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

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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

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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

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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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Taunton Police and Fire Departments to Give Thanks to Employees of Morton Hospital 

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First Responders Throughout Region to Line Up Outside Hospital During Shift Change

TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw are pleased to announce that the Taunton Fire and Police Departments will be among several first responder agencies throughout the region paying a special visit to Morton Hospital in Taunton Thursday, April 23, to show their appreciation to the hospital’s employees.

Media members who are interested in covering this event should contact Lt. Eric Nichols of the Taunton Police, at 508-821-1471 ext. 3102 or at enichols@tauntonpd.com.

WHEN:

Thursday, April 23 at 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Morton Hospital, 88 Washington St., Taunton.

WHAT:

Taunton Police and Taunton Fire will be among several police, fire, EMS and EMA personnel from departments and organizations throughout the region participating in the Ride of Appreciation event.

First responders will be driving their police cruisers, fire engines and ambulances around the hospital to show support for all healthcare workers.

After the ride-around, everyone will post by the vehicles for approximately one hour to greet staff coming in and out during the 3 p.m. shift change.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., a MedFlight helicopter will do a flyover to conclude the event.

“Healthcare workers have been on the front lines in this fight against the coronavirus, and this event is a great opportunity to show them how much we appreciate the work they have been doing,” Chief Walsh said. “We hope neighboring departments will join us in thanking the men and women of Morton Hospital for all they have done.”

“As first responders we know the difficult sacrifices that have been made during these difficult times, and healthcare workers have been working every bit as hard since the onset of this pandemic,” Chief Bradshaw said. “It has been inspiring seeing the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals working tirelessly to keep our communities safe, and it means a lot to be able to show them our appreciation.”

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Taunton Police and Fire Departments Announce Positive Coronavirus Cases

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TAUNTON — Police Chief Edward Walsh and Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw confirmed today that the City of Taunton has been notified by Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) officials of three confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the Taunton Police Department and one positive case within the Taunton Fire Department.

Taunton Health Department officials were notified by DPH of the positive test results and have been in contact with each of the individuals. The patients have been isolated and are being supported and monitored according to public health guidelines. Under State and Federal privacy laws no further information is available about the individuals.

Close contacts (defined as someone who has spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of a positive case) have been identified, contacted by health officials, and are adhering to DPH orders for quarantine.

The quarantined close contacts will be monitored on a daily basis by Taunton Health officials while they are in quarantine to limit the risk of spread.

It should be noted that out of an abundance of caution, all members of each department that came in close contact with the individuals began to self-quarantine prior to the notification of positive test results of the confirmed cases.

The Taunton Police and Fire Departments will continue to respond to all emergencies and are taking all proper precautions when coming in contact with residents and community members. 

Chief Walsh and Chief Bradshaw stress that this remains a very fluid and rapidly evolving situation and both departments are working closely with Mayor Shaunna O’Connell’s Office and Taunton Health Department officials. The Taunton Board of Health, Taunton Police Department and Taunton Fire Department will follow CDC guidelines and remain in contact with the individual throughout their illness.

“Our number one priority during this time is serving the people of our community while staying safe and remaining healthy,” said Chief Walsh. “At this time, we have three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our ranks. All other members of the department who have been deemed a close contact have been contacted by the DPH and are following the proper guidelines. We would like to remind the community that the department remains fully operational during this time and that it is safe to call us if you are in need of assistance.”

Both departments will continue to limit access to the stations to outside visitors for general, walk-in business until further notice.

In an effort to continue practicing social distancing, all citizens are asked to make all non-emergency reports and inquiries to both departments by telephone or email, rather than in person.

The Taunton Police Department can be reached at its business line at 508-824-7522 or online at its website https://tauntonpd.com/. The Taunton Fire Department can be reached at 508-821-1452 or at its website https://tauntonfd.com/.

As always, please call 911 for any emergency.

“We are taking all of the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus and will continue to closely monitor the situation as it continues to unfold,” Chief Bradshaw said. “We wish everyone a quick recovery and hope that they’re all back to full health soon.”

Safety Measures & Precautions

In addition to limiting public access to the lobby, the Taunton Police and Fire Departments have taken the following actions:

  • Practicing social distancing while at work and at home
  • Increasing the cleaning and sanitation of common touch points and surfaces
  • Encouraging proper self-care and hygiene including frequently washing hands, ensuring bathrooms are stocked with hand washing materials and making cleaning products and sanitizers available
  • Ensuring all personnel are fit-tested for masks
  • Reviewing Contagious Diseases and Pandemic Planning and Response policies
  • Reviewing the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Modifying medical response protocol
  • Ensuring the department has ample supplies of PPE for medical responses

These temporary measures will be reviewed on a continuous basis. When changes are necessary, they will be communicated to the public.

For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.

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Contact Us

FOR EMERGENCIES
DIAL 911

Non-emergency phone number:
(508) 824-4024
Fire Prevention: (508) 821-1453
Main Office: (508) 821-1452

tauntonfire
tauntonfire

Fire Chief
Timothy J. Bradshaw

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Mailing address:
Central Fire Station
50 School Street
Taunton, MA 02780