For Immediate Release

Friday, Aug. 23, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-9003
Email: [email protected]

Maynard Fire Department Uses Vacant Building to Conduct Training Exercises

Building Owner Allowed Use for Training Prior to Demolition

MAYNARD — Chief Anthony Stowers is pleased to share that the Maynard Fire Department has spent the last week conducting training exercises using a building scheduled to be torn down.

The building, located at 42 Summer St., will be demolished to make way for residential housing. Prior to the demolition, Maynard firefighters were given the opportunity to train in the building, by the property owner, in order to simulate realistic emergency scenarios.

“This is the first time in three years we have been able to scale up our training scenarios to include a real building,” Group 2 Captain and Training Officer Michael Parr said. “Training with a real structure teaches our firefighters how to best complete a task and adapt to the unexpected, as they often need to in a real emergency situation. When some of those tasks involve saving lives, it makes this realistic training opportunity invaluable to our firefighters.”

Maynard firefighters used the building to conduct training in search and rescue, rapid intervention team techniques, roof ventilation, ground and aerial ladder placement and overhaul.

“Having the ability to create an atmosphere as close to a real emergency scenario as possible is an amazing gift to our firefighters,” Group 3 Captain Angela Lawless said. “It improves their skills and gives them realistic experience which, in turn, enhances the service we provide to the community.”

The building is owned and was donated by local developer James MacDonald of MacDonald Development Incorporated.

“It is difficult to obtain structures to give our firefighters realistic training, so we certainly appreciate the generosity of the MacDonald family in allowing us to use this building,” said Fire Chief Anthony Stowers.

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