Fall River EMA Special Services Chief commends trained volunteers for work at Gabriel House fire scene, setting up on scene morgue

Fall River Special Services Chief Richard Aguiar has issued a message after reflecting on the tragedy that took place on Sunday night.

“After a long week, I had some time to digest what took place Sunday night and the week.

“You know sometimes I cannot fathom the dedication of my volunteer members of Special Services / EMA. The members gave it their all at the fire Sunday night. What a tragedy that fire was.

“Rehab was set up along with an EMA Command Center in the rear parking lot of Gabriel House. Two more Rehab stations were set up one in the front of the building and the other in the St. Anne’s Credit Union parking lot. The most difficult job that night for my members was setting up the morgue for the deceased. Setting up Rehab comes natural for my members. Without hesitation they took on that unfortunate task when I asked them to do it.

“The other amazing job they did was assisting PD, EMS putting the displaced residents on the bus to take them to the Timeo Center. The evacuation plan we had in place worked.

“I always say we must have plans in place for an emergency such as this one. I have plans in place for 100 facilities such as nursing homes, daycare centers public housing and the list goes on. Once again thank you my dedicated members for all you do for the city and our public safety officials.

“Your very proud Chief.”

“Although the circumstances are unfortunate, this is a prime example of how long-term planning and yearly revision of large-scale evacuation plans for high-risk areas of the city are a necessity. We will continue to assess these plans in place and use the Gabriel House tragedy to make life saving improvements to these already thorough plans.

“We would also like to commend all City Emergency Services and Mutual Aid Partners; Police Officers, EMT’s, Paramedics, Firefighters, and Emergency Dispatchers who selflessly responded to and coordinated this incident with the utmost professionalism.

“The Fall River Emergency Management Agency, Special Service Unit would like to extend our greatest sympathies to all affected by the Gabriel House fire.”