“Called to Duty” The Official Newsletter of the

Methuen Fire Department

NOVEMBER 2020 Volume 3, Issue 6

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City of Methuen Website

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Regional Links

MA Dept. of Fire Services

MEMA

National Fire Protection Assoc.

Office of Emergency Medical Services

Contact Us Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday: 7:00 am to 4:30 pm Friday - Sunday: Closed Phone: (978) 983-8940 Fax: (978) 691-5056 Emergency Numbers: 911 Address: 24 Lowell Street Methuen, MA 01844

See map: Google Maps

MFD Joins in Methuen Fall Festivities

The Methuen Fire Department joined Mayor Neil Perry’s Creative Cityscapes program helping to beautify our city while fostering

community involvement and care. The MFD decorated an island at our North Fire Station at the intersection of Howe and Hampstead Streets. Pictured above are firefighters Mike Ferris (left) and Dave Lahey with

Mayor Perry.

In addition to Cityscapes, Fire Chief Tim Sheehy jumped on board for the Mayor Perry’s Falling Into the Holidays initiative. He joined local businesses and individuals in sponsoring a Scarecrow Lamppost in

downtown Methuen. The lampposts are uniquely decorated with vibrant autumn colors. Check them out through November 28.

++ Message from the Fire Chief ++

Thanks for taking the time to read this edition of “Called to Duty.” We hope that all of you are remaining safe and healthy as the weather turns colder. Please continue to follow health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19. If we work together, we can all get through this safely. This month’s newsletter is filled with great stories about our firefighters and our community. For general business, please call us at 978-983-8940 and for all emergencies, please call 911.

Regards,

J. Tim Sheehy, Fire Chief

MFD Joins with Rocky Morrison and Clean River Project

Chief Tim Sheehy and the Methuen Fire Department are pleased to partner with Rocky Morrison and his Clean River Project. Rocky devised a creative fundraising method so that he and his crew could continue cleaning the Merrimack River. They decided to paint and decorate the bicycles that they pull out of the river. Many local restaurants and businesses have been supporting the

Clean River Project by donating money for a bike to spruce up their outside areas.

The Methuen Fire Department is proudly displaying the Halloween bike pictured above outside our Central Fire Station. If you are interested in a bike for your home or business throughout the holiday season, contact the Clean River Project at 978-857-6680. This past week, Rocky and his amazing environmental work was featured on "Returning the Favor" Mike Rowe. CLICK HERE TO

VIEW THE VIDEO

MFD Remembers 9/11 Amid COVID Pandemic

On September 11, the Methuen Fire Department observed our annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there were no invited guests to this year‘s event. On-

duty fire department personnel were the only attendees.

We definitely missed having the community share this solemn ceremony with us. Nonetheless, our unshaking dedication to remembering the events of September 11, 2001 and those whose lives were lost or forever changed will never pass. Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of

these senseless attacks, and we hope to have a full ceremony with the community at large joining us in remembrance. Until then, we join you in saying, “Never Forget.”

Happy Birthday to Deputy Chief Dan Donahue

The Methuen Fire Department recently wished a Happy Birthday to our Deputy Chief Dan Donahue. Dan is one of the most dependable and conscientious leaders on our department. By

the way, despite the cake message, Dan is not retiring; just a good-natured gag from his cohorts! Out of respect, we won't say how old Deputy Chief Donahue is, but the number is somewhere

between 54 and 56. Happy Birthday, Dan and many more!!

The Savings Bank Remembers 9/11 and Honors MFD

The men and women of the Methuen Fire Department would like to extend our sincere thanks to Julie Brady and the great staff at The Savings Bank in Methuen. These great people brought our

firefighters a delicious feast of manicotti, meatballs, salad, and dessert. The Savings Bank wanted to thank our firefighters and honor all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We appreciate everything that The Savings Bank does in our community and thank them for their

gracious generosity.

Mayor Neil Perry and MFD Honor Joe and Jody Daniels

Mayor Neil Perry was joined by Methuen Fire Department Chief Tim Sheehy and Captain Michael Fluet in meeting with Joe and Jody Daniels of Methuen. In 1997, The Daniels' son Joseph, age 13,

was killed by a hit and run driver. The City of Methuen rallied around the family and showed great love and support. The perpetrator of the crime was found, convicted, and jailed, and the Daniels family mobilized their efforts to keep the memory of JD alive. They created the Joseph

"JD" Daniels Scholarship Fund to benefit Methuen students pursuing higher education in the arts - a field that was near and dear to Joseph's heart.

The family has also donated to the Methuen High School Art Department and has run a benefit golf tournament for the past 20 years, an event that will continue into the future. Mayor Perry,

Chief Sheehy, and Captain Fluet discussed plans and ideas to remember JD and maintain his proud and philanthropic legacy in Methuen. Pictured left to right are Mayor Perry, Jody Daniels,

Joe Daniels, Chief Sheehy, and Captain Fluet.

MFD Stresses Outdoor Burning Safety as the Weather Chills

With the weather getting cooler, many Methuen residents are enjoying the warmth of outdoor items such as fire pits, chimneas, campfires, and even grilling. While these can certainly make for a great evening, it is important to follow some crucial safety guidelines to help keep you,

your family, and neighbors safe. The Methuen Fire Department encourages everyone to click on the link below for information on many forms of Open Burning as well as other topics. Please call us at 978-983-8940 with any questions and, of course, call 911 in any emergency situation. CLICK

HERE FOR SEASONAL SAFETY TIPS.

MFD Joins in 2020 Methuen Day Celebration

A wonderful time was had by all at the hybrid, drive-through version of Methuen Day. The Loop was a tremendous site for the event, and hundreds of people drove through to receive special

prizes and other treats.

Greater Lawrence Family Healthcare Center also set up a drive-through flu clinic at the event. In a year that has been clouded by COVID-19 protocols, this was a wonderful way to celebrate our

community and its people.

Mayor Neil Perry, the City Council, and a host of community volunteers were on hand to celebrate our city and thank everyone for coming out to participate.

Congratulations to the Economic Development Committee and the Methuen Day volunteers for putting together a terrific event.

Methuen Fire Department Pays Tribute to Virginia Barry

Today, Chief Tim Sheehy and members of the Methuen Fire Department lined up in respect and tribute for the funeral procession of Virginia C. “Ginny” Barry. Mrs. Barry (pictured above)

passed away on October 3, 2020 at the age of 96. A longtime resident of Methuen, Mrs. Barry is the mother of recently retired Methuen Fire Department Assistant Chief William Barry. She gave

her time to Saint Monica’s Church, the St. Claire’s League, and Bread and Roses in Lawrence. Along with Mayor Neil Perry, we stand with our retired brother William, his siblings, the Barry

family, and their many friends in honoring the memory and legacy of Virginia Barry.

MFD Offers Downed Power Line Safety Tips

Late autumn brings with it the possibility of high winds and stormy weather resulting in potential downed power lines. Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause

serious injury or even death. If you come across a low or fallen line, the Methuen Fire Department urges you to adhere to the following safety tips and please call 911 in the event of

an emergency. CLICK HERE FOR DOWNED POWER LINES SAFETY TIPS

Giving Back to Those Who Give on Emergency Nurses Week

In honor of Emergency Nurses Week, our EMS Coordinator Jeff Gerardi (pictured center) brought lunch to the talented and dedicated nursing staff in the ER at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.

The Methuen Fire Department applauds the daily efforts of these nurses, keeping patients healthy and safe. They are far too unsung heroes, especially over the past few months of COVID-

19. Thanks very much to John Vargas, owner of Bada Bing Pizza and Bada Boom Sports Lounge for the terrific subs! Mayor Neil Perry joins Fire Chief Tim Sheehy in recognizing Emergency

Nurses everywhere.

MFD Offers Life-Saving Home Safety Tips

The Department of Fire Services (DFS) provides training for firefighters, fire prevention, and education to the general public. Chief Tim Sheehy and the men and women of the Methuen Fire

Department support the fire service in the protection of life and property and promote and enhance firefighter safety. Visit the following link for some important safety tips for the usage

of Generators, Smoke Alarms, and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms. Daylight savings time began on Sunday, November 1. This is also a great time to replace the batteries in your smoke/CO alarms.

Please call the Methuen Fire Department at 978-983-8940 with any questions, 911 for emergencies. CLICK HERE FOR SAFETY TIPS

MFD Crews Respond to Working Fire at 173 Forest Street

On October 21, 2020, the Methuen Fire Department responded to a working fire call at 173 Forest Street. Engines 1 and 3, Ladder 1, and Fire Rescue arrived on scene quickly and knocked down the fire efficiently. Four people, including a toddler, were displaced from the residence

and one firefighter went to the hospital for stitches in his hand. The fire was ruled as accidental.

Methuen Fire Department Responds to 67 Ayers Village Road

The Methuen Fire Department recently responded to an emergency call at 67 Ayers Village Road in Methuen. A parked mobile camper at the residence had caught fire while idling in the

driveway. Our firefighters quickly responded to the fire and knocked it down, keeping it from spreading to other vehicles and the adjacent residence. No injuries were reported at the

incident.

CRUMBL Cookies Comes to Methuen and Brings MFD Treats

Thanks to the good people at CRUMBL Cookies for bringing us some treats at our Central Fire Station! CRUMBL had its grand opening at the Loop on Pleasant Valley Street recently and is now

open for business. They have a tremendous variety of cookies, ice cream, and beverages.

We hope you will check out this exciting and terrific new business in Methuen!

Through the Fire, Through the Years

“Through the Fire, Through the Years” looks back at Methuen Fire Department history with a memory from 33 years ago.

The average price for a new car was just over $10,000. The first “The Simpsons” cartoon was

shown on FOX’s “The Tracey Ullman Show.” Fatal Attraction was a box office hit. Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met in Washington, and the Giants topped the Broncos in Super Bowl XXI.

Through the Fire, Through the Years goes back to 1987 and a destructive fire at Methuen Grocery. The popular business was situated at the corner of Tenney, Annis, and Center Streets. On November 18, 1987, a huge fire ripped through the grocery and the accompanying tenement.

The powerful and dangerous blaze gutted the edifice completely.

MFD Remains Fervent in Fight Against COVID-19

The Methuen Fire Department remains focused on preventing the spread of COVID-19. Our firefighters are keeping our stations, vehicles, and equipment thoroughly sanitized. Chief Sheehy

and other members of the MFD are participating in regular teleconference meetings with City Hall to maintain social distancing while remaining informed.

While our stations remain closed to the public, we are fully staffed and ready to respond when needed. Call 978-983-8940 for general business and 911 in an emergency. Visit the following link

for updated Coronavirus information: https://www.cityofmethuen.net/coronavirus

Save Money and Energy with MassSave Home Assessment

Attention Methuen Residents! Now, you can take advantage of a no-cost way to save money and energy without leaving home. With a simple phone call or video chat, a Mass Save energy

specialist can help you save money and energy - and send you energy efficient products at NO COST. The City of Methuen is partnering with the nonprofit All In Energy to make this process

easy. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION or call at 857-496-5382.

Sign Up for Methuen Smart911 Alerts

Smart911 is a FREE SERVICE available to all Methuen residents and visitors. Smart911 allows YOU to sign up online and provide vital information to 911 call takers during an emergency, allowing

first responders to make fast and informed responses.

Smart911 is private and secure, and is only used for emergency responses. It is only made available to the 911 system in the event of an emergency call. CLICK HERE To sign up for

Smart911 Alerts.

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. 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 jrmolori@ci.methuen.ma.us. Please include your name and email address. Thank You!