To the editor:

The Rochester Firefighters Association wants to keep town residents safe, but we need your help!

As a Rochester resident for over 50 years and as a member of the Rochester Firefighters Association, I want to share an urgent matter that affects the safety and well-being of our entire community. Rochester residents, we need your support!

On Monday, January 27th, at 7 p.m., the Town of Rochester will hold a Special Town Meeting at the Rochester Memorial School to discuss Article #7, which seeks funding for engineering costs for a proposed new fire station. This is a critical step toward modernizing and expanding our fire and EMS facilities to meet the growing needs of our town.

Our current fire station, built in 1883, has served us for generations. However, despite multiple additions and modifications, it no longer meets the demands of modern emergency services. The existing station and its location are insufficient for the expansion needed to meet current and future demands. 

Why Do We Need a New Fire Station?

1. Outdated and Insufficient Space:

• The current station cannot accommodate modern fire apparatus due to limited garage space and the door size limits the apparatus we can purchase. Due to lack of storage, we are forced to store some equipment outdoors, leading to increased wear and tear and slower response times.
• There are no dedicated decontamination bays for cleaning gear, increasing the risk of hazardous exposure to carcinogens embedded in fire gear. As well as a lack of space for EMS supplies and essential training spaces.

Ventilation Issues:

• The ventilation system is not up to code, allowing exhaust fumes from vehicles to permeate the bays, living quarters, and sleeping areas. This creates unsafe working conditions for our staff.

Inadequate Facilities for Staff:

• The station lacks proper living and sleeping quarters to accommodate our personnel.
• It is not ADA compliant, making it inaccessible for community training and other vital uses.

A Growing Need for Advanced Services
In 2014, we transitioned from a Basic Life Support (BLS) to an Advanced Life Support (ALS) system, providing 24/7 ambulance services. Over the years our emergency call volume has increased significantly, putting additional pressure on an already outdated facility.

What’s at Stake?
Neighboring towns like Mattapoisett, Carver, and Onset have recently constructed modern fire stations with features such as larger garage bays, advanced ventilation systems, and ample storage. Rochester cannot afford to fall further behind. Funding the engineering costs for a new fire station is a vital first step toward creating a facility that meets our community’s current and future needs. Without this investment, it affects the safety of our firefighters, EMS personnel and the well-being of our entire community

Your Voice Matters
We urge all residents to attend the Special Town Meeting on January 27th to learn more about the challenges we face and the solutions we propose. For more details, visit the Rochester Fire Department Facebook page at facebook.com/RochesterFireDepartment to watch a video explaining the project. 

Together, we can build a safer and stronger future for Rochester.

Sincerely,

Daniel Ferreira
50 Year Rochester Resident

Member of the Rochester Firefighters Association