Middleborough Fire Department to Fully Staff South Station for First Time Ever

Engine 2 is in place at South Station as the Middleborough Fire Department fully staffs the station for the first time ever as of this morning. (Photo Courtesy Middleborough Fire Department)

MIDDLEBOROUGH — Chief Owen Thompson is pleased to announce that the Middleborough Fire Department has begun fully staffing its South Station for the first time ever, as of 8 a.m. this morning, Monday, April 7.

The station will be staffed with an engine company consisting of three firefighters, significantly enhancing the department’s ability to respond to emergencies in the southern part of town. This historic milestone is made possible through a $2 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant awarded last year by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that will also allow the department to utilize civilian Fire Alarm Operators for the department’s dispatch duties.

“This is a monumental step forward for the Middleborough Fire Department and the safety of our residents,” Chief Thompson said. “By having a fully staffed engine company at South Station, we will be able to improve response times and provide better fire protection and emergency services to the community.”

Chief Thompson expressed his gratitude to Town Manager Jay McGrail, the Select Board, the Finance Committee, and Grant Writer Stephanie Hall for their leadership and support in securing the SAFER Grant and making this expansion a reality.

Middleborough Fire was awarded $2,019,030 — which will be administered over three years — to hire six full-time firefighters, increasing firefighter safety and service to the community.

​The grant will cover 100% of the personnel expenses ​associated with the cost of hiring six new full-time firefighters, including the Town of Middleborough’s portion of their health insurance and pension liabilities, with no matching cost required from the Town.

“While this grant is instrumental in allowing us to staff the South Station,  the department thanks our Town leaders who have committed to funding the six positions even after grant funds are exhausted,” Chief Thompson said. “Their commitment to public safety has allowed us to take this critical step in improving fire coverage throughout Middleborough.”

Middleborough Fire previously staffed a three-member engine company and a two-member ladder company at Central Station. Beginning today, there will be a three-member engine company at both the Central and South Stations.

With the addition of full-time staffing at South Station, the Middleborough Fire Department will be better positioned to meet the growing needs of the community.

“This is a proud moment for our town,” Town Manager McGrail said. “Ensuring that South Station is fully operational with dedicated firefighters will make Middleborough a safer place to live, work, and visit.”

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