“Called to Duty” The Official Newsletter of the Methuen APRIL/MAY 2019 Volume 2, Issue 4

MFD Links MFD Supports Paula Corey and EM Awareness Methuen Fire Department Web Page “It’s Time To Put The Fire Out” Campaign MFD Facebook MFD Twitter MFD Instagram MFD LinkedIn

Regional Links MA Dept. of Fire Services MEMA National Fire Protection Assoc. Office of Emergency Erythromelalgia (EM) is a painful disease characterized by burning pain Medical Services in the limbs, face, and other parts of the body with severe redness and swelling. Methuen native Paula Corey suffers from EM and has become the foremost area advocate for education and awareness. She relates, Contact Us "Those who suffer from EM feel as if they are burning alive. Some have Hours of Operation: committed suicide from the burning pain and no help. There are many Monday - Thursday: children that have EM, and some are born with it. There is no cure. Many 7:00 am to 4:30 pm of us do not know why we have EM. Some people inherit EM and have a Friday - Sunday: Closed mutated gene. Others have it secondary to proliferative diseases such as blood cancers, auto-immune diseases, MS, and cancer chemo Phone: treatments. I was sick many years prior and still am daily suffering from (978) 983-8940 fevers, severe pain, severe fatigue, and a bunch of odd symptoms, some of which have attacked organs. No one knows why. Education and Fax: awareness can result in funding for research and a cure." (978) 691-5056 Emergency Numbers: 911

Address: 24 Lowell Street Methuen, MA 01844 See map: Google Maps

In May of 2018, Paula hosted an awareness day for Erythromelalgia at the State House in Boston. Other sufferers of EM were present along with those supporting the cause or just wanting to learn about Erythromelalgia. Governor Baker proclaimed the month of May to be Erythromelalgia Awareness Month. May of 2019 is Erythromelalgia Awareness Month with the theme of "It's Time to Put the Fire Out!”

The Methuen Fire Department is joining Paula and her husband Tony in their quest to make people aware of EM. We have installed two powerful red lights illuminated each evening throughout May outside our Central in our monument and memorial area. We hope that other area Fire Departments will join Paula, Tony and us in this cause. We further hope that those who suffer from EM, perhaps not even knowing it, will seek and find the help that they need. CLICK HERE for more info/stories/videos on Erythromelalgia on our website.

++ Message from the ++

Thanks for taking the time to read this edition of “Called to Duty.” It is a busy time of year in our department with many events, important training, and community service. Please check out all of the news you can use in this month’s Newsletter. Our lead story focuses on Methuen native Paula Corey and her advocacy for Erythromelalgia. We hope to help raise awareness about this terrible disease. Enjoy the April Newsletter. For general business, please call us at 978-983-8940 and for all emergencies, please call 911. Regards, J. Tim Sheehy, Fire Chief

MFD Calendar Sales Help 3-11 Foundation for US Marines

In December and January, photographer Nancy Reardon, the Methuen Fire Department, and Methuen Local 1691 created 2019 Methuen Fire Department Calendars. The printing of the calendars was sponsored by Century 21 McLennan and Company, Dave Buco of Home Loan Investment Bank, and Heav’nly Donuts. Proceeds from calendar sales benefited the 3-11 Foundation, an organization that facilitates non-medical and medical care to wounded, ill, and injured Marines and their families. Retired Methuen Steve Battle, a Marine veteran, is on the board of the organization. The full color calendars featured many of the men and women of the Methuen Fire Department in various poses and locations in Methuen. Thanks to a tremendous response from the community, we were able to raise close to $2000 for the 3-11 Foundation. We truly appreciate our sponsors, all those who purchased the calendars, and the men and women of the Methuen Fire Department who gave of their time for this effort.

National Home Fire Sprinkler Week, May 19-25

Research shows that today's homebuilding materials under fire can impact firefighter safety. Studies point to the fire failure of unprotected, lightweight engineered wood systems routinely used in floors and roofs of new homes. The civilian death rate was 81 percent lower in homes with fire sprinklers than in homes without them. The average firefighter injury rate was nearly 80 percent lower when fire sprinklers were present during fires. When sprinklers were present, fires were kept to the room of origin 97 percent of the time. The home fire death rate was 90 percent lower when fire sprinklers and hardwired smoke alarms were present.

These numbers back up the need for home fire sprinklers in any residence. May 19-25 is National Home Fire Sprinkler Week. Many of today's homes are made with synthetic materials that burn quickly. From 2010 to 2014, there was an average of 5,630 home structure fires per year in which upholstered furniture was the first item ignited. These fires caused an annual average of 440 civilian fire deaths, 700 civilian fire injuries, and $269 million in direct property damage. The Methuen Fire Department supports home fire sprinklers and stresses the need for education and awareness. CLICK HERE for more information on Home Fire Sprinklers. MFD Participates in MCTV Open House

The Methuen Fire Department was happy to be part of the MCTV Spring Open House on April 6. This year's Open House theme was Recognizing World Health Day 2019. The MFD had some fire department vehicles there as well as demos, and, of course, Sparky the Fire Dog! The event also featured Studio Tours, Area Health Reps, TRIAD, Relay for Life, and Instructional Classes. It was a terrific time, and we thank MCTV for including us!

Firefighters’ Vehicle Extrication Training

Several members of the Methuen Fire Department participated in vehicle extrication training today. The training provides an excellent way to learn the basic principles of auto extrication. The work offers firefighters practical exercises to familiarize and refresh everyone on the proper method and tools involved in cutting cars. This helps them to save lives in the event of an accident or emergency situation. MFD trains regularly to ensure they’re proficient in the variety of accidents we face. The training was a uniquely valuable experience.

Firefighters Foley and Moreau Speak at Tenney School

Methuen Firefighters Eric Moreau and Mike Foley participated in a Career Day event at the Tenney Grammar School in Methuen on April 1. The duo talked to kindergarten students about what it means to be a firefighter and answered many questions from the kids. They also instructed the students on at home and at school. It was a fun day, and the kids really enjoyed learning about what a firefighter does each day.

Holy Family Hospital Thanks MFD for “Top Hospital” Award

Holy Family Hospital recently earned a Top Hospital Award by the Leapfrog Group for the second consecutive year. The award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive honors American hospitals can receive. Performance across many areas of care is considered including infection rates, maternity care, and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication errors. As a thank you to first responders, Holy Family sent some awesome Top Hospital fleece jackets for our Methuen Firefighters who work daily on ambulance duty. Pictured are Firefighters Steve Giarrusso, Pat McKenna, Wayne Borden, and Brian Hall. We appreciate their generosity and congratulate Holy Family Hospital on this much-deserved honor.

Methuen Firefighters’ “Race Up” Stairs for Charity

Methuen Firefighters Derek Michienzi, Pat McKenna, and Danielle Grenier participated in the Fight For Air Climb: Race Up Boston Place, a fundraising event to benefit the American Lung Association. They scaled 41 floors and 789 stairs totaling 2.5 miles in full gear at 1 Boston Place. We are proud of them for their efforts on behalf of a tremendous cause. Visit the following link for more info and to donate.

MFD’s Barry and Grenier Participate in Read Across America

The third graders in Ms. Kristine Ennis's class at the CGS got a real treat last week as Methuen Fire Department Assistant Chief Bill Barry read the Dr. Seuss classic "Horton Hears a Who!" as part of Read Across America. Asst. Chief Barry was quite animated in detailing the story to the students, and they really enjoyed the experience. At the Tenney School, Methuen Firefighter Danielle Grenier and Chief Tim Sheehy also participated in Read Across America. Grenier read to students in Ms. Teixeira's kindergarten class and really got them involved in the stories. The kids asked questions about the books and about being a firefighter. Everyone had a great time while stressing the importance of reading to the students.

Methuen Fire Department Pump Training

Members of the Methuen Fire Department have been participating in fire pump training. This training demonstrates the proper way to utilize the water distribution system in the city. It also shows our firefighters how to correctly deliver needed water flows when fighting a fire inside a building. The training provides the opportunity to practice important troubleshooting and emergency procedures. Pictured left to right in the group photo are firefighters Mike Foley, Chris Troy, John McCarthy, Anthony Shaheen, Lt. Dave Rule who oversaw the training, firefighters Zach Tulley and Eric Moreau.

Columbia Gas Conducts Training Class at Central Fire

On March 20, members of the Methuen Fire Department took part in Gas Training through Columbia Gas of MA. The training is designed to better familiarize our firefighters with new gas meter technology and keep them up to date about limits and potential issues. The training also covered subjects such as distribution, gas properties, and efficient utilization. Columbia Gas provided a useful educational demonstration.

MFD Ladder Training for High Structure Rescue

Members of the Methuen Fire Department experienced Ladder Training today at our Central Fire Station. This type of training is essential in learning the proper way to throw ladders and access higher areas of buildings. It also is great training in dragging hoses off of ladders and through the inside of buildings. Girl Scout Troop Visits Central Fire Station

The Girl Scout Daisy Troop of Methuen visited our Central Fire Station on March 18. Firefighters Wayne Borden, Pat McKenna, and Bobby Cole provided a tour of the station and our MFD engines and vehicles. The troop has a terrific time and it was great having them for a visit.

MFD Pays Tribute to Thomas McMenamon and Albert Corn

Fire Chief Tim Sheehy, Assistant Chief Bill Barry and members of the Methuen Fire Department lined up in tribute for the funeral procession of retired Methuen Police Detective Thomas McMenamon, Sr., who passed away March 7. Detective McMenamon served the people of Methuen for 32 years. We send our continued support and prayers to his wife Linda, son Tom, Jr. and daughter in law Kara McMenamon, both members of the Methuen Police Department, and the entire family.

Chief Tim Sheehy and the Methuen Fire Department also joined local officials, citizens, and Veterans in paying tribute to the late Albert I. Corn, who died on March 7 at the age of 95. Mr. Corn served our country with valor and distinction in the United States Army in World War II. He fought in the invasion of Normandy and the Rhineland Campaign. With no surviving family to attend, the community and region joined with the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home to assure that Mr. Corn would be properly remembered. A tremendous crowd attended Mr. Corn’s solemn graveside service on March 13 at Methuen's Elmwood Cemetery. Contributions in Mr. Corn’s memory can be made to the Methuen Senior Activity Center, 77 Lowell Street, Methuen.

MFD Demo and Q&A at Marsh School

Last week, Methuen Fire Department Deputy Dan Donahue, Lt. Jim McLachlan, and firefighters Jody Ste. Marie and Sue Vallera gave an educational demonstration for students at the Marsh Grammar School. The quartet talked about the work of a firefighter and gave the children an up close look at the tools of the trade. They also discussed fire safety and answered questions. After the demonstration, the kids went outside and were able to see the inside and outside of a real . It was a really fun experience for our firefighters as well as the students and faculty.

Methuen Honors Chief Sheehy and Firefighter Petrie

Methuen Fire Chief Tim Sheehy has been elected to the Searles/Tenney/Methuen High School Distinguished Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Sheehy is a 1986 graduate of MHS. Methuen Firefighter Scott Petrie is a 2019 inductee into the Searles/Tenney/Methuen High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Petrie was a standout in Football and Track, Class of 1987. The duo will be inducted on Friday, May 17 at DiBurros in Haverhill. We are extremely proud of both men and congratulate them on the honor. Tickets to the event are $50 each and can be purchased at www.methuenrangers.com or by contacting Colleen McCarthy at [email protected] or Matt Curran at [email protected].

Methuen SADD 5K Stresses Good Decision-Making

The City of Methuen has created an Adult-Use and Medical Marijuana Commercial Business Survey to assist in deciding whether and where it would allow state-licensed adult-use (recreational) Marijuana Establishments to operate as commercial business as well as the retail sale of Medical Marijuana. The City has also created a web page with information on both adult- use and medical marijuana. CLICK HERE for the Methuen Marijuana Information Page and to take the survey. Keep Mulch Fire Safety in Mind During Spring Yard Cleanup

As we all beautify our yards and gardens this spring, it is important to remember that the Board of Regulations (BFPR) has regulations on mulch wood products developed to prevent fires. The Methuen Fire Department wants to alert landscaping companies, nurseries, building owners, managers, and citizens about the proper placement and storage of mulch in order to prevent fires. Large piles of mulch can easily spontaneously combust with all the heat they generate, so it’s important to be vigilant and employ good housekeeping. The distance between piles prevents a fire in one from easily spreading to another or to a building. For more information on Mulch Fire Safety, please visit the Mass.gov Mulch Fire Safety Page.

Coco and Melville Graduate from MA Firefighting Academy

State Peter Ostroskey and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) Director David C. Evans announced the graduation of the 272nd class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy on April 12. Among the 36 Graduates from 16 Fire Departments were Methuen Firefighters Matt Coco and Matt Melville. The duo experienced an intensive, ten-week program involving classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and practice. Coco and Melville met the standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001 and are certified to the level of Firefighter I and II, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Level by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council. Congrats to our graduates!

Chief Sheehy Congratulates Methuen Marathoner and Firefighter

Methuen’s Timmy Geary (pictured right with Chief Tim Sheehy) was one of several local runners who took on the challenge of the 2019 Boston Marathon. Geary is a longtime veteran of the Duxbury, MA Fire Department. The day after the marathon, he began a new chapter in his firefighting career at Massport Fire and Rescue. Geary has run 11 consecutive Boston Marathons, and over the years, has raised funds for the Tommy Quinn Scholarship Foundation. Congrats to Timmy and all of the Methuen runners!

Through the Fire, Through the Years

“Through the Fire, Through the Years” looks back at Methuen Fire Department history with an April memory from 93 years ago.

The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series. The first SAT college admissions test is administered to high school students, and escape artist and famous entertainer Harry Houdini passes away at the age of 52.

Through the Fire, Through the Years goes back to 1926 and a record of the first-ever ambulance run from our Central Fire Station. As you can see, the ambulance was ordered at 9:30am to rush patient Rose Fraser to Lawrence General Hospital. She lived on Garden City Road in Methuen. The nature of the case was recorded as an operation and the ambulance was ordered by Albert Slack. It is interesting to see how things have progressed since then. MFD Recognizes Firefighters and Citizens

Fire Chief Tim Sheehy and the men and women of the Methuen Fire Department wish to send our prayers and best wishes to the people of Paris and all of the valiant firefighters and first responders who have battled the catastrophic fire at the Cathedral de Notre-Dame in Paris. This is a fire of immense physical and emotional proportions, one that strikes at the heart of millions of people around the world. We support our Paris Fire Brigade brothers and sisters and thank them for their service.

Methuen Fire Department Web Page and Press Releases

The Methuen Fire Department Web Page features links, safety tips and news you can use. CLICK HERE to access the Methuen Fire Department web page and please feel free to contact us. In addition to contact information, links to fire-related agencies, safety tips, and department information, our web page also features a News and Notices section with updated press releases and news items for local and regional media as well as citizens and visitors. It is a great way to access MFD News and keep up with happenings and events. CLICK HERE to access Methuen Fire Department News and Press Releases.

Contact Us to Receive the MFD “Called to Duty” Newsletter

THE MISSION of the Methuen Fire Department is to protect the lives and property of the inhabitants of the City of Methuen and all those who work, visit, or pass through it. The Department provides protection from the adverse effects of fire, medical emergencies and dangerous conditions in a professional and timely manner. Our dedicated members work to ensure the safety of the community and maintain a citywide presence to effectively respond to all emergencies and non-emergencies. THIS NEWSLETTER is a way to keep the public informed of Methuen Fire Department news and happenings. If you have any questions or would like to be added to our Email List to receive the newsletter, call John Molori at 978-208-5112 or email [email protected]. Please include your name and email address. Thank You!