Chelsea City Council honors firefighters, dispatchers and emergency management for Washington Avenue fire

The Chelsea City Council on Aug. 14 recognized firefighters, emergency communications staff and emergency management personnel for their response to a six‑alarm blaze at 185 Washington Avenue.

Clerk Clark read a series of resolutions commending Fire Operations Division Group 4 for responding to the Aug. 14, 2024, structure fire at the four‑story, 18‑unit building and praised the department’s “professionalism, selflessness and teamwork.” The council also commended dispatchers — named in the reading as Dispatcher Chris Finn, Supervisor Josiah Hill and Dispatcher Rob Gagliardi — for sending a full first‑alarm assignment that escalated to mutual‑aid requests and ultimately a sixth alarm. A third resolution recognized Emergency Management Supervisor Paul Cooley for coordinating unified command, interviewing residents, arranging a local facility to serve as an intake center and securing hotel accommodations for displaced residents.

Councilors and the presiding officer presented certificates to the named staff and responders. Councilor Lisa Santegutt, who said she survived a house fire at age 16, thanked the responders and noted that, to her knowledge, only one person suffered smoke inhalation during the Washington Avenue incident. Councilor Jimenez Rivera described personal ties to neighbors near the building and echoed the council’s gratitude. Councilor Taylor and others offered brief remarks of appreciation. The presiding officer said the council will share information with the housing committee and continue discussions to ensure policies reflect community needs.

The resolutions were read and certificates presented during the meeting; the transcript does not record a formal roll‑call vote on the commendations. The council paused afterward to take photos and then adjourned.