Salem Ma Firefighters Local 172

09/01/2026

Last night, members of Local 172 gathered with retirees, friends and family to wish the best in retirement to the department’s Senior Firefighter, Paul DeFranco after 36 and a half years of service to the City of Salem. Paul was hired April 5th, 1990 and assigned to Ladder 4 (since decommissioned) where he served for many years before moving to Headquarters for a short period of time and then finishing his career on Engine 2. Paul retires tonight after reaching his 65th birthday this month, the oldest age a member can work in civil service.

Paul was the definition of the “Senior Man” title. Whether it was a contractual issue, a question about the job, or just a problem that needed to be solved, he was the man that had a solution or knew where to find one. Paul had a significant impact on all members, whether it be a new firefighter trying to learn the job and the culture, or a new officer trying to figure out how to navigate the responsibilities of the front seat. He’s the guy you wanted on your truck, at your station, on your group, and backing you up. He rode the back step until the very last day, and worked like he always did at his last fire, a 2nd Alarm on Putnam Street a few weeks ago.

We all wish Paul the absolute best in retirement, and many years of good health and good times spent with friends, family, and his dog. The door is always open and we hope to see Paul stop by every once in a while for many years to come.

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

Strong work by Local 172 member Captain Andy Francis with his efforts to get the defibrillator program up and running in collaboration with the Chief of Department and the City Health Department. Captain Francis’ efforts are essential to the department’s abilities to function effectively on EMS runs on a day to day basis and with special projects essential to the community like this one.

Local 172 members are always committed to providing the highest level of dedication, professionalism and quality service to the residents and visitors of the City of Salem, and this project is a key effort in expanding our capabilities to do so.

SALEM — A new citywide program launched by the Salem Fire Department and the city’s Health Department will install 60 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at 60 businesses across Salem at

08/25/2026

🔥 PUTNAM ST 2ND ALARM 🔥

Last Saturday, August 15th, were dispatched to an address on Putnam Street for a reported building fire. First due Engine Company 4 reported heavy smoke visible from their station as they turned onto Boston Street. On arrival, Engine 4 reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a wood frame home and upgraded the response to a working fire. Engine 2 arrived shortly after, and Tower Ladder 2 a few minutes later, responding from their quarters downtown.

An aggressive interior attack was immediately initiated with multiple handlines, as well as searches by the Tower Ladder members. Members were able to knock down fire spreading to the adjacent exposure building, preventing significant damage. However shortly after, members were removed from the building and transitioned to an exterior attack due to compromise of the rear stairwell and extreme fire conditions on the 3rd floor. A 2nd alarm was struck, bringing additional manpower to the scene with Beverly Engine 1, Marblehead Engine 2 and Lynn Ladder 4. Upon knockdown of heavy fire conditions, companies reentered the structure completing final extinguishment and overhaul. Members operated on scene for approx 5 hours before returning to service.

We thank our mutual aid partners from Marblehead Fire Local 2043, Beverly Fire Local 1669, Lynn Firefighters Local 739, REHAB FIVE and Cataldo Ambulance Service assisting us on scene and Peabody Fire Department, Swampscott Fire Fighters Union Local 1459 and Lynn covering the City while companies operated.

This is one of numerous fire incidents that have occurred in District 4, covered by Engine 4 and Ladder 1 (when in service) this calendar year. The department has already surpassed the past two years combined in number of building fires. Our members continue to show up every day to deliver the highest quality of service to the residents and visitors of the City of Salem.

Thanks to North & South Fire Photography and other respective photo owners for capturing our members hard at work doing what they do best.

08/20/2026

Salem Fire Department (MA) Engine 4 on scene during their 2nd Alarm at 31 Putnam Street on 8/15/26.

Salem Fire Department & Emergency Management Salem Ma Firefighters Local 172 Pierce Mfg

08/16/2026

Evening 2nd Alarm Fire in Salem | August 15, 2026

Salem, MA - Early Saturday evening just before 7:00 PM, Salem Fire responded to 31 Putnam Street for a residential structure fire.

Crews arrived to smoke and fire showing, striking a 2nd Alarm as the fire worked its way through the roof.

Multiple large hose streams were deployed to extinguish the blaze and protect an adjacent residence as the fire began to spread to a neighboring residence. Companies remain on scene cleaning up hot spots and overhaul operations.

📸: North & South Fire Photography

08/10/2026

This week Local 172 Sent 6 Members to the International Association of Fire Fighters 58th biannual convention in Arlington Texas. They are there for a week and are focused on unity, advocacy, and decisions that will shape the future of the IAFF.

08/08/2026

Salem Wins!!!!!