Benjamin Paulin, Author at Taunton Fire Department

Taunton Police and Fire Departments Respond After Two Children Fall Through Ice into Taunton River

January 23, 2020 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

Children Pulled out of River by Good Samaritans and TPD Officers

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw report that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments responded after two children fell through the ice and into the Taunton River Thursday afternoon.

Two 14-year-old boys are expected to be okay after being rescued from the river by three Good Samaritans and four Taunton Police officers.

At approximately 2 p.m. Thursday, Taunton resident Kevin Boss, age 54, was driving in the area of County Street and Ingell Street when he noticed two boys that were in the Taunton River. One of the boys was trying to swim to shore while the other was struggling to stay afloat.

Boss pulled over and grabbed a rope from this vehicle. Simultaneously, two Taunton School Department employees, Assistant Storekeeper Nick DaCosta and Community Facilitator Lynne Farina, also saw the boys and both pulled their vehicles over to help.

A short time later, Taunton Police Officer Daniel Williams, Officer Matt Travers, Officer Brendan Canary and Captain Daniel McCabe arrived on scene.

The seven adults used the rope to safely pull the boys ashore.

The Taunton Fire Department responded quickly to the scene and transported the boys via ambulance to Morton Hospital to be evaluated. The boys are expected to be okay.

It is believed that the boys were in the water for approximately five minutes.

Police Chief Walsh would like to praise the efforts of his officers and the Good Samaritans who helped pull the boys to safety.

“This was a fantastic job by the people who stopped and our officers who helped to get these boys out of the water quickly,” Chief Walsh said. “Thankfully, it appears that the boys are going to be alright.”

Fire Chief Bradshaw echoed Chief Walsh’s sentiments and also warned that it is never safe to step on thin ice.

“Thankfully these boys weren’t seriously hurt and the people who stopped to help should be considered heroes,” Chief Bradshaw said. “Though temperatures have been cold recently, it has not been cold long enough to make it safe to walk, skate or fish on any waterway in Taunton.”

As a policy, the Taunton Fire Department does not certify whether any bodies of water are safe to use for recreational purposes. Those who do choose to go out on ice should stay away from all ice in the area of open water, flowing water or where the ice looks slushy or thin.

The Taunton Police and Fire Departments would like to recommend the following ice safety tips:

General Ice and Cold Water Safety

Never go onto the ice alone, since it’s unlikely you will be able to call for help if you fall through the ice.
Always keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue it. Call 911 instead.
New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decay, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.
Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating.
Ice formed over flowing water (rivers or lakes containing a large number of springs) is generally 15 percent weaker.
Ice seldom freezes or thaws at a uniform rate. It can be one foot thick in one spot and be only one inch thick 10 feet away.

What To Do If Someone Falls Through Ice

Reach-Throw-Go: If someone falls through the ice and you are unable to reach that person from shore, throw them something (rope, jumper cables, tree branch, etc.) If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from. Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface, working forward by kicking your feet. Once out, remain lying on the ice (do not stand) and roll away from the hole. Crawl back to your tracks, keeping your weight distributed until you return to solid ice.

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Taunton Fire Department Offers Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

November 27, 2019 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

TAUNTON — With Thanksgiving tomorrow, Chief Timothy Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department would like to remind residents of several important cooking safety tips.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and the day before Thanksgiving.

The NFPA found that unattended cooking was the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths. Cooking equipment was involved in almost half of all reported home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the second leading cause of home fire deaths.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments in the United States are dispatched to approximately 166,100 fires annually involving cooking equipment, such as a stove or microwave.

“The Taunton Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving,” Chief Bradshaw said. “Please make sure to keep any flammable objects away from your stove top, like wrappers, pot holders and other items to prevent fires.”

To avoid tragedy this season, the Taunton Fire Department recommends residents follow several safety tips outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

Never leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stove top without supervision.
In the event of a grease fire, smother flames with a lid then turn off the heat. Putting baking soda over the fire will also work.
Do not move a burning pan because it can cause the fire to spread.
Do not throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire, as water will spread the fire and the extinguisher could splash flaming grease.
Do not wear loose or long sleeves when cooking, as it can catch fire.
Do not store or use flammable objects, such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags, near heating elements.
If a fire starts in an oven or microwave, close the door, turn the appliance off and immediately call the fire department.
Do not put metal inside a microwave.
Unplug appliances such as toasters and coffee makers when you are not using them.
Do not store items in an oven.
Stop, drop and roll if your clothing catches fire. Run burns under cool water and call 9-1-1 for help.
Keep children and pets three feet away from the stove.
Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working prior to the holiday.

Additionally, the NFPA discourages the use of turkey fryers, as the amount and high temperature of the oil used can cause serious burns and injuries, and result in the destruction of property.

Residents who would like more information on holiday cooking safety should contact the Taunton Fire Department at 508-821-1452.

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Taunton Fire Reminds Residents to Check Smoke and CO Detectors During Daylight Saving Time

November 1, 2019 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

Daylight Saving Time Ends Nov. 3 at 2 a.m.

TAUNTON – Chief Timothy Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department encourages residents to test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when setting their clocks back for daylight saving time.

Daylight saving ends Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 a.m.

“Testing and changing batteries in smoke and carbon detectors is a simple, and life-saving habit that can help prevent fires from happening,” said Chief Bradshaw. “If your detectors are not working, or if you don’t have detectors at all, please call the Taunton Fire Department for assistance.”

According to the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), working smoke alarms decrease the risk of dying in home fires by nearly half. Additionally, in many reported home fires in which smoke alarms were present but did not operate, the batteries had been removed or the alarm was disconnected due to dead battery alerts or nuisance alarms.

The Taunton Fire Department also asks that all business owners not only change their clocks, but also change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace the batteries on wall mounted emergency lights and exit signs. All businesses should have emergency backup lighting as a safety feature to provide temporary lighting in case of power failure.

In order to keep your family and home safe, Taunton Fire recommends that residents follow safety tips outlined by IAFF:

Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in a central location or near the stairway to the upper level. Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet from cooking appliances to minimize false alarms.
CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards.
For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound. CO alarms can also be interconnected.
Test smoke and CO alarms at least once per month using the test button.
Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
Smoke and CO alarms with replaceable batteries need a new battery at least once per year. Replace batteries during daylight saving time or if the alarm chirps warning that the battery is low.
When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer’s list of usable batteries on the back of the alarm. Manufacturer instructions are specific to the batteries that must be used and the alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
Replace all smoke alarms according to the date on the back or when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of a smoke and CO alarm and knows how to respond.

For more information on smoke detector and CO alarm safety, contact the Taunton Fire Department at 508-821-1452.

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Taunton Fire Department Responds to 3-Alarm Fire at Multi-Family Home

August 13, 2019 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

Firefighters Rescue Man from Second-Floor Balcony

Media note: At 10:45 p.m., Chief Bradshaw will be speaking to the media in the parking lot of Eye Health Vision Centers, 64 Winthrop St., Taunton.

To view a video of the fire click here.

TAUNTON — Chief Timothy Bradshaw reports that the Taunton Fire Department is responding to large fire at a multi-family home on Harrison Street Tuesday night.

The first responding firefighters used a ladder to rescue a man from a second-floor balcony as the fire burned close by. The man’s condition is unknown at this time but he was conscious and alert at the time of rescue and did not require medical assistance.

At approximately 8:20 p.m., the Taunton Fire Department was called to 46 Harrison St. for a report of a house fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw large flames and heavy smoking coming from the second floor and roof of the 2.5-story wood-frame home.

Incident commander Deputy Chief Eric Dumont, quickly called for all available Taunton Fire apparatus to respond to the scene and struck a second alarm for fire departments from surrounding communities to respond. The Raynham, Dighton, Norton and Rehoboth fire departments were providing assistance.

As the fire continued to quickly spread throughout the 6-apartment building, Chief Bradshaw struck a third alarm, seeking additional manpower at the scene.

As of approximately 10:30 p.m., the roof had collapsed into the building and crews were still battling the fire. There are about 35 firefighters, eight engines and two ladder trucks on scene at this time.

All residents of the home are believed to have made it out of the building safely. All residents will be displaced as a result of the fire and the Taunton Emergency Management Agency was responding to the scene to assist.

One Taunton firefighter was treated at the scene for a heat related condition and is expected to be okay.

Harrison Street and Winthrop Street (Route 44) will both be closed while the scene remains active. The Taunton Police Department is on scene assisting and directing traffic.

The scene is expected to remain active for several hours and residents and drivers are asked to seek alternate routes.

The Taunton firefighters that rescued the man from the balcony were Tony Burton, John Gulan and Sarah Riendeau.

Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

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Taunton Police and Fire Departments Remind Residents that Use of Fireworks in Massachusetts is Illegal

July 1, 2019 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw would like to remind Taunton residents as the Fourth of July approaches that the use of fireworks is illegal in the state of Massachusetts.

It is illegal to use, possess, or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Residents are also prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, during the month surrounding the Fourth of July, approximately 280 people nationwide go to the emergency room seeking treatment for injuries caused by fireworks every day.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks are also the cause of 18,500 fires on average each year.

This does not mean residents cannot enjoy fireworks displays over the course of the summer. However, Chief Walsh and Chief Bradshaw recommend that residents only attend celebrations put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety.

Residents should also remember to:

Watch fireworks displays from a safe distance.
Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.
Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.
Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

Anyone who has questions about fireworks or fireworks safety should contact the Taunton Fire Department at 508-824-4024 or the Taunton Police Department at 508-824-7522.

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Children Pulled out of River by Good Samaritans and TPD Officers

Daylight Saving Time Ends Nov. 3 at 2 a.m.

Firefighters Rescue Man from Second-Floor Balcony

Fire Chief Timothy J. Bradshaw

Fire Chief
Timothy J. Bradshaw