~ THE 1950's ~

First Asst. Chief Perry O'Leary assumed duties of Acting Chief. John W. Brecken was appointed Chief in March of 1950. A veteran of 22 years, the position was taken over with great pride and a firm hand. The Department now had a Chief Engineer, two assistants, three Captains, twelve permanent drivers and fifty plus call men. Each permanent firefighter, , averaged a 70 hour week. The Call Department was a part time branch; responding to fires to assist the regular men. Without their help the work load at a fire would be too much for the regular members to handle.

Pleasant Street Crew
Front Row
Val Brusso, Wallace Girard, Robert McCarthy, Unknown, Unknown, (seated) Jack O'Brien,
Mayor C. Lyons, Treas Edward Bigelow, Edgar LaBossiere and Walter Breken
Second Row
Ed Cusson and Ed Paul
In Truck
Chief John Breken and Capt. Mike Doyle
On backside of truck
Amie Gauthier

The Pleasant Street Station was now over 50 years old and showing signs of wear. Built in 1895, it needed updating from its horse and buggy days. It too, had a wooden floor that needed replacing; this was accomplished in the mid 70's during a complete renovation:

In 1951, the Department entered into new fields of accomplishment; emergency medical assistance. This was initiated by the response to three inhalator calls where people were having breathing difficulties. Very little was known about this emergency service and there was much to learn. In 1952, Mayor Gadbois assigned two Emerson Resuscitators to the Department that were donated to the City.

Another branch was added to the department in 1951. The Auxiliary, made up of young men 16 to 21 years of age were recruited for the sole purpose of helping the City with grass fires.

The fifties were the age of advanced automation. Chief Brecken knew he had to bring the Department into modern times. His job would be tough. He ordered two replacement trucks, the old ones had 25 years of service. Two way radios were needed, especially for call men who worked out of the city during the day. One way that increased response, was reduction of the 70 hour work week to 56 hours.

A 1951 Ford front mount pump and a 1951 International mid ship pump were delivered to the City. Trucks came from the Farrar Fire Co., of Woodville, Mass.

1951 Ford front pumper with  Edgar Labossiere at the helm - picture taken 1951 in front of the Central Fire House

1951 two stage pumper - picture taken 1951 at the corner of Elm and Pleasant St.'s (Mitchell School in background)

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