Middleboro hires 6 new firefighters, South Station to be open 24/7. How town's paying for it

Beth McDermott

AI-assisted reporter

MIDDLEBORO — The Middleboro Fire Department has welcomed six new firefighters, marking a significant expansion in its ranks.

According to a community announcement, the swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday, Jan. 27, during a Middleboro Select Board meeting. Firefighters Rebecca Cullity, ​Anthony LaCivita, Matthew Mokeler, Patrick O'Donnell, Thomas Simon and Anthony Visconte were sworn in by Fire Chief Owen Thompson.

Each firefighter was pinned by a family member.

The expansion was made possible by a $2,019,030 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant awarded to the department last September. The grant, to be administered over three years, will cover 100% of the personnel expenses associated with hiring the six new full-time firefighters, including the town's portion of their health insurance and pension liabilities, with no matching cost required from the town.

South Station will now be manned 24/7

With the grant, the department will be able to operate its South Station 24/7 with a three-member engine company, in addition to a three-member engine company at Central Station.

Currently, the department has a three-member engine company and a two-member ladder company at Central Station, and the South Station is used when there is additional staffing.

What happens when the grant runs out?

Town Manager James McGrail and the Select Board have committed to funding the six positions after the grant funds are exhausted.

"Without the town's leadership, this swearing-in ceremony wouldn't have been possible," Thompson said.

First swearing-in ceremony before Select Board in many years

The swearing-in ceremony was the first before the Select Board in many years. Thompson said he believes it's an important tradition of the fire service so that new firefighters start the job knowing they're a part of the community, and residents get to know the faces of people who may respond to their homes in times of emergency.

"Today is a reminder of the strength and unity that exists within our Fire Department family and the unwavering commitment we have to serving and protecting the Town of Middleborough," Thompson said. "It's a calling that demands resilience and a willingness to face unthinkable challenges to protect our community."

The new firefighters are set to participate in department orientation and attend the Massachusetts Fire Academy.

"The addition of these six firefighters will make the Town of Middleborough a safer place for the future," McGrail said.

"Increasing staffing levels at the Middleborough Fire Department is long overdue, and we are incredibly thankful to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for this funding. We are committed to ensuring that we maintain these positions beyond the life of this grant."

TAUNTON GAZETTE