SWAMPSCOTT — In light of the fire at the Gabriel House, a senior living facility in Fall River Sunday that saw nine casualties and 30 people injured, the Swampscott Fire Department has been visiting assisted living facilities in town as part of an outreach effort to connect with community members.
Fire Chief Graham Archer explained that the department first went to Bertram House of Swampscott on Tuesday morning, located at 565 Humphrey Street. The overall goal was to remind the community of their presence in times of uncertainty or doubt, as well as to give the firefighters a better understanding of the building in case of an emergency.
After spending time and speaking with residents at the Bertam House of Swampscott Tuesday morning, the department also made a visit to The Residence at Vinnin Square later that afternoon.
“The Fire Department has been watching the news, like everybody else, and it’s hard to ignore the tragedy in Fall River. It does make us consider how we can best prepare ourselves for a similar situation, if it transpires here,” Archer said. “At the same time, we’re aware the residents and staff in those facilities are also watching the news, and it’s not hard to imagine that it might give them some pause or cause anxiety.”
Archer continued, “Coming out of this tragedy, we thought it’d be a good time to reach out to both of the facilities in town and let them know we’re thinking about them, and it was also a chance to coordinate with them. … We decided to take the time to reassure them and that we want to prepare ourselves as best as possible to ensure their safety.”
Archer explained that, although routine inspections of such places are a regular element of the department’s responsibilities, this time the goal was to increase outreach to residents in the facilities. “It was more for familiarization,” he said. “We’re thinking of these visits as opportunities for the residents to get to know us, for us to know them, and to just hone our cooperation and be familiar with what their internal procedures are, so we can do our best to support them.”
Once two firetrucks arrived for the walkthrough at The Residence at Vinnin Square, Fire Captain Joseph Gambale toured the premises with several firefighters. Led by Josh MacQuarrie, executive director of the facility, the crew got a hands-on look at everything from the dining area to the boiler-room in order to study the layout of the building.
“In light of what happened in Fall River, we’ve decided to show more presence here,” Gambale said on touring the areas and connecting with those who live in them. “It’s just about us being here and letting people know that we’re here for them.”
MacQuarrie commented on the type of impact that the presence of the first responders can have on the residents.
“Having collaboration with the local fire department, and having them come in, is a great reassurance for folks in times like this,” he said. “The residents are happy that the fire department’s here and willing to answer any of their questions.”
