALMOUTH CAR 28
2023 Ford Expedition 4x4 SUV
Shift Commander Vehicle
May 2023

FALMOUTH SPARE ENGINE

FALMOUTH SPARE ENGINE 10
2022 (2006) Pierce Contender 1250/500 Pumper
(Originally Volusia County, FL)
April 2022

FALMOUTH FIRE ALARM TRUCK

FALMOUTH TRUCK 19
2020 (2011) Ford F550 / Altec 37' Fire Alarm Bucket Truck
April 2022

FALMOUTH LADDER

FALMOUTH LADDER 26
1991 E-One Hurricane 110' Aerial Ladder
Served 1991-2021
Now serving as Spare L23 in New Bedford
July 2021

FALMOUTH LADDER

FALMOUTH LADDER 26
2021 Pierce Arrow XT Ascendant 107' Aerial Ladder
Also to serve as Heavy Rescue Truck
The new Truck replaced former Ladder 26 & Heavy Rescue 31.
In Service April 22, 2021

FALMOUTH

Future Apparatus
Falmouth has fallen behind in recent years with apparatus replacements.
Currently the town is planning a capital replacement program that
would fund the replacement of several vehicles.

LADDER
The current 1991 Emergency One 110' aerial Ladder 26 would be replaced
by a new Ladder Truck.
The plan would also retire the 1987 Ford/EVF Heavy Rescue 31
and carry the specialized rescue equipment on the new Ladder truck.

AMBULANCES
The plan would also include the purchase 2 new ambulances.
Falmouth is moving to the Ford F550/Lifeline Type I style vehicles.

If this goes thru, purchases would likely be in 2019.
Updated Jan 2019

Fire Alarm Truck 19
Falmouth was planning to replace high mileage 1991 Fire Alarm C-19,
but that apparently has been put on hold for now.
Nov 2018

FALMOUTH AMBULANCE

FALMOUTH AMBULANCE 39
2018 Ford F550 / LifeLine Type I Ambulance
EMS
April 2019

FALMOUTH ENGINES

FALMOUTH ENGINES 21
2018 Pierce Arrow XT
1500/720/30 Pumper
April 2019

FALMOUTH ENGINES 22
2009 Pierce Arrow XT
1500/720/30 Pumper
(Formerly Engine 21)
April 2019

FALMOUTH ENGINE

FALMOUTH ENGINE 21
2018 Pierce Arrow XT Pumper
1500/720/30
Jan 2019
2009 Pierce Arrow XT (current E-21)
will be reassigned to Engine 22 at Station 2

FALMOUTH ENGINE RETIRED

FALMOUTH ENGINE 22
1996 Emergency One Cyclone II Foam Pumper
1250/750/50
Initially served as Engine 22, then Engine 21 for many years,
finally as Engine 22 back in Woods Hole.
Retired in 2017 due to mechanical failure.

FALMOUTH ENGINE 22
The 1996 Emergency One 1250/750/50 Foam Pumper
has been taken out of service "Long Term"
due to significant structural problems.
It is "unlikely" to return to service.
The 1995 International / E-One Engine 20
reserve pumper is filling in in Woods Hole
leaving the department in a position similar to
last year when the department did not have enough
engines to fill its 5 firehouses and no spare engine.

The department is evaluating it's options for replacing
worn out apparatus as calls are up again from last year.

FALMOUTH BREAKER RETIRED

FALMOUTH BREAKER 16
1980 Ford / Farrar Brush Breaker
250/750
Retired 2018

FALMOUTH PICKUP

FALMOUTH CAR 29
2017 Ford F-350 4x4 / Knapheide Utility Body Pickup Truck
Mechanics Vehicle
Carries 50 gals gasoline and 50 gals diesel in tanks.
Oct 2017

FALMOUTH ENGINE

FALMOUTH ENGINE 24
1992 (2016) Sutphen 1500/500 Pumper
West Falmouth Station 4
Jan 15, 2016

RETIRED FALMOUTH ENGINES

West Falmouth Station #4 and Engine 24.
1987 Ford C8000/E-One 1250/500 taken out of service Nov 2015.

Falmouth Engine 20 -
1989 Ford C8000/E-One 1250/500
Reserve engine - taken out of service Nov 2015

Breaker 17,
1977 Dodge Power Wagon taken out of service.
Nov 2015

RETIRED FALMOUTH BREAKER

Falmouth Breaker 15
1971 International / Thibault
1000 gallon brush breaker retired Jan 2014
The breaker was originally bought by the
Barnstable County Forest Fire Department
as Breaker C-15 in North Falmouth.

Falmouth ATV

Falmouth Ranger 1
2012 Polaris 6x6 Ranger ATV
With small fire pump and EMS capabilities.
Summer 2012

Falmouth Engines

Falmouth Engine 21
2009 Pierce Arrow XT 4 door cab forward Pumper
1500 gpm - 720 gals - 30 AFFF
Originally Engine 22 at Woods Hole
Reassigned to Engine 21 in July 2012

Falmouth Engine 22
1996 Emergency One Cyclone II 4 door cab forward Pumper
1250 gpm - 750 gals - 50 AFFF
Most recently Engine 21 reassigned to Station 2 Woods Hole in July 2012
This engine actually started out as Engine 22 when new.

Falmouth Deputy

Car 12
2010 Ford Expedition Deputy car
Replaced 2005 Ford Excursion damaged in a 2009 accident

Falmouth New Breaker

Breaker 18
2010 International / V-Tec Brush Breaker
250gpm / 750 gallons
In service Aug 2010

Falmouth 2 New Engines

Engine 22
2009 Pierce Arrow XT Pumper
1500gpm / 720 gals / 30 AFFF
Equipped with 10kw Generator, light tower, Jaws
E22 Assigned to Woods Hole Station 2
In service Sept 2009
Replaced 1989 Ford C / E-One 1250/500

Engine 23
2009 Pierce Arrow XT Pumper
1500gpm / 720 gals / 30 AFFF
Equipped with 10kw Generator, light tower, Jaws
E23 Assigned to North Falmouth Station 3
In service Sept 2009
Replaced 1989 Ford C / E-One 1250/500

Engine 23

Falmouth New Ambulance

Ambulance 35
2009 International / Lifeline Type I Ambulance
North Falmouth
Aug 2009

Falmouth's first 5th ambulance allowing for a 'spare' (A-36)
Unit "35" previously assigned to heavy rescue has been
reassigned as HR-31 when Falmouth gained a few more numbers (11, 12, 13, 14)

Falmouth New Ambulance

Ambulance 37
Falmouth took delivery of their new 2007 International/ALF Medic Master
Type I ambulance in March 2007. It replaced the 1991 Ford / EVF.

Falmouth New Pickup

Car 29A
2008 Ford F-350 4x4 Pickup Truck delivered in March 2007

New Falmouth Dive Truck

Falmouth Dive 35A
Falmouth has completed construction on its new Dive Truck.
The 1996 Ford E450 (former B-Bus) was converted in house.
It replaced the 1981 Stepvan.
Placed in service Oct 2005

New Falmouth Fireboat

Falmouth Marine 1
Designed by Response Marine - Built by Viking Welding
27' (31' LOA) Aluminum Fire Rescue Boat with (2) Honda 150 hp outboards
350 gpm pump - 350 gpm deckgun - full electronics - Dive Door
Expected June 2005 - delivered June 15, 2005
Moored in Falmouth Harbor
The boat is designed by Response Marine and is being built by Viking Welding.

A new fire-rescue boat is in the works for Falmouth.
Anticipated to be approx 27 feet long with fire fighting and rescue capabilities.
Spring 2005

New Falmouth Pickup

Truck 29
2005 Ford F350 4x4 Pickup with fuel supply
Mechanic vehicle
March 2005

New Falmouth Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention Trailer
2004 Fire Prev Trailer

New Falmouth Deputy Car

Car 32
2005 Ford Expedition 4x4 SUV
Deputy Chief Car
March 2005

The "command center" in the rear section of Car 32.

Car 35A

New Dive Truck under construction in former B-Bus.
Spring 2005

New Boat

Ladder 26 Refurbished

The 1991 Emergency One 110' rm aerial ladder was refurbished in summer 2004.
Back in service Sept 2004.

New Falmouth Rescue (Loaner)

Rescue 39
2004 Freightliner M2 / Medic Master
Ambulance was on loan while new Falmouth Ambulances were repaired.

New Falmouth Medic Truck

Med 34
2004 Ford Expedition 4x4 Paramedic Truck
March 2004

New Falmouth Ambulances

Rescue 38 & Rescue 39
(2) new 2003 Freightliner M2 business class / American LaFrance Medic Master
Type I ambulances have been placed in service in Falmouth. Rescue 38 replaced
a 1988 Ford / EVF Type III ambulance. R38 is now in East Falmouth #5.
The second new rescue is R39. It is a twin to R38 and is assigned to Falmouth HQ.
The new R39 replaced a 1989 Ford / EVF Type III ambulance.
Rescue 36 has been reassigned to North Falmouth #3 and the last of the 'old'
1991 Ford / Excellence rigs (R37) has been assigned to Woods Hole #2.
Nov 2003

Falmouth Shift Commander

Car 28
Falmouth placed this 2003 Ford Expedition in service as the "Shift Command"
vehicle. It replaced a Ford F250 pickup truck
June 2003

Falmouth Mass Decon Unit

MDU at Falmouth Hospital
Falmouth FD is one of a number of fire departments around the state to receive a
trailer for Mass Decontamination of patients. The units have been assigned to
departments having hospitals in their community. Here, FFD drills with the staff
of Falmouth Hospital. May 2003

Falmouth Fire Department's New SUV

Car 33
2002 Ford Expedition 4x4 SUV
EMS Officer
March 2002

At Station #1 Falmouth

Falmouth Fire Department's Ice Rescue Hovercraft

Ice Rescue Unit
2001 Trailer with Ice Rescue Equipment
Hovercraft
Spring 2001
At Station #5 East Falmouth

Falmouth Fire Department's Haz Mat Trailer

Haz Mat Trailer
2000 Trailer with Haz Mat Support Equipment
September 2000
Headquarters, Station #1 Falmouth

FALMOUTH FIRE
C30
Falmouth placed a new fire prevention car in service. C30 is a 1999 Ford Taurus wagon.

March 2002 - New Car 31 - New 2002 Ford LTD Fire Chief car.
New Car 33 2002 Ford Expedition for EMS Officer
Old Car 33 (Ford Pickup) reassigned as Car 29A utility pickup.

Falmouth has authorized the purchase of two new ambulances to replace aging units. Spring 2002

STATION NEWS

HATCHVILLE FIRE STATION APPROVED

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth voters approved $10 M on May 27, 2022 for a new Hatchville Fire Station to be built at 878 Sandwich Road. Construction on the new 11,000 sq ft station is expected to begin in 2013 and take about a year to complete. The new station will enhance coverage for a large portion of Falmouth, while the department and town continue to look at what to do with the inadequate and outdated North Falmouth Station 3 and West Falmouth Station 4.
May 27, 2022

Falmouth Fire Alarm c.1929
Falmouth is one of the few towns on the Cape that ever
had a fire alarm system with the familiar red pull boxes
located throughout the community in case of fire.
Efforts have been underway to dismantle the system
and remove boxes. To date some 75 miles of Fire Alarm
cable and about 90% of boxes have been removed.
With cell phones, radio transmitted alarm systems, and
advancing technology, the fire alarm system has become
less necessary.
December 2020

Falmouth Fire Station 4

WEST FALMOUTH WILL CLOSE IN 2020

The West Falmouth Fire Station, built in the 1930s, has been a "1 man station" for
many years. Barely able to house a single modern pumper, the station has been
frequently closed in recent years when no apparatus that could fit in the station
was available. The announcement that the station will be closed next year has
been made public. The hope for a replacement station or combining the
West Falmouth and North Falmouth stations will be assessed.
October 2019

FALMOUTH STATION ARTICLE

Falmouth 9/11 Memorial

Falmouth dedicated a new 9/11 Firefighter memorial in front of
the Headquarters Station in 2012.

New Falmouth Fire Station Planned

Falmouth has announced plans to build a new fire station in the Hatchville section
of town. While the plans are still preliminary, the new station would possibly be
built in the Thomas Landers Road area and could replace the present West Falmouth
Station that is old and too small for future apparatus and staffing needs.
More will be coming on this. Jan 2006.

Falmouth Fire Headquarters

June 2003

Falmouth Headquarters Dedication
Thursday July 31, 2003
1400 hours
399 Main Street, Falmouth Center
Dedicated to former chief Leighton "Pat" Peck

Falmouth Headquarter King Street side Sept 13, 2002.

Falmouth Fire Alarm brand new dispatch area. 9-13-02

The new kitchen at Falmouth Headquarters. 9-13-02

----------------------------------------------------------------

Pre-renovation
Fire Headquarters and unattached Rescue Barn to right.

Rescue Barn
Home to R36 - HR35 - R39

Bays One and Two removed.

Rescue Barn - April 28, 2001
This separate "Rescue Barn" next to Headquarters will ultimately be removed.
Two thirds of the building were removed to make room for a new radio antenna.
Rescue vehicles previously housed in the building have been relocated
to other stations during the renovations.

King Street side March 11, 2001
This white house, behind the Falmouth Headquarters, on King Street will be moved.
New Apparatus bays will be added to back of brick fire station with drive through bays
coming out here onto King Street. The rescue barn will be eliminated.

King Street side August 2001
Digging the hole for the new addition.

Dec 3, 2001
Steel is going up at the Falmouth Fire Headquarters site.

March 3, 2002
Falmouth HQ taking on a much different appearance.

July 17, 2002
King Street side with brick and paved driveway.

July 17, 2002
King Street side will be public entrance.

Foundation and floor beams of new apparatus room.
Nov 2001.

Dec 3, 2001

July 17, 2002
West side of building taking shape.
This will be the primary apparatus side of the building.

March 3, 2002

FALMOUTH FIRE HEADQUARTERS
Falmouth Fire Department has needed space at its Main Street Headquarters fire station for years. Years ago a separate 3 bay building was built as the "Rescue Barn" next to the main station to house 2 ambulances and the heavy rescue truck. Over the years FFD has had committees study various options for a new headquarters which would be large enough to meet the apparatus needs as well as the office and living area needs of the department. A couple years ago, a plan to purchase a large piece of land off Gifford Street was brought to town meeting. It failed to get support and the committee went back to the drawing board.

Last year, funding was approved to renovate and add to the Headquarters at its present location. The 1926 structure will remain and be renovated. The rescue barn will be torn down. A new addition will be added to the rear of the station facing King Street.

The construction began with demolition of part of the Rescue Barn making room for a future radio antenna. This was followed by the moving of a house on adjacent property on King Street to make room for the addition and future ramp.

During completion, several apparatus formerly housed at the Headquarters site was reassigned to other Falmouth Stations, primarily Woods Hole #2 and East Falmouth #5.

When completed, the new bays will house the Ladder Truck now housed in Woods Hole due to height restrictions in the present Headquarters. Other apparatus will also be reassigned when construction is completed. Work is expected to take approximately 2 years.

DEPARTMENT NEWS

FALMOUTH RETIREMENT

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth FD Master Mechanic John Rose (center) retired Sept 15, 2023
after some 32 years of service as an Assistant Mechanic and Master
Mechanic for the Falmouth Fire Department.
Best wishes.

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
A long time "voice" on the radio, Jeff Tavares of the Falmouth Fire Department and the Falmouth Communications Center (FD & PD), retired recently after some 41 years in public service. In addition to about 22 years dispatching the Falmouth FD, he had served years as a Call and Fulltime member of the Mashpee FD, with the Eastham FD, Plymouth EMS, and some 30 years with the Red Cross. Well done Jeff! Enjoy retirement.
June 20, 2023

A Look Back - Falmouth FD History

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth established their Fire Department in 1897 (3rd on Cape).
One of the original purchases was a hand drawn Hook & Ladder
which was originally named "H&L No.4 F.F.D." and at some
point assigned to a station in the Quisett section of town.
Shown above in a c.1949 - 1956 parade in town.

In recent years, Falmouth reassembled the old Ladder and put it
on display in the second floor lobby of the Headquarters station.

Now over 126 years old, this piece of equipment represents
a valuable part of the department's history for all to enjoy.

FOR MORE FALMOUTH HISTORY

May 2023

First Aerial Ladder on Cape Cod
Falmouth moved into the motorized era around 1919 operating
a several "city service" style ladder trucks and then in
1949 this Maxim 65' Aerial Ladder, which was the "first"
and only powered aerial ladder on Cape Cod until Hyannis
bought an aerial ladder in 1968 (almost 20 years later!).

Thank you Falmouth for sharing some great history!

Falmouth Promotions

FIRE CHIEF TIMOTHY SMITH

DEPUTY CHIEF CHAD ABSTEN

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Falmouth Fire Department "officially" promoted their new
Fire Chief Timothy Smith and Deputy Chief Chad Absten on
December 9, 2020. Both have been serving in the acting roles
since Chief Michael Small retired at the end of July 2020.
Congratulations to both!

Falmouth Fire Chief Retires

Falmouth Fire Chief Michael Small (center) shares a few words of
wisdom with his two Deputy Chiefs who will carry on as he retired
Friday July 31, 2020 after more than 32 years of service. Chief Small
served as Deputy from 2010 to 2016, and as Chief since 2016.
Deputy Chief Timothy Smith (right) will take over as Acting Fire Chief.

MORE

Falmouth Fire Department

Mike Small
Fire Chief to Retire

The Falmouth Fire Chief, Michael F. Small, announced his plans to
retire at the end of July 2020. Chief Small was appointed Chief in
2016 following the retirement of Chief Mark Sullivan and has served
4-1/2 years in that role. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Chief for
5 years and had many years as Captain and Lieutenant before that.
He also served as a Paramedic for many years.
Congratulations on your over 32 years of service to Falmouth!

Fire Chief Michael Small (center),
with Deputy Chief Timothy Smith (right)
and Deputy Chief Scott Thrasher (left).

Falmouth Fire Department

FALMOUTH RETIREMENT
Falmouth Fire Department Lieutenant/Fire Prevention Officer
Mel Trott Retired June 20, 2020. Mel started his fire service career
with the Bourne FD as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1987. In August 1992
he joined the Falmouth FD where he moved up in rank to Lt/Paramedic
serving many years until taking the Fire Prevention Officer position on
September 16, 2007 where he has served since. He served as a fire investigator,
CPR Instructor, and has been active in many other ways over his career.
His 33 years of service are marked by his character, sense of humor,
and competence. Congratulations on your long career and best wishes
in your retirement!

Falmouth "Delayed" Retirement

Falmouth Firefighter/EMT Pat Gonsalves wrapped up his
32 Year career on April 26, 2020. He was scheduled to get
off duty at 1800 hrs. Well, a thunderstorm came through in the
afternoon with lightning striking a large house on Tashmoo Drive.
He ended up driving Engine 25 first due to what became a
2 Alarm house fire that went well into the night. By the time
he got home around 2300 hrs, all the family and welcoming party
had given up and gone to bed! Great way to end a career!
Congratulations and Enjoy Retirement!

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth regrets the passing of retired Firefighter / EMS Officer Mark "Turtle" Albert, age 56,
on January 22, 2019.

Falmouth Firefighter Paul Forsberg retired after more than 30 years of service. Congrats!
Jan 24, 2019

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Retired Firefighter/EMT Felix Nunez, age 62, passed away on Jan 31, 2018. he served with FALFD from 1985 to 2001.

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth Fire Department recently promoted Ryan P. Gavin to Captain, replacing Captain Greg Clements who passed away in July 2017. FFD also promoted Allen Rivera to Fire Prevention Officer with the retirement of long time FPO Mike Metell. Congrats to all!
Oct 14, 2017

LINE OF DUTY DEATH

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Falmouth Fire Department regrets to announce the sudden passing of Captain Greg Clements on Sunday July 30, 2017 at age 54. He joined the Falmouth FD as a call firefighter at Station 4 and became a fulltime firefighter in 1986. He served as a dive team member and boat operator. Capt Clements was promoted to Captain in 2011 and was currently the senior Captain at FFD. He was a member of Falmouth FD for 31 years. His Line of Duty Death is attributed to complications from a medical incident suffered in December 2016.

Visiting hours will be Saturday August 5, 2017 from 0900-1100 hours at Chapman Cole & Gleason at 475 Main St, Falmouth. A service will follow at 1100 hours. Internment will follow at the St Joseph Cemetery on Gifford Street.
Posted July 31, 2017. Updated Aug 2, 2017

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth Firefighter/EMT Todd Taylor has retired from the FFD after more than 35 years of service during which he was recognized numerous times for his actions and contributions. Congratulations and best wishes! His last day was June 22, 2017.
June 29, 2017

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Congratulations to Falmouth Firefighter Russell Ferreira (3rd from left) upon his retirement from the Falmouth FD on April 16, 2017. FF Ferreira joined the Falmouth FD as a call FF in 1983 and served as a fulltime firefighter since 1987, a total of 34 years. He was very active in the union and served many years as the President of IAFF Local 1397.
April 19, 2017

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Retired Falmouth FD Capt E. Michael "Mickey" Moniz passed away March 13, 2017.
March 14, 2017

RETIRED FIRE CHIEF PASSES

RETIRED FALMOUTH FIRE CHIEF PAUL D. BRODEUR
Retired Falmouth Fire Chief Paul D. Brodeur passed away on
January 20, 2017 after a battle with cancer. Chief Brodeur was
a long time member of the FFD, serving 34 years, the last 13 years
as Fire Chief. He retired in 2010.

R.I.P. CHIEF

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Regrets to announce the passing of retired Fire Alarm Superintendant Richard Oliver on Nov 18, 2016.
Nov 20, 2016

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Falmouth Fire Rescue Department held a promotional and recognition ceremony on July 8, 2016. During the event, several officers were officially sworn into their new positions including new Fire Chief Michal Small, new Deputy Fire Chief Scott J Thrasher, new Captain Bruce D. Girouard, and new Lieutenant Terrance A. Rogers. Four new firefighters were also sworn in. Several other department members were recognized for meritorious work in recent months. Congrats to all!
July 10, 2016

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPT
Falmouth Fire Department will be making the following promotions now that the Fire Chief position has been officially filled. The following personnel who were in acting positions will be made permanent:
Deputy Chief Scott Thrasher
Captain Bruce Girouard
Lieutenant Terry Rogers
Congrats to all! June 28, 2016

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPT
Falmouth Fire Department has a new "official" fire chief. Michael Small has been appointed as Fire Chief officially as of June 6, 2016 filling the position created by Chief Mark Sullivan's retirement. Chief Small started out in Bourne and has been a member of the Falmouth FD for many years. He moved through the ranks as a paramedic and officer, serving in recent years as a deputy chief and since the retirement of Chief Sullivan served as the Acting Chief. Congrats Chief Small on your official appointment!
June 7, 2016

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
With the recent retirement of Fire Chief Mark Sullivan, the following officers have been assigned to acting positions.
Acting Fire Chief: Deputy Michael Small
Acting Deputy Chief: Capt Scott Thrasher
Acting Captain: Lieutenant Bruce Girouard
Acting Lieutenant: FF Terry Rogers
Feb 12, 2016

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth Fire Chief Mark Sullivan has retired after 40 years in the fire service. He served as Falmouth's Chief for 5 years since 2010.

Deputy Chief Mike Small takes over as Acting Fire Chief as of Jan 15, 2016.
The process of selecting the next chief is ongoing and expected to be completed in the early Spring 2016.

Congratulations to both for their service!

Several other acting promotions will be announced soon.
Jan 15, 2016

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth put a 1992 Sutphen pumper in service as Engine 24 on January 15, 2016 allowing the West Falmouth Fire Station #4 to once again have a fire engine. It has been equipped with only a pickup truck and 1 firefighter since November 2015 when the 1987 Ford pumper that was assigned went out of service.
Jan 15, 2016

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPT
Captain Michael White has retired after 29 years of service as of Dec 4, 2015. Capt White joined Fal FD in 1986. Congrats and enjoy your retirement!

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPT
Several vital apparatus have been taken out of service. Engine 24, Engine 20, Breaker 16, and Breaker 17 all removed from service for mechanical failures. West Falmouth Station #4 without a fire truck. Nov 15, 2015

FALMOUTH FIRE CHIEF TO RETIRE
Falmouth Fire Chief Mark Sullivan has been in the fire service for 40 years, serving as Falmouth FD's Chief since 2010. Prior to serving as chief he had been a paramedic, Lieutenant, and Deputy Chief. Chief Sullivan plans to retire in January 16, 2016.
STORY
Sept 10, 2015

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPT
Falmouth FD regrets to announce the passing of retired Falmouth Firefighter Robert Marshall on Aug 16, 2015 at age 82. He joined the Falmouth FD as a 14 year old Jr FF in the early 50's and became a fulltime firefighter in 1955, working 33 years until his retirement in 1988. He was the father of recently retired Captain James Marshall.

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Firefighter Paul Consalves retired from the FFD in May 2015. He had been a member of the Falmouth FD since 1978. July 2015

FALMOUTH CAPTAIN RETIRES
Captain James Marshall has retired from the Falmouth Fire Department after 30 years of service. Congrats to Capt Marshall in his retirement.! Jan 2015

Falmouth FD also announces the retirements of Firefighter Ralph Moniz Jr after 32 years of service and FF Kevin Kelly with 20 years of service.

FALMOUTH HOSPITAL
Congratulations to Virginia B. "Ginny" Brodeur RN upon her retirement from the Falmouth Hospital Emergency Room. Ginny has been around the ER for nearly 40 years and will surely be missed by many she has helped over the years. Best wishes to her in retirement. April 2014.

FALMOUTH FIRE
Falmouth Fire Department has made the following promotions permanent effective March 16, 2014:
    Timothy Smith has been promoted to Deputy Chief. Smith has been serving as Acting Deputy Chief for some time. Prior to that he served as Captain and Lieutenant. He is also a paramedic.
    Lt Scott Thrasher has been promoted to Captain of Shift 3.
    FF Ann Bartos has been promoted to Lieutenant on Group 4. She becomes the first female to hold such rank in the Falmouth Fire Department.
   Congratulations to all of the personnel. March 2014

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Falmouth Fire Department has officially disbanded its call fire department as of June 2014. The last three standing members: Doug Martin, Richard "Doc" Henry, and Joe Kelley were presented with gold badges and plaques at a ceremony in June.

The Falmouth FD began in 1897 and had always maintained a large call department, with over 100 members on the roster, for much of the department's history.

As has happened with other Cape departments and call departments around the country in recent decades, the economic pressures, training requirements, dramatic increases in call volume and advances in EMS have reduced the ability of many departments to recruit and maintain call fire departments.

For those unfamiliar, a call fire department is essentially a volunteer style department where members are paid for calls and training, but otherwise are working in other occupations, until a call comes in and they respond from whatever they are doing to serve.

Falmouth is the third busiest department on the Cape these days, with over 6,000 runs a year, most of them EMS runs.

The department is now 100% fulltime with about 75 paid personnel, many of whom are paramedic/firefighters. The five stations are staffed by up to 14 personnel per shift, and as few as 10 per shift.

Many departments, like Falmouth, have not been able to keep up with the need for additional fulltime personnel as call personnel and other dynamics have actually reduced the number of personnel available to respond to calls, even while calls have doubled or tripled over the past couple decades. Falmouth still operates with only 1 or 2 personnel on duty in 4 of its 5 stations. While those personnel would have normally been supplemented with off duty or call members to make up a crew of 4 or 5 personnel, that is generally not these case any more.

Congratulations to those last three members for their service and place in history.

RETIRED FALMOUTH CHIEF PASSES
Retired Falmouth Fire Chief James F. Rogers has passed away at age 85.
Chief Rogers was a member of the Falmouth Fire Department from
1942 until 1986. He became a Deputy Chief in 1955 and Chief in 1978.
His son, Glen Rogers, also achieved rank of Deputy at Falmouth FD
and recently took a position as Fire Chief at the
Manchester by the Sea Fire Department.
VISITING HOURS: Tuesday March 5 1700-2000 hrs
at Chapman Cole & Gleason, 475 Main St, Falmouth center.
FUNERAL: Wednesday March 6, 2013 1100 hrs
at Church of Messiah, Church St., Woods Hole.
OBITUARY

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth appointed Craig O'Malley (P) as EMS Officer
Falmouth Fire Department has made the following Acting promotions:
Acting Deputy Timothy Smith (from Captain)
Acting Captain (G-3) Bruce Girouard (from Lt)
Acting Lieutenant (G-1) Bill Newton
Acting Lieutenant (G-3) Russ Ferreira
Nov 12, 2012

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth Deputy Chief Glen Rogers (left) has been selected as the new Fire Chief for the Manchester-By-The-Sea Fire Department in Essex County, MA. Congrats and best wishes to Deputy Rogers (son of past Falmouth fire chief James Rogers) who has been a member of the Falmouth FD for many years, advancing thru the ranks to Deputy.
Also congratulations and best wishes to EMS Officer Joseph Dehnick (right) upon his retirement from the Falmouth FD effective 10-11-12. Joe served Falmouth FD for over 24 years and prior to that served with the Otis AFB fire dept.
Oct 14, 2012

FALMOUTH
Lieutenant Joseph Carlisle recently retired after 30+ years with Falmouth FD. Contrats and best wishes to him! March 2012

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Falmouth Fire Department has announced the full appointments of the following personnel effective September 13, 2011:
Fire Chief : Mark D. Sullivan
Deputy Chief: Michael F. Small
Captain: Timothy R Smith (Group 3)
Captain: Gregory D. Clements (Group 2)
Lieutenant: Robert T. Bergeron Jr. (Group 2)
Each had been in acting positions for some time due to retirements. Congratulations to each of these personnel. Sept 2011

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
With the recent retirement of Fire Chief Paul Brodeur, a number of promotions and reassignments have been implemented.
Serving as Acting Fire Chief is Deputy Mark Sullivan.
Serving as Acting Deputy is Captain Mike Small.
Serving as Acting Captains are Joel Carlisle, Tim Smith, and Greg Clements
Serving as Acting Lieutenants are Robert Bergerm, Craig O'Malley
Oct 2010

FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
Falmouth Fire Chief Paul D. Brodeur will be retiring in October 2010. Chief Brodeur came through the ranks of Falmouth FD serving for 34 years, the last 13 as Chief. Congratulations to him. STORY

Falmouth Fire
Retired Falmouth Fire Chief Leighton Peck passed away. The funeral was Oct 2, 2000.

Falmouth Fire Department Runs 2001
Falmouth responded to 4,773 incidents in 2001. There were 4,671 in 2000. The 102 run increase represents a 2.2% increase with an average of 13.1 per day.

Falmouth FD reports the Fiscal year (July 2001-July 2002) run total is 5,023 runs.

INCIDENT NEWS

Falmouth Breaker 18
Operating at a large brush fire off Hayway Road
March 21, 2012

Falmouth 2nd alarm
Quissett Boat Yard
Jan 4, 2012

Falmouth Structure Fire
111 County Road, North Falmouth
May 14, 2011

Falmouth Fatal Fire
28 Deer Run Lane, North Falmouth
Saturday May 17, 2008 - 1330 hrs
Fire in an attic of a house under construction claimed one worker's life.

Falmouth House Fire
105 Currier Road, Hatchville
Wednesday April 16, 2008 - 1215 hrs

Falmouth MDU Training
Falmouth firefighters and hospital personnel practice setting up the
Mass Decon Unit.
May 24, 2007

Falmouth Working Fire
19 Lummis Lane, West Falmouth
Monday April 16, 2007 - 0915 hrs

Falmouth Boat Fire
Fiddler's Cove Marina, North Falmouth
Labor Day, Sept 4, 2006
Approx 50' yacht well involved

Falmouth House of Pizza
557 North Falmouth Highway @ Route 151
Sunday, November 27, 2005 - 2145 hrs

Falmouth 4 Alarm Fire
Falmouth responded to a fire at Iguana's Restaurant in Tataket Square Route 28 in Falmouth on Tuesday Feb 12, 2002. The 1209 hrs fire began in the basement and extended into the floors, walls, and throughout the building. A 2nd alarm was transmitted at 1245, followed by a 3rd at 1400, and a 4th alarm at 1504. The stubborn blaze brought 10 engines, 3 ladders, and approximately 75 firefighters to the scene. Ultimately the structure was torn down to extinguish the fire. It was not under control until approximately 2249 hrs.

	CapeCodFD.com
	DEPARTMENT NEWS Apparatus - Stations - Department - Incidents
	FALMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
	Barnstable County
Updated June 14, 2024
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