Western Mass Regional Technical Rescue Team

06/14/2026

Several of our members from Agawam, Amherst, Holyoke, and Pittsfield Fire Departments, wrapped up their Swift Water Technician certification held by Water Training Resources. They were challenged with real world scenarios and great water conditions.

06/11/2026

Please take a moment to support Massachusetts House Bill 2565 and Senate Bill 1742.

These bills directly affect the sustainability and long-term strength of the Western Mass Technical Rescue Team, a critical resource that helps protect lives across our region. Technical rescue teams respond to some of the most dangerous and complex emergencies, including confined space incidents, structural collapses, rope rescues, trench rescues, and other situations where specialized training and equipment are essential.

The men and women of this team are ready to respond when seconds matter, but maintaining this level of readiness takes ongoing support, training, coordination, and resources. Without these Bills, the ability to keep this vital service strong and available for the communities of Western Massachusetts is at risk.

Supporting H.2565 and S.1742 means supporting public safety, emergency preparedness, and the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. It means investing in the capability to respond effectively when ordinary response is not enough.

If you believe in protecting our communities and ensuring this life-saving team remains sustainable for the future, please contact your state legislators and ask them to support House Bill 2565 and Senate Bill 1742.

Please share this message, spread the word, and help stand behind the Western Mass Technical Rescue Team and all the technical rescue team regions across the state.

05/22/2026

The daylong exercise allowed responders to practice a number of rescue scenarios that were unlike typical fire or EMS calls.

05/22/2026

The WMTRT May drill comprised Structural Collapse and Structural Shoring techniques, where members participated in a scenario-based exercise that required them to move debris, breach reinforced concrete, and tunnel through rubble to locate and treat victims.

Additionally, members worked on internal and external shoring techniques to stabilize potentially hazardous areas.

We extend our gratitude to I.U.O.E. Local 98 for permitting us to use their property and collaborate with their team, enabling us to refine our skills.

Special thanks to Josh Shanley for the video content.

The Western Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team trained at the Local 98 Operating Engineers training facility in Southwick, Massachusetts, on May 2, 2026, wo...

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

Great event if anyone is interested, free for all members. Do not need to be associated with a team to join.

Sign up @ Matrs.org

Join us for our first meeting of the year! We are excited to have representatives from Barrett tree service to hold an Arborist Rescue Demonstration in the morning. After, we welcome our members to join us at the Melrose Knights of Columbus for lunch (Cash Bar) and time to network.

04/26/2026

Take a look here at what the team has been up to!

Last Wednesday, to prep for worst case scenarios, regional rescue team members jumped into the churning waters of the Connecticut River, training just below the Turners Falls Dam in Montague.

04/23/2026