ATTLEBORO — The Attleboro Fire Department is marking a significant milestone with the addition of eight new firefighter-paramedic positions, the department’s largest staffing increase in more than a decade. Unlike previous personnel changes, these new positions do not replace retirements; they represent a deliberate expansion aimed at meeting the demands of a rapidly growing call volume and reducing emergency response times citywide.
Over the past ten years, Attleboro has experienced a 78 percent increase in emergency calls, while staffing levels have remained unchanged. This imbalance has placed increasing strain on personnel and has affected the department’s ability to maintain consistent coverage in multiple districts.
“This is a transformational moment for our department,” Fire Chief Scott Lachance said. “For years we’ve seen the call volume rise dramatically, but our staffing stayed flat. These new positions allow us to finally keep pace with the needs of our community, reduce response times, and ensure our firefighters can do their jobs safely and effectively.”
Key Changes to Operations
One of the most significant operational updates involves Rescue 4 (R4) and Engine 4 (E4). Currently, the two units are cross-manned, meaning they share one crew. When Rescue 4 responds to a medical call, Engine 4 is simultaneously taken out of service, leaving the district without dedicated fire protection and vice versa.
Under the new staffing model:
- Rescue 4 will become a fully staffed, full-time rescue assigned to Headquarters, serving as the second rescue out of the busiest district.
- Engine 4 will remain an ALS-certified engine, capable of initiating advanced life support treatment until a transporting rescue arrives. Engine 4 is equipped with all the same tools and medications as an ambulance.
- The change guarantees a supervisor and two firefighters, with a minimum of one certified as a paramedic, will always be available in the Briggs Corner district, strengthening fire protection and medical first response.
- Positioning R4 at HQ will dramatically reduce response times. Today, approximately 65% of the city’s calls originate in the Headquarters district, leading to frequent redeployment of rescues from other districts and leaving coverage gaps.
- With R4 stationed at HQ, Rescue 2 will be available more consistently to handle emergencies in its own district rather than being pulled across the city.
The department is also adding two more paramedics per shift and eliminating all cross-manned apparatus, a longstanding operational challenge.
“These updates streamline our operations and keep more units in their districts,” said Assistant Chief Dennis Perkins, who oversees operations. “We are put to the test every single day with fires, medicals, technical rescues, you name it. When multiple emergencies stack up, response times can make the difference between life and death. This expansion ensures we’re prepared for whatever comes our way.”
Commitment from City Leadership
Fire officials emphasized that these long-awaited improvements would not have been possible without the support of Mayor Cathleen DeSimone, who championed the need for expanded staffing after hearing directly from the department about rising call demands and coverage gaps.
“Mayor DeSimone recognized the challenges we face, and she didn’t hesitate to take action,” Chief Lachance said. “Her commitment to public safety and her willingness to invest in the fire department made this possible. It shows how deeply she cares about the wellbeing of this community.”
Assistant Chief Perkins added, “These positions and operational changes strengthen our ability to protect residents and help our firefighters return home safely after each shift. The Mayor understood the urgency, and the city will feel the impact of her support for years to come.”
Improving Response Times and Community Safety
National fire service standards emphasize the critical importance of rapid response, especially in cardiac arrests, structure fires, and motor vehicle crashes, where survival rates drop sharply with each passing minute. With medical calls continuing to rise in Attleboro, the expansion of fully staffed rescues is expected to significantly reduce delays.
The fire department estimates that by removing cross-manning, adding personnel, and strategically placing units at Headquarters, the city will see immediate improvements in response consistency, fewer district coverage gaps, and enhanced safety for both residents and first responders.
“This is about giving the community the emergency service it deserves,” Lachance said. “The people of Attleboro trust us to be there when they call. These changes ensure that promise is kept.”
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