Townsend Fire-EMS boasts a rich history of dedicated service to the community. Currently, ten full time members, several per~diem members and over thirty on-call members protect the area. Established in 1875, the Townsend Fire Department originated with three companies: Squannacook Hook and Ladder (Center), Eclipse (West Townsend), and Harbor Hose (Townsend Harbor). These three companies still operate from three stations, housing a fleet that includes three engines, a ladder, a tanker, two forestry units, a rescue vehicle, and two paramedic-level transporting ambulances as well as Medic-1, the Commonwealth’s first municipally-operated, paramedic-level, nontransporting ambulance operate out of the center station. Ambulance services are consistently staffed at the paramedic level, providing 24/7 coverage. The department carries up to date equipment as well as progressive protocols including two Type-I Ambulances, Zoll X-Series Monitors, Portable Ultrasound, ZollZ-Vent Transport Ventilators, Sapphire IV Pumps, Stryker Power Load Stretchers and several optional medications in accordance with the Massachusetts State Wide Treatment Protocols.
In 1980, Townsend Municipal Ambulance Service was founded, moving emergency medical services into its own town department, separating its operation from the Townsend Police Department. The service grew and matured into a two-ambulance BLS service until the late 1990s, when it received its paramedic-level license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services. In 2000, TMAS launched “Medic-1,” the first municipally-operated, paramedic-level, non-transporting ambulance in the Commonwealth. At Medic-1’s height, it served six area towns as the sole paramedic-level response vehicle in the area.
In 2005, the Townsend Fire Department merged with the Townsend Municipal Ambulance Service to form Townsend Fire-EMS. Today, the department operates three separate buildings housing three engines, a ladder, a tanker, two forestry units, utility vehicles, two lighting plants and three paramedic-level ambulances. Our primary ambulance is staffed with two crew members at the paramedic level 24 hours a day, seven days a week.