Huntington Fire Department MA

09/07/2026

🚒 ONE TOWN. TWO FIRE STATIONS.

One thing that came out of the recent discussion about replacing Engine 2 is that we could probably do a better job explaining how Huntington’s fire protection is actually set up.

Huntington is a long, rural community. That’s why we operate out of two fire stations: Station 1 in Huntington Center and Station 2 in Norwich.

Both stations aren’t simply buildings where we store extra equipment. They are part of how we provide fire protection across the entire town.

Engine 2 is the frontline engine assigned to Station 2.

So what does “frontline” actually mean?

A frontline engine is intended to be one of the first pieces of apparatus to arrive, set up, and operate at a fire. It carries the pump, hose, water, equipment, and firefighters needed to begin fire attack and establish operations. Secondary apparatus then responds to support that initial operation.

This is exactly why Huntington’s apparatus are positioned the way they are.

Station 1 – Huntington Center
🚒 Engine 1 – Frontline Engine
🚒 Engine 4 – 1,500-gallon Tanker
🚑 Rescue 3 – Light Rescue
🛟 Special Response Trailer – Wildland/Search & Rescue, Rope Rescue and Water Rescue

Station 2 – Norwich
🚒 Engine 2 – Frontline Engine
🌲 Brush 6 – Brush/Wildland Unit

At Station 1, Engine 1 provides the frontline engine response, while Engine 4 is positioned as the second piece to respond and provide an additional 1,500 gallons of water to support fire operations. Rescue 3 and our Special Response Trailer provide additional capabilities for other types of emergencies.

At Station 2, Engine 2 fills the same frontline engine role for the Norwich side of town, with Brush 6 providing our wildland response capability.

That's an important distinction. Our apparatus aren't interchangeable. Each has a specific purpose within Huntington's emergency response system.

Having a frontline engine at each station isn't about having extra trucks. It's about maintaining fire protection across a long, rural community.

Engine 2 has served Huntington for nearly 30 years. The conversation about replacing it isn't about wanting something newer because it's nicer. It's about planning ahead so Huntington can continue maintaining dependable frontline apparatus at both stations.

We also heard the concerns raised during the previous Town Meeting, including concerns about cost. Those discussions matter, and we've taken them seriously.

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll share more information about our apparatus, how our two-station system works, the replacement process, and the costs involved.

Our goal is simple: give residents the information they need, answer their questions, and explain why we believe replacing Engine 2 is important to Huntington's future fire protection.

-Huntington Fire Department

Pride of the Hilltowns

09/06/2026

🚒 What does “frontline apparatus” actually mean?

You may hear us use the term frontline apparatus when talking about Engine 2. So what does that mean?

A frontline engine isn't simply another fire truck sitting in the station. It is an apparatus assigned for primary emergency response and expected to be ready when the call comes in.

Engine 2 is the frontline engine assigned to Station 2 in Norwich. Its location is part of how we provide fire protection across Huntington from our two fire stations.

When Engine 2 responds, it isn't only driving to emergencies. Fire apparatus can spend extended periods operating pumps, idling at incidents, carrying equipment and personnel, and working in all types of weather and road conditions. That's one reason mileage alone doesn't tell the whole story of an apparatus's service life.

Engine 2 has served Huntington for nearly 30 years. As we approach the September 21 Special Town Meeting, we'll continue sharing information about the truck, our two-station system, and what goes into planning for replacement of a frontline fire engine.

We want residents to have good information and understand why this matters before they're asked to make a decision.

-Huntington Fire Department

Pride of the Hilltowns

09/06/2026

🚒 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING – SEPTEMBER 21

The Town of Huntington has scheduled a Special Town Meeting for Monday, September 21 at 7:00 PM at Stanton Hall.

Article 1 will ask voters to consider $850,000 for the purchase and equipping of a new fire engine.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll continue sharing information about Engine 2, what it means to be a frontline apparatus, how our two-station response model works, and why the department believes replacement planning is important.
We encourage residents to learn about the proposal, ask questions, and most importantly, come to Town Meeting and participate in the decision.

Monday, September 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Stanton Hall, 26 Russell Road

Pride of the Hilltowns

08/13/2026

08/12/2026

It was an honor to attend the retirement celebration for District 10 Fire Warden Gil Loud, call sign 10-0, recognizing more than 40 years of dedicated service to Hampshire County and the Massachusetts fire service.

Gil has been a great leader, mentor, and friend to many throughout his career. Fire service personnel from across the region came together at C.M. Gardner State Park in Huntington for a cookout and a well-deserved sendoff.

It was a pleasure to be there and to help recognize someone who has given so much of his time and experience to the fire service and the people of Hampshire County.

Congratulations on your retirement, Gil, and thank you for more than four decades of dedicated service. 10-0, well done.

Pictured from left: Gil Loud, Keith Robbins (Acting District 10 Fire Warden), Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino, and Hampden County District 11 Fire Warden Greg Whittier.

08/06/2026

Huntington Fire Association is at Stanton Hall in the super cool air conditioning with the Cover Daddy's. Come on down!

07/19/2026

The members of the Huntington Fire Department extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and members of the Russell Fire Department on the passing of former Chief Niles LaValley.

Chief LaValley dedicated his life to the fire service, serving the communities of Russell, Westfield, and Dalton with commitment and professionalism. As our neighboring department and valued mutual aid partner, the Russell Fire Department has our full support during this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief LaValley's family and with all those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

Rest easy, Chief. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

07/17/2026

Today, members of the Huntington Fire Department participated in a hands-on vehicle rescue training hosted by Industrial Protection Services (IPS), focusing on our new Rescue 42 rescue strut system, which was purchased through the FY2026 Massachusetts Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant.

Members worked through realistic vehicle stabilization scenarios while gaining familiarity and confidence with the new equipment. We also had the opportunity to demonstrate battery-powered extrication tools, giving our firefighters valuable exposure to the latest rescue technology and discussing how it could benefit future operations.

A sincere thank you to the IPS instructors for providing an outstanding day of training and sharing their expertise with our members.

New equipment is only as effective as the training behind it. Continuing to train and evaluate new rescue techniques helps ensure we are prepared to provide the safest and most effective service to our community.

Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to invest in their skills.