Gardner Fire Department

09/02/2026

"Wayback Wednesday"

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to photograph our 1929 American LaFrance ladder truck. The truck was purchased by the city in 1935 and served Gardner until 1974.

Following its service to Gardner, American LaFrance purchased the truck back, completed a factory restoration, and loaned it to a museum in Charleston, South Carolina.

When American LaFrance closed, all of the restored trucks they owned were auctioned off, including Gardner's ladder truck. The truck is now privately owned.

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Smoking is the #1 cause of fire deaths in Massachusetts and the nation -- and smoking on home oxygen is especially dangerous. Fire safety educators, health care providers, caregivers, and others can download our Home Oxygen Safety brochures in English and four other languages at https://bit.ly/4bJDG8y! English, Spanish, and Portuguese can be ordered in bulk through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Health Promotion Clearinghouse at https://bit.ly/4zczicf.

08/19/2026

“Wayback Wednesday” October 20, 1965 corner of Nichols & Parker St.

08/18/2026

Our Sutphen fleet.

Combination 4, 2011 75’ aerial
Engine 3, 2019 Monarch pumper
Engine 2, 2024 Monarch pumper
Rescue 1, 2024 Monarch heavy rescue

08/13/2026

These Motorola APX 8000 portable radios were awarded through the FY24 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to enhance firefighter communications and operational effectiveness. These multi-band radios will improve firefighter safety, interoperability, and communications reliability while replacing our aging radio equipment. These new radios will be placed in service next week once training on them has been completed.

08/12/2026

Considering being a firefighter? Here’s your chance.

Ready to make a difference in your community? Apply to take the 2026 Municipal Firefighter Exam before August 31! Visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/2026-municipal-firefighter-examination for more info via Massachusetts Civil Service.

08/10/2026

Whether you're driving through a neighborhood, near a school, or approaching a crosswalk, slowing down gives you more time to react and makes crashes less severe if they occur.

The Safe System Approach recognizes that people make mistakes. Driving at safer speeds helps ensure those mistakes don't result in serious injuries or loss of life.

✅ Ease off the gas
✅ Watch for people walking, biking, and skating
✅ Give yourself extra time to arrive safely

Because everyone deserves to get home safely.

Learn more about how the project team is working to make the streets of Gardner safer by checking out the project website here: https://bit.ly/GardnerSS4A