Oxford Fire-EMS Press Room

Saturday, June 17, 2017

On June 16^th, 2017 at 18:49 hours Oxford Fire-EMS received a call for the report of, “Smoke in the building” at 710 Main St, New England Land Survey. Oxford Fire-EMS was operating at the scene of a motor vehicle accident at the time of the call. Auburn Fire-Rescue was assisting at the accident scene with their rescue truck. A second alarm was struck and an additional engine was requested from Auburn to the scene at 710 Main St. Oxford Car 6 along with the Auburn Rescue responded from the motor vehicle accident to the fire scene. The responding crews were now receiving updates from the dispatcher of multiple calls reporting “smoke coming from the chimney and front door, still no fire seen”. Auburn Engine 1 arrived and confirmed it was a structure fire. Oxford Car 6 arrived second’s later, assumed command, and reported active fire on the second floor of the commercial building. Command requested a working fire assignment, which would bring additional resources to the scene. Command confirming the building is evacuated at this time. Auburn Car 2, Chief Johnson arrived and was placed in the role of operations. The fire progressed to three alarms which included mutual aid to the scene and station coverage. The additional mutual aid towns/entities included Leicester, Charlton, Dudley, Webster, Webster EMS, Millbury, Southbridge, Douglas, Sutton, Northbridge, Worcester Box 4, and Upton Fire. The Fire Marshal was on scene also providing assistance. The investigation is being performed by Trooper Fleming of the Fire Marshal's Office Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit in cooperation with Oxford Fire-EMS. The Cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. Given the extensive damage to the building and its multiple commercial tenants/contents, the dollar loss is estimated at one million dollars. The Oxford Police Department in conjunction with Oxford DPW provided traffic assistance for the incident. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported. Oxford Fire Captain Jon Belanger (Car 6) was in charge of the incident and reported all crews clear at 01:11 hours this morning.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Oxford Fire-EMS April Newsletter

Oxford Fire-EMS is hiring

Captain Jon Belanger Receives Chief Fire Officer Accreditation

For Immediate Release: May 30, 2017

Contact: Chief Sheri R. Bemis, 508-987-6012

Captain Jon Belanger Receives Accreditation Through the

Massachusetts Fire Services Commission

The Massachusetts Fire Service Commission granted accreditation to Captain Jon Belanger of the Oxford Fire-EMS Department on May 24, 201 7who has demonstrated the required fire service experience, education, and certifications for accreditation.

This accreditation is granted through the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission, a gubernatorial appointed board that has established a process for uniform credentialing for the level of fire chief. Palmer Fire Chief Alan Roy, who serves as chair of the commission says, “The program establishes requirements based on education, training, and experience in areas relevant to serving as fire chief. It establishes benchmarks for training in fire and emergency service management so that chiefs may be better prepared to serve their department and their community.” The applicant’s documentation is reviewed by a subcommittee of the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission to determine if the individual has attained a minimum level of credits for education, training, and experience.

State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said, “This program allows chief officers to document their efforts to develop and maintain the skills to be an effective leader and manager in today’s fire service. The process provides an equal opportunity for the volunteer, call, or full-time fire service leader to meet the minimum criteria for achieving fire chief accreditation.”

Captain Jon Belanger said, “I am dedicated to providing the highest level of service to this community and have worked hard to continue my education and experience to bring a high level of professionalism to this position. I appreciate that this accomplishment recognizes my dedication to be the best fire service leader I can be for this community.”

Credentialed participants will be required to renew their credentials every three years. The program is open to all members of the fire service in the Commonwealth serving as chief of department. Additionally, any person holding the rank of Lieutenant or above in that department is also eligible to apply for credentialing. Participation in this program is voluntary and all eligible personnel are encouraged to participate.