News Releases

Fire Boat 1 Leads Parade of Tall Ships
August 15, 2008

Fire Boat 1 Leads Parade of Tall Ships. On August 15, 2008 Portsmouth's fire boat, the Sagamore, lead in the tall ships Friendship and Roseway from the mouth of the Piscataqua River to the State Pier. Seen here is the fire boat and her crew out at Whaleback Lighthouse. Photograph courtesy of Els Overkleeft of Kittery , ME.

Event / Situation: New Aerial Platform In Service
Date: April 10, 2008

The City of Portsmouth, NH Fire Department has place in service a 2008 Ferrara Inferno 100’ Mid-Mount Aerial Platform. The new fire truck is replacing a 1996 Aerial Ladder and will respond out of the Lafayette Road Station as Tower 5.

Features worth noting:

500 HP Cummins Engine
2000 gallon per minute Hale Q-max fire pump
300 gallon water tank
Whelen L.E.D emergency warning light package
Blue L.E.D. illuminated aerial walkway
Harrison 8 KW hydraulic generator

The department is grateful for the continued support of the City Council and City Manager in upgrading the city’s emergency response vehicles. Tower 5 will surely enhance the department’s ability to safely and effectively operate during challenging rescue and fire incidents.

Company Officer Promotions - February 26, 2008

The department is proud to announce the promotions of Lieutenant Michael Hogan to Captain of A Shift and Firefighter William McQuillen to Lieutenant assigned to C Shift. Both were sworn in by Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire at the February Fire Commission Meeting.

Pictured L to R: Captain Hogan, Fire Chief LeClaire, Lieutenant McQuillen

Unit Citation Award

The following members of the Department received a Unit Citation Award at the Jan. 16, 2008, Portsmouth Fire Commission meeting for their actions regarding a water rescue on June 16, 2007:

• Captain Kenneth Smith
• Firefighter / EMT Paul Trivigno
• Firefighter / EMT-I Samuel Chouinard
• Firefighter / Paramedic Ezekiel Tappin
• Firefighter / Paramedic Michael Rivet

Their ability to effect the successful rescue of a female victim, in a strong current and in close proximity to the Sarah Long Bridge, proficiently and without hesitation only months after completion of Boat Operator training illustrates meritorious service by a company at the scene of an emergency.

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