Retired Worcester, MA Firefighter Mark Stomski has passed away. He retired in 2008, two years after he suffered a serious injury when he was struck by an apparatus door. CLICK FOR ARTICE

Montgomery County, MD Firefighter Christopher J. Higgins, 46, responded from the Burtonsville fire station to a house fire in Laurel where he was stricken. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

MAINE

Freeport Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One 100' RM quint.

MASSACHUSETTS

Bridgewater Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One pumper and a Ford F-550/Horton ambulance.

Hanover Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One custom pumper.

CONNECTICUT

East Hartford Has taken delivery of a 3rd 2024 Seagrave Capitol 1500/500 with this last one being assigned to Engine 3.

MASSACHUSETTS

Boxford Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-550 4x4/Custom Truck and Body Works 1500/300/10F for Engine 6.

Malden Fire Department has purchased a 2008 Seagrave Marauder II 100' RMA for use as a spare. It previosly served in Reading.

Reading Fire Department has taken delivery of 2024 Seagrave Marauder 100' RMA for Ladder 1.

Woburn Fire Department has acquired a 2008 Pierce Velocity PUC 1500/750/20A/40B for use as a spare engine. It will be designated Engine 8 and had previously served as Tewksbury Engine 4.

CONNECTICUT

East Hartford Fire has assigned Engine 2 a 2017 Seagrave Marauder II 1250/500/F, which previously served as Engine 1.

Greenwich Fire Department has assigned Engine 3's 2018 Pierce Arrow XT 1500/750 to Engine 1. Engine 1's 2018 Pierce was totalled after being struck by a vehicle in 2024. Engine 11's 2004 Pierce will be reassigned to Engine 3. Engine 51's 2004 Pierce has been totalled after an accident in December of 2024.

MASSACHUSETTS

Cambridge Firefighter Michael DeAmbrose has retired after 27 years of service with the department.

Reading Fire Department has promoted Jonathan Dyer and Derek Loftus to the rank of Lieutenant.

Retired Saugus, MA Fire Chief George W. Parrott, III passed away at the age of 97. CLICK FOR OBITUARY

Honolulu, HI Firefighter Jeffrey Fiala was killed when a roof collapsed during a building fire. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Orange County, CA Firefighter Kevin Skinner suffered a heart attack and passed away while working at a Laguna Niguel house fire. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Laconia Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One Typhoon 1500/500/100' RM Ladder truck. Click for PDF Drawing

MAINE

Windham Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Freightliner/Spencer 1500/2000 for Engine 25. They also took delivery of two (2) 2024 Ford E-450/Braun ambulances for Ambulance 22 and Ambulacne 23.

VERMONT

Chittenden Fire Department has placed into service a 2006 Ford F-550/KME mini pumper as Engine 1. It previously served West Rutland and was acquired in October 2024.

MAINE

Gorham Fire Department has assigned Tank 5's 2018 Ferrara Cinder 2000/1000/50F to Engine 1. The designation Tank 5 will be discontinued.

MASSACHUSETTS

Brockton Deputy Chief Edward Williams has retired after 36 years of service.

Danvers Fire Department recently made the following promotions and appointments:
Chief Brian Barry, Deputy Chief Jamie Shafner, Captain Linus Murphy, Lieutenant Stephen DeRoche, Lieutenant Mark Cecieta, Firefighter Joseph Bialecki, Firefighter Jon Szostakowski, Firefighter Tom Aldrich.

Revere Fire Chief Christopher P. Bright has retired after 38+ years of service.

LODD- Brockton, MA Acting Lieutenant Jeffrey Albanese passed away on duty after suffering a medical emergency.

LODD- Brockton, MA Captain Stephen Monteiro passed away from occupational cancer.

Avon, MA active duty Firefighter Justin Powers passed away unexpectedly on December 24th.

Boston active duty Lieutenant Joseph Hurley of Ladder 24 passed away unexpectedly on December 26th.

Bingham, ME Captain Don French passed away on December 27th after suffering a medical emergency.

Retired Boston Lieutenant James R. Wall, 82, passed away on December 29th. He was an active member of the Boston Sparks and Box 52 Assoc.

CONNECTICUT

Hazardville Fire District has placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One custom pumper.

Seymour Fire Department has placed an order with FWD Seagrave for two (2) Seagrave Marauder 2000 GPM/1000 gal pumpers.

MASSACHUSETTS

Chelsea Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for a Pierce Enforcer 1500/750 pumper.

Medway Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One custom pumper.

Nahant Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for a Ford F-550/Horton ambulance.

CONNECTICUT

Colchester Fire Department recently took delivery of a 2024 Freightliner/Pierce 1250/3000/30A for Tanker 228.

MAINE

Auburn Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Pierce Enforcer-Ascendant 2000/300/100' MM Tower for Tower 1.

Holden Fire Department recently placed into service a 1996 E-One Cyclone 1250/750 as Engine 393. The unit previously served in Raynham, MA and is a long term loaner from Greenwood EV while the department waits for their new E-One pumper to be built.

Presque Isle Fire Department recently took delivery of a 2024 Ford E-450/Demers ambulance for Medic 12.

Standish Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 International HV 613/E-One 1500/3000 tanker for Tank 3.

Yarmouth Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 E-One Cyclone 1500/750 for Engine 81.

York Beach Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-350 for Rescue 3.

MASSACHUSETTS

Dracut Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 E-One Typhoon 1500/750/30F for Engine 1.

Gardner Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Sutphen heavy rescue for Rescue 1.

Lowell Fire Department has taken delivery of three (3) out of the five 2024 Pierce Enforcer 1500/750 pumpers on order. As of December 30th, Engine 1 is currently being lettered and outfitted while Engine 3 and Engine 4 have entered service.

Plymouth Fire Department has taken delivery of two (2) 2024 E-One Typhoon 1500/1000/30F pumpers for Engine 2 and Engine 5.

Rockland Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Pierce Enforcer designated Engine 11. A 2nd pumper is in production and is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2025.

Wakefield Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Northstar UTV.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Jaffrey-Ringe Ambulance has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford E-450/Demers ambulance for Ambulance 2.

Stratham Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-550/Horton ambulance for Ambulance 2.

VERMONT

Bennington Rural Fire Department has acquired a 2014 Ford F-550 4x4/Southeast 1000/300 designated 48. It previously served in England Hill, KY.

Stamford Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2025 Freightliner/Toyne 1500/1000 for Engine 2.

MAINE

Portland Fire Department has appointed Chad Johnson as the new fire chief. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

MASSACHUSETTS

Medway Fire Department has appointed Paul Molla as a deputy chief. Paul previously served with the Franklin Fire Department prior to being selected by Medway for this position.

VERMONT

Hartford Engine 3's 2006 E-One Typhoon 1500/1500 has returned to service after being refurbished and has been renumbered as Engine 2. Engine 4's 2017 E-One has been renumbered Engine 1 and Engine 1's 2009 E-One has been renumbered as Engine 3.

US COAST GUARD

Approval has been given to begin construction on the first ship of the new Polar Security Ice Breaking Cutters. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Coast Guard accepts ownership of commercially available polar 360' icebreaker. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Retired Spencer, MA Lieutenant Raymond Dumais passed away suddenly at the age of 69.

Winchester, IN Firefighter Rick Sanders, 48, passed away after falling ill at a fire scene. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Chattanooga, TN Captain George Turley, 58, passed away after being found unresponsive in the apparatus bay gym at Chattanooga Station 16. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Red Dog Mine, AK Fire Chief Robert Chandler, 58, was found deceased in his quarters last month, the day after he fell ill while teaching a class. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

MAINE

Brunswick Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One 100' RM Tower.

MASSACHUSETTS

Walpole Fire Department hsa placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One custom pumper.

CONNECTICUT

Norwalk Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Freightliner/Gowans-Knight highway blocking attenuator truck. The unit is designed to block accident scenes in an efford to keep personnel and victims safe at vehicle accidents. The unit is the first of it's kind delivered in New England.

MAINE

Scarborough Fire Department has taken delivery of two (2) 2024 Ford F-550/Braun ambulances for Ambulance 1 and Ambulance 2.

MASSACHUSETTS

Framingham Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Pierce Enforcer 1500/750 for Engine 3.

Marlborough Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 E-One Typhoon 1500/750 for Engine 2.

Phillipston Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2023 Ford F-550/Life Line 4x4 ambulance for Ambulance 1.

Sandwich Fire Department recently placed into service a 2023 Ford F-350 4x4 250/250/10F as Forestry 1.

Truro Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-550/Braun 4x4 ambulance for Ambulance 487.

Wrentham Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Kenworth/Fouts Brothers 1500/3000 for Tanker 2.

Brookline, MA retired firefighter Richard Gillis has passed away from occupational cancer. His death falls into the parameters to be considered line of duty.

Napoleon, IN Firefighter Ralph Meyer, 72, suffered an apparent heart attack after working at a structure fire. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

MAINE

Holden Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One custom pumper.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Portsmouth Fire has placed an order with Greenwood EV for a Ford F-550/Horton ambulance.

CONNECTICUT

Muddybrook Fire in Woodstock has taken delivery of a 2024 Freightliner 114SD/Spartan ER 1500/3500 tanker.

MAINE

Monson Fire Department recently placed into service a 2006 E-One Cyclone rescue-pumper as Engine 422.

MASSACHUSETTS

Ashland Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Pierce Enforcer Ascendant 2000/300/100' MM Tower for Tower 1.

Gloucester Fire Department has taken delivery of two (2) 2024 Pierce Enforcer 1500/725/25F pumpers for Engine 1 and Engine 2.

Medway Fire Department has placed into service a 2024 Ford F-150 4x4 as Squad 1.

VERMONT

Castleton Fire Department has purchased a 2007 Sutphen 1500/300/100’ MM Tower. It perviously served with the Forest Grove Fire Department in PA.

East Montpelier Fire has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-450/Medix ambulance for Ambulance 4.

Glover Fire Department has purchased a 1998 Freightliner/Becker rescue for Rescue 1. It previously served in Andover, CT.

Hopatcong, NJ Captain Henry Sardina III, 46, died of complications three days after he suffered cardiac arrest during training. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Kiski Township, PA Assistant Fire Chief Stephen Pavetti, 58, was found deceased last week at his residence after responding to multiple calls. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

MAINE

Lebanon Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for a Pierce Saber 1500/2500 pumper/tanker.

Millinocket Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for an International/Pierce 1500/1000 pumper.

Standish Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One custom pumper.

MASSACHUSETTS

Dennis Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for a Pierce Enforcer 110' Ascendant tower.

Newbury Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for a Ford F-550/Wheeled Coach ambulance.

RHODE ISLAND

Providence Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for a Pierce Enforcer 1750/750 pumper.

VERMONT

Middlebury Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for a Pierce Enforcer non-walk through heavy rescue.

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston Fire Department has taken delivery of two (2) 2024 E-One- Cyclone-Metro 100' RMA ladders for Ladder 7 and Ladder 11.

Easton Fire Department recently placed into service a 2006 Ford F-450/Dept. Built 4x4 125/250 as Brush 11. It has previously served with Easton's DPW.

Gardner Fire Department is set to take delivery of a 2024 Sutphen Monarch 1500/1000/30F for Engine 2.

Gill Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Freightliner M2 106/Pierce Responder 4x4 1250/1000 for Engine 1 and a 2024 Ford F-450/Kimtek 4X4 125/160/15F for Brush 1.

Lawrence Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 E-One Typhoon 1500/500/100’ RMA for Ladder 4.

Tewksbury Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Pierce Velocity 1500/750/20F for Engine 2.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Loudon Fire Department recently acquired a 2005 Ford F-550/Pierce light rescue that had previously served with the U.S. Air Force.

RHODE ISLAND

Warwick Fire Department has taken delivery of two (2) 2024 E-One Typhoon 1500/780 pumpers for Engine 1 and Engine 2.

NO DEPARTMENT NEWS TO REPORT

NEWS SERVICE WILL NOT RESUME STATE NEWS UNTIL 2025. SORRY.

NO ARTICLES TO REPORT

East Andover, NH former fire chief Mark Thompson has passed away.

The US Fire Administration has made the following Firefighter Fatality Notification: Pittsburgh, PA Battalion Chief John Walsh, 60.
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Battalion Chief John Walsh was in command of a house fire when he collapsed. He was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away. The cause of his death has yet to be determined.

MAINE

Otisfield Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for a Freightliner M2/E-One pumper.

MASSACHUSETTS

Brockton Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for two (2) Pierce Enforcer 1500/750 pumpers.

Holliston town meeting aprpoved funds to purchase a new ambulance for the fire department.

MAINE

Bethel Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Spartan/Deep South 1500/1100/30F for Engine 2.

MASSACHUSETTS

Westminster Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-450/Bulldog 4x4 315/200 for Forestry 1.

RHODE ISLAND

East Providence Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Spartan Gladiator/Toyne 1500/600/200B for Engine 4 and a 2024 Spartan MetroStar/Toyne 1500/500/30F for Engine 5. East Providence also recently purchased a 2003 Spartan/Hackney Walk-Around for HazMat 1. The unit previously served in Grand Island, NY.

Little Compton Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 HME Ahrens Fox AWD 1500/1500/30F.

VERMONT

Chester Ambulance has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F550/PL Custom ambulance for Ambulance 1.

Vershire Fire Department recently acquired a 2007 Ford F-550/Valley 150/350 light rescue. It has previously served in Croydon, NH.

CONNECTICUT

New Milford approves $5M plan to expand fire company’s Lanesville substation. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

MAINE

Boothbay firefighters get new turnout gear. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Edgecomb approves new fire department ordinance. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

MASSACHUSETTS

Dighton gets new vehicle for off-road rescues, brush fires. CLICK FOR ARTICLE"

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Canaan Former fire chief is named interim head of Canaan Fire Department. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Center Conway Fire Department marks 75th anniversary. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Keene interim fire chief appointed as permanent chief. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

RHODE ISLAND

Cumberland Firefighters will debut new fire safety house. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

East Providence Fire Department awarded $3.75 million SAFER grant. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

East Providence Fire Department becomes first in the state to buy PFAS-free gear. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Scituate acquiring infrared drone for search and rescue. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Smithfield grants will fund communication upgrades. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

VERMONT

Brattleboro Fire Department reports 'seamless' transition to full-service EMS. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Hinesburg appoints new fire chief. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

NEWS SERVICE WILL NOT RESUME STATE NEWS UNTIL 2025. SORRY.

MAINE

Oxford County first responders express concern over dispatch delays. CLICK FOR ARTICLE"

MASSACHUSETTS

Amid volunteer shortages for fire and EMT services, Stockbridge, West Stockbridge and Richmond start talks about paying for 24/7 coverage. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Governor signs bill for firefighter cancer screenings. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Exeter Hospital to eliminate specialized service for firefighters. CLICK FOR ARTICLE.

Mount Cardigan fire tower reopens. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Houston, TX Firefighter Marcelo Garcia, 42, was killed when a wall collapsed during a building fire. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

MASSACHUSETTS

Cambridge Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for two (2) Pierce Enforcer 1500/500 pumpers.

Centerville-Osterville-Marston Mills Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for a Pierce Enforcer 2000 GPM 107' Ascendant rear mount ladder truck.

Pelham Fire Department has placed an order with Helie Fire Apparatus for a tanker built on a 2025 Freightliner chassis. It will feature a 1250 GPM tank and 3400 gallon water tank. Delivery is expected in fall of 2025.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Concord Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for a Pierce Enforcer 1500/1000 pumper.

RHODE ISLAND

Hope Jackson Fire in Scituate has on order a Life Line ambulance with delivery expected in early 2025.

North Scituate Jackson Fire in Scituate has on order a Life Line ambulance with delivery expected in early 2025.

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-350/ETR Flex 4x4 light rescue for the Hazardous Materials Team.

Concord Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-550/Horton 4x4 ambulance for Ambulance 3.

Lexington Fire Department recently took delivery of a 2024 ASAP Medstat UTV 4x4 Ambulance for Squad 5.

Mendon Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Spartan/Toyne 1500/1250/25F for Engine 44.

Pembroke Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 E-One Typhoon 1750/750 for Engine 1.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Weare Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-250/Duramag for Utility 1.

RHODE ISLAND

Portsmouth Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 KME Severe Service 1500/750/30F for Engine 1.

Western Coventry Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2023 Dodge Ram 5500/Wheeled Coach 4x4 ambulance for Rescue 8.

VERMONT

Bolton Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Freightliner M2-112/Midwest Fire 750/2000 for Tanker 1.

Newport EMS has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-350 4x4/Crestline ambulance for Newport 12.

Pittsfield Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-550/E-One quick attack pumper for Rescue 1.

MASSACHUSETTS

Palmer Ambulance ceased operations effective October 31st. Ambulance service is now currently being provided by Palmer Fire Department.

SORRY, THE NEWS OUTLET I GET THE FIRE/INCIDENT ARTICLES IS STILL DOWN DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES

NO ARTICLES THIS WEEK

Active Lowell, MA Firefighter Nathan Michael Martinez, 38, passed away suddenly on November 3rd.

The US Fire Administration has made the following Line of Duty Death Notification: Barstow, CA Captain Garret Miller, 44.
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Fire Captain Garret Miller was on duty at Fire Station 366 when he suffered a medical emergency. He was immediately transported to the hospital where he remained for two weeks until his passing from a cardiovascular event.

MASSACHUSETTS

Amherst Fire Department has placed an order with Greenwood EV for an E-One Typhoone e-MAX pumper.

Ashland Fire's new 2024 Pierce Ascendent mid-mount 100’ tower has been completed at the factory. Delivery to the department is expected in early December.

Centerville-Osterville-Marston Mills Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for two (2) Pierce Enforcer 2000/750 pumpers.

Sharon Fire Department has placed an order with Allegiance for a Pierce Enforcer 1500/750 pumper.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Lebanon Fire Department currently has on order an E-One Typhoon 100' RMA ladder truck.

MASSACHUSETTS

Becket Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Spartan/4 Guys 2000/1800/20F for Engine 7.

Lowell Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 E-One Cyclone 100' RMA for Ladder 2.

Paxton Fire has acquired a 1984 Chevy 95/200 brush truck for Forestry 2. It previously served in Spencer.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Allenstown Fire Department has acquired a 2006 Pierce Dash 2000/300/100’ Tower for Tower 1. It previously served in Iowa City, IA.

Colebrook Fire Department has placed into service a 2024 Chevy 2500/Knapheide as Utility 1.

Pelham Fire Department recently placed into service a 2023 Ford F-550/Weis 450 Gallon as Forestry 1.

RHODE ISLAND

Manville Fire in Lincoln recently took delivery of a 2023 Spartan/Toyne 1500/1000/25F for Engine 1. The current Engine 1 will be reassigned as Engine 10.

NO DEPT NEWS THIS WEEK

SORRY, THE NEWS OUTLET I GET THE FIRE/INCIDENT ARTICLES IS STILL DOWN DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES

NO ARTICLES THIS WEEK

Eagle Hose and Hook and Ladder Co. 6, CT Firefigher Robert Branch passed away.

Former Damariscotta, ME Fire Chief James Hall passed away on October 14th. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Danville, PA Fire Police Officer Robert Myers, 95, passed away after being found unresponsive in his vehicle at the community trunk or treat. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

Barstow, CA Captain Garret Miller passed away after suffering a medical emergency while on duty. CLICK FOR ARTICLE

MAINE

St. George Fire Department has placed an order with Lakes Region for a 2025 International, HV607 SBA/Alexis 1500/3000 tanker.

MASSACHUSETTS

Acton Fire Department has placed an order with Seagrave for a 100' RM ladder truck.

MAINE

Portland Fire Department is set to take delivery of a 2024 Pierce Enforcer 1500/750/25F for Engine 9 and a 2024 Pierce Enforcer 100' MM Tower for Ladder 6.

MASSACHUSETTS

Chicopee Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford E-450/PL Custom ambulance for Med 6.

Paxton Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 KME Severe Service 1500/2000 for Engine 3.

Somerville Fire Department has placed into service a 2013 Parker 2100 with a fire pump, remote controlled turret, and GPS anchor system for Marine 1.

Westborough Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Ford F-550/Life Line 4x4 ambulance for Medic 3.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Chester Fire Department has taken delivery of a 2024 Spartan/E-One 1500/1000 for Engine 2.

New Ipswich Fire has placed into service a 2007 Ford F-550 250/300 brush truck as Brush 1. The truck had previously been with the New Ipswich Department of Public Works.

NO DEPT NEWS THIS WEEK

THE NEWS OUTLET I GET THE FIRE/INCIDENT ARTICLES IS STILL DOWN DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES

U.S. COAST GUARD

The U.S. Coast Guard has commissioned the newest 154' Fast Response Cutter that will be home ported in Astoria, OR.
Article courtesy of USCG Media Relations: The Coast Guard commissioned its 57th Fast Response Cutter during a ceremony held at Coast Guard Base Seattle, Thursday. Coast Guard Cutter Florence Finch (WPC-1157) is the second of three planned Fast Response Cutter’s (FRC) to be homeported in Astoria. The ceremony was presided by Coast Guard Rear. Adm. Charles Fosse, 13th District Commander. Members of the Finch family were also in attendance, including the cutter’s sponsor and Mrs. Finch’s daughter, Mrs. Betty Murphy.

The cutters namesake, Florence Ebersole Smith Finch, was a Filipino-American and a member of the World War II resistance against the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. During the war, she assisted the movement by diverting fuel destined for enemy use, falsifying documents for resistance members to obtain supplies, and using her position to facilitate acts of sabotage. In 1944, she was discovered and arrested, tortured, tried, and sentenced to three years of imprisonment. She remained in captivity until early 1945, when American forces liberated the Philippines. Finch moved back to America following the war and joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. Finch was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1947 and was also awarded the Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Ribbon, the first woman to be so decorated.

During the ceremony, Florence Finch was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, which was presented to Finch’s family by retired Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP). The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award given by the United States Congress. "Florence Finch is a true Coast Guard and Filipino hero, and we couldn't be prouder to honor her legacy," said Coast Guard Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, Pacific Area Commander. "The cutter is now the only currently active ship in the United States military named after a Filipino-American."

The crew of the Florence Finch will primarily operate in the Pacific Ocean, Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Columbia River. The Sentinel-class FRC is designed for multiple missions, including search and rescue; fishery patrols; drug and migrant interdiction; ports, waterways and coastal security; and national defense. The Coast Guard has ordered a total of 67 FRCs to replace the 1980s-era Island-class 110-foot patrol boats. The FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment; over-the-horizon cutter boat deployment to reach vessels of interest; and improved habitability and seakeeping.