
Raynham Fire Department Reminds Residents That Fireworks Are Illegal Statewide

by Cody Shepard
by Cody Shepard
by Cody Shepard
With the weather warming up and cookouts on the rise, June presents an opportunity for residents to remember the importance of grilling safety. The National Fire Protection Association reported that, between 2019 and 2023, gas grills were involved in an average of 9,287 home fires per year, including 4,682 structure fires, and 4,605 outdoor fires.
Based on the averages, July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August. Roughly 20% of the fires involved grills that had not been cleaned, and more than 25% of the grill structure fires started on an exterior balcony or open porch.
Grills should always be used outdoors and kept at least 10 feet away from structures. Residents should clean them after every use to prevent grease buildup. Grills should never be on balconies.
When using a propane grill, check the tank hose for leaks by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. If there is a propane leak, bubbles will be released. If the flame goes out while grilling, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least five minutes before re-lighting it.
When starting a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid. Do not use gas or other lighter fluids. Let the coals cool completely before disposing of them. Dispose of coals in a cool metal container.
For more grilling safety tips, visit the NFPA website: https://www.nfpa.org/
by Cody Shepard
May is National Water Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about boating and swimming safety. According to the American Red Cross, about 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year, which is an average of 11 deaths per day. During 2023, the American Coast Guard reported 3,844 boating accidents that resulted in 564 deaths and 2,126 injuries.
National Water Safety Month aims to educate people about the importance of safe swimming and boating through tips and resources.
The U.S. Coast Guard observes National Boating Safety Week this year from May 17-23, starting the weekend before Memorial Day, to encourage safe boating habits. Their campaign shares the importance of habits like wearing a life jacket, getting a free vessel safety check from the Coast Guard and being aware of weather conditions before leaving the shore. For more information, visit safeboatingcampaign.com
by Cody Shepard
From left, Firefighters/Paramedics Joseph Gill, Justin Bernoskevich and Thomas Kelleher were three of 15 graduates from 10 different departments in the Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program Class #BW34 on Friday, May 2. (Photo Courtesy Massachusetts Department of Fire Services)
RAYNHAM — Chief Bryan LaCivita is pleased to share that three Raynham firefighters successfully completed and graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighter Academy (MFA) on Friday, May 2.
Firefighters/Paramedics Justin Bernoskevich, Joseph Gill and Thomas Kelleher were three of 15 graduates in the Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program Class #BW34.
Firefighter/Paramedic Bernoskevich received the Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, which is presented to one recruit in each graduating career recruit training class. The award is named for the longtime chair of the Massachusetts Fire Training Council and reflects the recruit’s academic and practical skills, testing and evaluations over the course of the 10-week program.
During the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program, students received classroom training in all basic firefighter skills, practicing first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students needed to demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack, ranging from mailbox fires to multi-floor structural fires.
The graduates are now certified to the levels of Firefighter I and II, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations, by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
“I want to congratulate Firefighters/Paramedics Justin Bernoskevich, Joseph Gill and Thomas Kelleher on their recent graduation from the Massachusetts Firefighter Academy’s Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program,” Chief LaCivita said. “We’re excited to have them on board and look forward to watching them grow in their careers.”
The other 12 graduates of Class #BW34 represent the fire departments of Dennis, Eastham, Franklin, Hopedale, Marshfield, Norwood, Sandwich, Somerset and Whitman.
“Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
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The mission of this department is to serve and protect the Life and Properties of the Town of Raynham and all its inhabitants.
It is the duty of this department to oversee that all residential and commercial properties and personal life receive the highest quality level of services that we can offer for the safety of all concerned to our citizens and community.
Town of Raynham Fire Department
37 Orchard St.
Raynham, MA 02767
Business Phone: (508) 824-2713
Fax: (508) 821-3607
Always dial 911 in case of emergency.