New Firefighters, Promotions, Awards in Orleans

Orleans swore in seven new firefighters, made two promotions, and celebrated multiple service awards in April 29 ceremony.

What happened at the ceremony?

At the April 29 ceremony at Orleans Town Hall, the town's fire department swore in seven new firefighters in front of full-capacity crowd. It also promoted two existing fire department members to  Captain and a Lieutenant and celebrated multiple service awards.

Why does Orleans have new firefighters?

Orleans Town Meeting in October 2023 voted to approve eight new hires within the fire department. Five of the new firefighters sworn in at the ceremony represent the first wave of those eight new positions. Under current staffing the department does not have enough people to ensure a response vehicle is available at all times; if people are out on a call as often happens, there are no backups in position. The new staffing changes the dynamics and ensures two ambulances or an ambulance and a fire truck are always ready.