The Chelsea Fire Department maintains a strong collaborative relationship with the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Section. In recent weeks, this partnership expanded when firefighters participated in specialized training with the State Police Hazardous Device unit, commonly known as the Bomb Squad.
Captain Richard Perisie, the fire department’s lead fire investigator, explained the scope of this initiative: “wp-caption-text” “We routinely train with the Mass State Police Fire Investigators,” he stated, adding that “wp-caption alignright” “We just recently started training with the Hazardous Device (Bomb Squad) units as well.”
Whenever State Police Bomb Technicians conduct operations within city limits, the Chelsea Fire Department stands ready to provide assistance. Deputy Chief John Quatieri stressed the importance of this readiness, noting that “fblikebutton_button” “Our personnel need to be prepared if a device detonates,” and emphasizing that “wp-caption alignright” “the troopers are putting themselves in an extremely dangerous environment, you just can’t downplay anything these days.”
Last week’s training session concentrated on equipping firefighters to support bomb technicians during events involving suspicious packages, improvised explosive devices, and other explosive situations. Mass State Police Trooper Dan Jones, who serves as the EMS coordinator for the State Police Bomb Squad, led the instruction. Firefighter Phil Rogers participated alongside Trooper Jones in the demonstration. The curriculum covered potential injuries resulting from device detonation and rapid techniques for removing protective gear from technicians when necessary.