Longmeadow Fire Department

05/08/2026

🚒 Firefighter Friday 🚒

This week, we’re proud to recognize Lieutenant Dennis “LT” Gardner.

LT Gardner has dedicated 23 years to EMS and has proudly served the department for the past 9 years. As the department’s ALS Coordinator, he works closely with the EMS Coordinator and command staff to help strengthen patient care, enhance training, and ensure crews are prepared to respond effectively when our community needs us most. He is also a proud member of the Massachusetts State Hazmat Team.

LT Gardner values the department’s commitment to professionalism, high standards, and community service. One of the things he appreciates most about Longmeadow is its close knit, welcoming atmosphere and small town feel, a refreshing change of pace from growing up and working in the city.

Outside of his operational role, LT Gardner is passionate about education and training. He serves as an instructor with, and has a special interest in helping first responders better understand Autism Spectrum Disorder and how to positively engage with individuals on the spectrum.

When he’s not serving the community, LT Gardner enjoys spending time with his wife Jen and their children, who keep life busy and exciting. He also enjoys reading when he can find the time, exploring hobbies outside the fire service, and proudly growing what may be one of the best mustaches around.

Thank you, LT Gardner, for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to both the department and the community! 👨‍🚒👏

05/07/2026

Traffic advisory for Friday May 8.

Converse Street between Longmeadow Street and Laurel Street will be closed from 9AM - 3PM on Friday, May 8, 2026, to allow crews to place deep structures in the middle of the road as part of the Route 5/Converse "L" Project work. Please seek alternative routes if possible. www.longmeadowma.gov/1642/Active-Construction-Projects

05/01/2026

🚒 Firefighter Friday 🚒

Today we’re proud to recognize Erik Fickett for his dedication and commitment to the fire service and our community!

Erik brings 10 years of fire service experience, including 4 years with the Longmeadow Fire Department, along with 7 years as a paramedic. His passion for the job shows in everything he does, from serving on the Truck Committee to precepting new EMS providers and continually expanding his knowledge by taking as many classes as possible.

Outside the department, Erik continues to give back as a paramedic instructor at NCTI, helping shape the next generation of EMS professionals.

When he’s not on duty, Erik enjoys spending time with his wife and son, cheering on New England sports teams, and relaxing with trips to Cape Cod.

Thank you, Erik, for your hard work, leadership, and commitment both on and off the job!

05/01/2026

We are proud to share that the Longmeadow Fire Department has been awarded state funding through the FY26 Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE programs.

This year, Longmeadow received:
🔥 $8,000 for the SAFE Program
🔥 $3,400 for the Senior SAFE Program

These grants, awarded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Department of Fire Services, support our ongoing mission to educate our community on fire prevention and life safety.

The SAFE and Senior SAFE programs allow our members to work directly with students and older adults. Two of our most vulnerable populations, providing critical education on fire safety, prevention, and emergency preparedness.

We are grateful for this continued support and remain committed to keeping the residents of Longmeadow safe through education and outreach.

04/25/2026

🔥 Firefighter Friday 🔥

This week, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Captain Mike Nothe.

With 19 years of dedicated service in fire and EMS, 14 of those with the Longmeadow Fire Department!

Captain Nothe exemplifies professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to our community. His experience and steady presence make a lasting impact both on and off emergency scenes.

When he’s not serving the town, Mike enjoys taking in the simple, meaningful moments like: a warm summer evening watching the sun set over the Town Green.

Thank you, Captain Nothe, for your continued dedication and service to Longmeadow!

04/17/2026

🔥 Firefighter Friday 🔥

This week we’re recognizing Firefighter Griffin Spear!

Griffin brings 5 years of EMS experience and 3 years in the fire service, with 2.5 years proudly serving at LFD as a FF/EMT. He values the strong brotherhood within the department and the teamwork that comes with it.

Outside of the job, Griffin enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, camping, and getting out on hikes.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the community, Griffin!

04/16/2026

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and the Longmeadow Fire Department would like to recognize the incredible professionals behind the scenes at Westcom Regional Dispatch!

Our dispatchers are the calm voices in the chaos. The first point of contact in emergencies and a critical link between the public and our crews in the field. Their dedication, professionalism, and clear communication help ensure that every call is handled quickly, efficiently, and safely.

We truly appreciate the hard work, commitment, and teamwork they bring every single day. Thank you for always having our backs and for the vital role you play in protecting our community!

04/15/2026

🏀Battle of the Badges: Fire vs Police!🏀

It's game time and your Fire Department is ready to bring the heat!🔥

Join us as we take on the Police Department in the ultimate hometown showdown. We've been training, we've got the teamwork, and we're coming for the win!🏆

📍Location: Longmeadow High School
🗓️Date: Saturday, April 25th
⏰Doors Open: 9:30 AM
🏀Tip-Off: 10:00 AM

4 quarters • 10 minutes each • nonstop action!

🎟️FREE & open to the public!

We need YOU in the stands bringing the energy and cheering us on as we show the Police Department who really runs this court!🔥🔥

Let's pack the gym, get loud, and help carry your Fire Department to victory🏆 🚒🚑

See you there, let's get that win!

04/14/2026

Please help CLOSE COMMUNITY and the Longmeadow Police and Fire Departments promote safe and healthy celebrations for prom and graduation season 🙂 Register using qr code or this link: https://forms.gle/i7DSzaXsXGVC2jNm7

04/10/2026

🚒 Firefighter Friday 🚒

This week, we’re featuring Firefighter Ben Sloan!

Ben has been serving in EMS for 7 years and in the fire service for 6 years, all with the Longmeadow Fire Department. He currently holds the roles of Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Prevention Officer, and EMS Coordinator.

What Ben enjoys most about the job is interacting with the community on a daily basis and making a positive impact.

When he’s not on duty, you can find him spending time with his family and son, checking out local breweries, and exploring all that New England has to offer.

Thank you for your dedication and service, Ben!

04/09/2026

🚨🔥 FIRE SAFETY ALERT – EXTREMELY DRY CONDITIONS 🔥🚨
Recent weather conditions have left vegetation across our area extremely dry, significantly increasing the risk of brush and wildfires. Even a small spark can quickly spread rapidly and become dangerous.

Per Town bylaw 157-1: open burning is prohibited.

PROPER DISPOSAL OF SMOKING MATERIALS
Improperly discarded ci******es and ci**rs are a leading cause of roadside fires. Please help keep our community safe
• Never throw ci******es or ci**rs out of a vehicle
• Fully extinguish smoking materials in a proper container
• Use deep, sturdy ashtrays and ensure butts are completely out

🔥 ADDITIONAL FIRE SAFETY TIPS
• Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass (hot exhaust systems can ignite it)
• Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks
• Use caution with grills and outdoor equipment
• Keep a hose or extinguisher nearby when using outdoor cooking equipment
• Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 911

Our crews are ready, but prevention starts with the community. Let’s work together to protect our homes, neighborhoods, and natural resources.