Medford Takes First Steps Toward New Fire HQ

MEDFORD, MA — Medford is in the beginning stages of designing a new fire headquarters, providing some relief to a department that has raised concerns over the state of its equipment and fire stations. The City Council unanimously approved a $1.5 million loan order for the planning and design of a new station, city officials announced Wednesday.

The city is also in the process of getting a new ladder truck. Chief Frank Giliberti Jr. has been working for two months to ensure the custom vehicle meets the needs of the community, according to the mayor's office.

Members of the local firefighters' union described poor station conditions and outdated equipment at a City Council meeting last year. At the time, Medford Firefighters Local 1032 President Eddie Buckley said the city was "putting a Band-Aid" on larger issues.

"This is the first step in ensuring that the men and women of the Medford Fire Department
receive a new state-of-the-art facility," Mayor Stephanie M. Burke, who proposed the loan order, said in a statement Wednesday. "I will be working alongside Fire Chief Frank Giliberti to assemble a building committee to begin the process."