Southbridge Fire Group 1

07/04/2026

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 The members of SFD Group 1 wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July weekend! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Happy 4th to everyone! 🇺🇸

01/22/2026

It's not goodbye, it's "we'll see you at shift change." Today, Group 1 said goodbye to FF Mitch Robbins ( #26) on his last shift with the members of the group as he has been transferred to Group 4 to fill a vacancy. Currently there are multiple vacancies across the groups due to members leaving for better opportunities in neighboring departments. All 4 working groups are currently below their full complement of 7 firefighters per group, thus increasing the strains and demands placed on each group and their members.

12/15/2025

Members of Group 1 were out at Carpenter Pond (Henry street fields) conducting ice rescue training, gaining valuable hands-on experience using specialized ice rescue equipment. This type of training is critical to ensuring our members are prepared to respond quickly and safely during cold-weather emergencies.
This training was made possible thanks to the support of off duty members of Group 2, who covered daily operations while Group 1 trained. A special thank you to the Chief for coordinating and supporting this effort—your leadership allows us to train safely while maintaining coverage for our community.

Important Reminder to the Public:
The ice on Carpenter Pond is NOT SAFE. The training area has been clearly coned off, and we ask everyone to stay clear of the site and off the ice entirely.
Thank you to all members involved for their dedication and teamwork, and please stay safe!

08/14/2025

This afternoon members of Group 1 worked with FFOP Robbins on being cleared as a motor pump operator on Engine 1. This included several different pump scenarios. We are proud to say FFOP Robbins is now a MPO. FFOP Deso also got several repetitions at line stretching and advancing, helping him master the basics. 

08/06/2025

Today Group 1’s senior man, FF Mathieu, took the time to go over pump operations with not only FFOP Deso, but all the members. Steve brings nearly 3 decades of experience to the department and it’s a pleasure to have him share his knowledge and experience with the members of Group 1.

08/01/2025

Today’s training involved firefighter RIT skills including mask swap, UAC, and regulator swaps. Members were also able to go over Forceable entry and metal cutting.

07/29/2025

This morning Group 1 welcomed back FFOP Deso, FFOP Deso recently graduated from the mass fire academy. Even tho he graduated training never stops. Today he received his initial training on the sterling FCX escape system, this system is carried by all members to aide them in escaping from a upper floor if they become trapped, this was also a opportunity for all members to refresh their skills.

07/25/2025

Congratulations to FFOP Deso and FFOP Harold (Group3) on graduating from the Massachusetts Career Recruit Program. This intense 10 week program is designed to transform new hires into career professional firefighters as they begin their careers in the Fire Service.

06/14/2025

In between calls and training today, members of Group 1 (who were staffed at minimum) undertook a house project to repaint the lines for Ladder 1 and Engine 1’s bays. Both trucks have literally inches of clearance when exiting or backing into the building, so this upgrade from faded white lines on an old white floor to bright, crisp (and straight!) yellow lines, will help all members avoid damaging apparatus. This project was funded by members of Group 1 themselves. You can’t put a price on saftey; and the cost of pride in your firehouse is free.

06/03/2025

Today in between emergency calls, and before and after a structure fire, members of Group 1 were able to practice self-rescue procedures utilizing our Sterling self-rescue escape system, ladder bailouts and our high point anchor system. All of these skills are crucial to ensure the best chance of survival if a member becomes trapped during a structure fire. While often operating short-staffed, a working fire can easily get the upper hand on responders, thus making training non-negotiable.