Marblehead Fire Department

09/11/2026

25 Years. We Remember. We Honor. We Never Forget.

Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, our nation experienced an unimaginable tragedy that forever changed our country and the fire service.

Today, the Marblehead Fire Department remembers and honors the 343 firefighters and 60 police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to the attacks on our nation. We also remember the thousands of civilians who lost their lives that day.

We honor the first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away. Their courage, sacrifice, and selflessness continue to inspire generations of firefighters and first responders.

We also remember the members of the fire service, law enforcement, EMS, and others who have lost their lives in the years since September 11th as a result of illnesses and conditions connected to their service at Ground Zero and the surrounding areas.

We remember those we lost on September 11th.
We remember those we have lost since.
We honor those who continue to carry the burden.
And we will never forget.

09/10/2026

08/31/2026

BARN FIRE ON PLEASANT STREET

At approximately 3:26 PM, Marblehead Fire and Police Dispatch began receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a barn fire in the area of 72 Pleasant Street.

Chief Gilliland was the first to arrive on scene and reported a 40' x 40', two-and-a-half-story barn with a walk-out basement, with fire showing from the first floor. Chief Gilliland ordered a Working Fire, bringing mutual aid companies to Marblehead to provide additional coverage for the Town.

Marblehead Engines 1 and 2 and Ladder 1 arrived on scene and stretched a handline to the front entrance of the barn. Once the barn doors were opened, crews quickly located and extinguished the fire.

The fire was contained to the first floor. Firefighters conducted extensive overhaul of the affected area and checked for any fire extension to the remainder of the structure.

The incident remains under investigation by the Marblehead Fire Department, Marblehead Police Department, and Massachusetts State Troopers assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Marblehead Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies and organizations for their assistance:
• City of Lynn Fire Department and Salem Fire Department & Emergency Management for providing mutual aid coverage to the Town of Marblehead.
• REHAB FIVE for providing water and Gatorade to firefighters operating at the scene.
• Beauport Ambulance Service, Inc. for providing medical coverage on scene.
• Marblehead Police Department for providing traffic control and assisting with scene safety.
• Marblehead Municipal Light Department and Inspectional Services for responding to the scene and assisting with the incident.

The Marblehead Fire Department would also like to thank the residents and motorists in the area for their cooperation while emergency crews operated at the scene.

08/22/2026

Engine 2 operating in Salem at their second alarm fire last week.

08/07/2026

Boating Accident Response – August 6, 2026

Just after 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, the Marblehead Fire Department was dispatched to State Street Landing for the report of a boating accident involving multiple injured occupants.

Upon arrival at State Street Landing, the Marblehead, Salem, and Beverly Harbormasters were already on scene. Two occupants had been rescued by the Harbormasters and transported to State Street Landing, where they were transferred to awaiting Beauport Ambulance crews for evaluation and transport.

Marblehead Fire Department personnel then boarded a Marblehead Harbormaster vessel and responded to the accident scene. Crews located a vessel that had come completely out of the water and was resting atop Grays Rock

Beverly Harbormaster’s secured an additional patient and transported the patient to State Street Landing to be transferred to Beauport Ambulance.

Marblehead firefighters and the Salem Harbormaster entered the water to find additional injured victims outside the vessel on Grays Rock. Firefighters, assisted by the Salem Harbormaster, safely secured the patient and transferred them to a Marblehead Harbormaster boat. Emergency medical care was initiated while en route back to State Street Landing, where the patient was transferred to Beauport Ambulance.

The Salem Harbormaster transported two additional occupants with minor injuries to State Street Landing after confirming that all individuals involved in the incident had been accounted for.

Marblehead Police officers assisted Beauport Ambulance personnel with patient packaging and the movement of patients from the dock to awaiting ambulances.

In total, six patients were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to serious.
The Marblehead Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to all of the agencies whose coordinated response ensured a rapid and effective rescue operation.

We thank the Marblehead Harbormaster, Salem Harbormaster's Office, Beverly Harbormaster, U.S. Coast Guard, Marblehead Police Department, Beauport Ambulance Service, Inc., and the Marblehead Fire and Police 911 Dispatchers for their outstanding teamwork and professionalism throughout this incident.

08/04/2026

Today, the Marblehead Fire Department recognizes the retirement of Lieutenant Douglas Knowles after nearly 28 years of dedicated service to the Town of Marblehead and the citizens we are honored to serve.

Doug began his career with the Marblehead Fire Department on November 1, 1998, after proudly serving his country in the United States Army, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. The values of integrity, discipline, and selfless service he developed in the military became the hallmark of his fire service career.

Throughout his nearly three decades with our department, Doug served with unwavering professionalism, humility, and dedication.

As Department Mechanic, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our apparatus and equipment were always ready to answer the call—an often unseen but invaluable contribution to the safety of our firefighters and our community.

Doug also served as an Acting Lieutenant, President of Marblehead Firefighters Local 2043, and as a member of the Marblehead Retirement Board. In every role, he led with integrity, earned the respect of his fellow firefighters, and consistently put the needs of others before his own. His commitment to improving our department and serving both active and retired members has left a lasting impact.

Doug was also the first member of the Marblehead Fire Department to receive the Town's Employee of the Month Award—an honor that reflected the professionalism and work ethic he demonstrated every day.

Before he was hired in 1998, Doug wrote that a firefighter should be a positive role model, remain physically fit, possess the knowledge to complete any assignment, work as a team player, and never allow stressful situations to interfere with the job. Those weren't just words—they became the principles that guided his entire career.

There is a saying in the fire service: "A firefighter's firefighter." It is one of the highest compliments that can be given, and it perfectly describes Doug Knowles. His character, dependability, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to this profession have made him an example for generations of Marblehead firefighters.

On behalf of the members of the Marblehead Fire Department, we extend our deepest gratitude to Lieutenant Douglas Knowles for his nearly 28 years of faithful service. Thank you for your dedication, your leadership, and your countless contributions to our department and the community we proudly serve.

Please join us in congratulating Doug on his well-earned retirement and wishing him and his family all the best in this next chapter.

Congratulations, Doug. It has been an honor to serve beside you!

07/18/2026

The Marblehead Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing 53-year-old man

BARTOSZ 'BART' MODRZYNSKI, age 53, was last seen on Friday, July 17, at approximately 6:30 p.m., leaving his residence on a bicycle. He was reportedly on his way to the gym.

MODRZYNSKI is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray/blue t-shirt, gray shorts, blue shoes and a helmet.

MODRZYNSKI is considered Missing/Endangered, and there is concern for his well-being

The Marblehead Police Department has conducted searches in the surrounding areas and is now seeking public assistance in locating MODRZYNSKI.

Anyone who has information on MODRZYNSKI's location is asked to contact the Marblehead Police Department at 781-631-1212.

07/14/2026

After more than three decades of dedicated service, the Marblehead Fire Department proudly announces the retirement of Firefighter Arthur "Jack" Boardway, effective July 6, 2026.

Jack began his career with the Marblehead Fire Department on September 17, 1995, and graduated from Massachusetts Fire Academy Recruit Class 117 on November 22, 1996. Over the past 31 years, he has served the residents of Marblehead with professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication.

Throughout his distinguished career, Jack not only excelled as a firefighter but also served as a Provisional Lieutenant on three separate occasions, demonstrating exceptional leadership, knowledge, and commitment to the department. His steady presence, experience, and willingness to serve have left a lasting impact on both his fellow firefighters and the community.

On behalf of the members of the Marblehead Fire Department, we extend our sincere gratitude to Jack for his remarkable career and countless contributions to our town.

Please join us in congratulating him on a well-earned retirement and wishing Jack and his family many years of good health, happiness, and new adventures.

Congratulations, Jack, and thank you for 31 years of exceptional service to the Town of Marblehead. Your dedication and legacy will not be forgotten.