Press Releases

Bristol County Fire Chiefs Association Receives $180,000 Federal Grant to Supply Local Departments with Supplemental PPE

September 4, 2020 by Benjamin Paulin Leave a Comment

TAUNTON — Bristol County Fire Chiefs Association President and Taunton Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw is pleased to announce that the Association was recently awarded a $180,000 federal grant to be used for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for fire departments throughout Bristol County.

In June, North Attleborough Fire Chief Christopher Coleman and Mansfield Fire Chief Justin Desrosiers applied for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on behalf of the Association.

Last week, the Association was notified that it would be receiving a grant in the amount of $181,781.85.

The grant funds will allow the Association to purchase N95 masks, gowns, disinfecting solutions, safety glasses and other PPE, which will then be distributed to fire departments throughout Bristol County on an as-needed basis.

“This grant will allow us to purchase vital personal protective equipment that can help to supplement and augment the supplies of many of our fire departments in the county,” Chief Bradshaw said. “I credit Chiefs Coleman and Desrosiers for their great work in securing this grant and we are appreciative of FEMA for its support.”

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Taunton Police and Fire Departments Respond and Pull Unresponsive Child from Swimming Pool

July 29, 2020 by Matthew Reid Leave a Comment

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward J. Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw report that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments responded to a residence Wednesday evening for a report of an unresponsive child in a swimming pool.

At approximately 5 p.m., Taunton Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched to an address on Washington Street. Police were on scene in less than one minute, and officers pulled a 2-year-old child out of the pool and immediately began providing medical aid and CPR. Additional Police and Fire personnel arrived shortly after and assisted until EMS arrived.

The child was transported to a nearby hospital by Brewster Ambulance and was taken by medical helicopter to a Boston Hospital. The child was reported to be breathing on their own, but no other updates are available at this time on the child’s condition.

“I commend the work of the officers for arriving on scene as quickly as they did, within one minute of the initial call,” Chief Walsh said. “The quick actions of both the police and fire personnel is a testament to their training and ability to act under very stressful circumstances.”

The incident is under investigation by the Taunton Police Department.

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Taunton Fire Department Reminds Residents that Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Massachusetts

June 24, 2020 by Taylor O'Neil Leave a Comment

As the Fourth of July and summer celebrations approach, Chief Timothy Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department would like to remind residents that the use of fireworks is illegal in 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. Additionally, residents are prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.

From 2010-2019, 858 major fires and explosions were reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS) due to the use of illegal fireworks. These incidents caused 12 civilian injuries, 40 firefighter injuries and a loss of approximately $2.9 million.

The Taunton Fire Department recommends that residents only attend displays put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety.

“The misuse of fireworks could potentially result in a fire that firefighters will have to respond to,” said Chief Bradshaw. “We ask that our residents help to mitigate the number of calls we respond to this season by refraining from illegal fireworks use. The illegal use of fireworks isn’t worth the trip to the emergency room or the destruction of property.”

Residents should always:

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.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the misuse of fireworks can cause death and injuries including severe burns, contusions, lacerations, eye injuries and more.

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Taunton Police and Fire Departments Receive Donation of KN95 Masks From Local Business

May 27, 2020 by Leah Comins Leave a Comment

From left: Patrolman Brendan Canary, Mechanics Cooperative Bank President Joseph Baptista Jr. and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw with the donation of 2,000 KN95 Respirator Masks from Mechanics Bank on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department)

Mechanics Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Baptista Jr. delivered 2,000 KN95 Respirator Masks to the Taunton Police Department and Taunton Fire Department today. (Photo courtesy Taunton Police Department)

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward J. Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw are pleased to announce that the Taunton Police and Fire Departments received a donation of KN95 masks from a local business on Wednesday.

Mechanics Cooperative Bank of Taunton donated 2,000 KN95 Respirator Masks to the departments for personnel to use while serving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mechanics Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Baptista Jr. delivered the KN95 Respirator Masks earlier today.

Police Chief Walsh and Fire Chief Bradshaw would like to thank Mechanics Bank for their dedication to the community and first responders.

“We are extremely appreciative of this kind donation that allows us to better serve our community while remaining protected during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chief Walsh. “This equipment will help to keep both our first responders and community members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and further prevent the spread of the virus.”

“We are thankful to Mechanics Bank for their donation as we continue to fight the pandemic,” Chief Bradshaw said. “We are very grateful for the community support we have received during this time.”

First responders will use the masks to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19 as they respond to calls involving people who may be reporting symptoms in line with COVID-19 or may have been in contact with a positive COVID-19 case. The department has put in place various procedures and is utilizing PPE to keep personnel healthy so that they can continue to serve the community.

The respirator masks will be issued to personnel as needed as the COVID-19 situation continues to develop.

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Taunton Fire Department Reminds Residents that Open Burning Ends May 1

April 27, 2020 by Taylor O'Neil Leave a Comment

TAUNTON — Chief Timothy J. Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department would like to remind residents that the town’s open burning period ends Friday, May 1, at 4 p.m.

The Commonwealth’s annual burning period spans from Jan. 15 to May 1. Residents are able to burn brush, cane, driftwood, tree pruning and other forestry with a permit granted by their fire department.

Chief Bradshaw would like to remind anyone who plans to use the remaining days of open burning that they must call the fire department on the day they wish to burn. Also remember that open burning must be done at least 75 feet from all buildings, never leave a fire unattended and keep fire extinguishing materials handy while burning.

Chief Bradshaw would like to thank residents for another safe open burning season this year.

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Fire Chief Timothy J. Bradshaw

Fire Chief
Timothy J. Bradshaw