Fall River Firefighters Union stresses working sprinklers, equipment, full staffed fire department all important when saving lives

In a statement, the Fall River Firefighters Union commended everyone involved in today’s live fire demonstration highlighting the importance of automatic sprinkler systems following last year’s tragic Gabriel House fire. The side-by-side burns, with and without sprinklers, clearly demonstrated the difference these systems make in protecting lives.

“We are especially proud of our own members, Captain Joshua Hetzler and District Chief Sean Flannery, for their leadership and hard work in helping make today’s event possible. We also thank the National Fire Sprinkler Association and all of the organizations and partners who worked together to educate the public and lawmakers on this important issue.”

The Fall River Firefighters Union expressed their support of the proposed legislation requiring recalled sprinkler heads to be identified and replaced during annual inspections.

“We believe this is a necessary and meaningful change that can help prevent another tragedy like Gabriel House. While today’s demonstration focused on fire protection systems, it also served as a reminder that sprinklers alone cannot replace adequately staffed firefighters. Across Massachusetts, including here in Fall River, fire departments continue to operate below the minimum staffing recommendations outlined in NFPA 1710.”

“Today’s demonstration highlighted the importance of prevention, but prevention and response must go hand in hand,” said Union President Michael O’Regan. “We fully support this legislation, but we also urge our local and state leaders to make firefighter staffing the priority it deserves. Every community deserves enough firefighters on duty when lives are on the line. At the same time, our firefighters continue to respond in aging apparatus without a long-term replacement and capital improvement plan. Protecting our community requires investing in both the people and the equipment they depend on every day.””

The Fall River Firefighters Union continues to call on Mayor Paul Coogan to fully staff the Fall
River Fire Department with a minimum of four firefighters assigned to every engine and ladder
company, while also providing District Chief’s Aides in both command vehicles.

“These nationally recognized minimum staffing levels improve firefighter safety, operational effectiveness, and the level of service our residents receive.”