Fire Department Dive Team Conducts Training To Assist MWRA

STONEHAM - Three members of the Stoneham Fire Department dive team participated in a training session with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority at Spot Pond Thursday according to Chief Matthew Grafton.

Stoneham's dive team has been in existence since the early 1980s and consists of 10 members from the fire and police departments -- each bringing a unique set of skills and expertise to the group. The team provides mutual aid to surrounding communities, most recently responding to Breakheart Reservation in Saugus for a drowning on July 4.

Paul DiLuca from the MWRA and Department of Conservation and Recreation Park Ranger Bill McBrine led Firefighters Mike Labriola and Dave Eastman and Stoneham Police Sgt. Dave Thistle through the training, which focused on locating a pipe from 1900 that connects Spot Pond to Dark Hollow Pond. MRWA officials were looking to verify the pipe's existence and determine its condition.

The dive team hit the water at 12 p.m. on July 19, searching the cove alongside Interstate 93 for the pipe. By 3:30 p.m., the team had exited the water with a small, broken pipe. MWRA officials will need to analyze the pipe to determine if it matches their records.

"Yesterday's training was a great opportunity for the Stoneham Fire Department dive team to not only refine their skills, but collaborate with DCR and the MWRA on an important project," Chief Grafton said. "It is important for the Stoneham Fire Department to work with the MWRA and DCR to assist them in protecting the environment and drinking water supply."

Stoneham Police Sgt. Dave Thistle, front, and Stoneham Firefighter Mike Labriola search Spot Pond for an old MWRA pipe as part of a training with MWRA. Firefighter Dave Eastman prepares to enter the water. The Stoneham Fire Department dive team located a small, broken pipe, which MWRA officials will analyze to see if it matches their records. (Courtesy Photos Stoneham Fire Department)