Brockton Firefighter Receives Special Honor

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA— Brockton Firefighter Peter Reardon has been honored for his work in the community. He received the 2026 Fire & Life Safety Educator of the Year on Thursday, September 17th. Reardon was given the honor due to his contributions to community fire.

Leaders from across the state, including State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, praised Reardon’s efforts.

In a news release from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, Davine said, “ Firefighter Pete, as he’s known to residents, visits the Council on Aging every month to deliver fire safety education just about every week; he meets with a senior walking group for informal talks on staying safe at home. He’s enlisted the help of translators to ensure that every resident gets this important information – no matter where they’re from or what language they speak.”

Thanks in part to Reardon’s efforts, Massachusetts has one of the lowest fire death rates in the nation. In 2025, Massachusetts fell to a 25-year low, with injuries to residents and firefighters reaching their second-lowest levels in modern history. State Fire Marshal Davine said consistent, statewide fire and life safety education for vulnerable residents has helped with the decline.

Reardon was honored during the Department of Fire Services’ 31st annual Fire & Life Safety Education Conference.

The conference came after the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that it was donating nearly $ 2 million to the annual Student Awareness of Firefighter Education and Senior SAFE grant programs.