October 1 kicks off National Fire Prevention Month. We are taking this opportunity to spotlight our incredible Fire Department. Throughout the month, we will highlight the important work of the AFD, much of which happens out of the public eye.
We are starting the spotlight series with a letter from Fire Chief Jack Glynn.
Abington Fire Department Spotlight
In 2001, I remember at the beginning of the Super Bowl, instead of introducing the players individually, the announcer stated, “The New England Patriots have chosen to be introduced as one unit”. I immediately said out loud that they’ve already won the game. In that same spirit, the Abington Fire Department is only as good as the sum of all its members.
Running our Daily Operations, Fire Prevention, Emergency Medical Services, Administration, Vehicle Maintenance, Building Maintenance, Training, Shift Officers, Public Education Instructors, CPR Instructors, Electronic Emergency Response Software updating, Policy Committee members, Technical Rescue Members, Ma. State HazMat Team members, Fire Alarm Maintenance and Testing, Certified Car Seat Installers, as well as the many voluntary roles our members are a part of in the community, such as helping our Senior Citizens, bringing awareness to Breast Cancer research and Autism Awareness, helping fill the boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, etc. etc.
An annual call volume that exceeded 4,500 calls in 2024 and is on pace to exceed that by running two emergency ambulances with the same staffing per shift as we had during the 1970’s when the call volume was 1,000 per year. EVERY department member being cross trained as a paramedic, the highest level of Emergency Medical Technician.
Are you tired after reading all that? It just touches the very tip of the iceberg. With the multiple apartment projects bringing 100’s more apartments to Abington, the need and calls for service will only continue to skyrocket.
As you can see, it’s only appropriate to recognize our team as a whole. Our department members stand at the ready, 24/7 365 days per year. We will continue to give our absolute best to Abington!
Jack Glynn
Chief of Department