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Topsfield credits new ambulance revenue, training and accreditation with public-safety gains
Summary
Town officials said the Fire Department's switch to primary ambulance transport now brings close to $600,000 in annual revenue, which paid for four new firefighters and enabled 24/7 staffing; police completed ALERRT training and received a three-year accreditation renewal.
Topsfield's Town Administrator highlighted public-safety improvements during the State of the Town address, saying the Fire Department's transition to primary ambulance transport in 2020–21 now generates roughly $600,000 a year in transport revenue. That income, he said, has fully covered the costs of adding four full-time firefighter-paramedics over the last two years and enabled round-the-clock staffing of the fire station.
The administrator also pointed to police department achievements: multiple officers completed Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) for active-shooter response, and the department was awarded a three-year accreditation renewal by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission, placing Topsfield among accredited agencies statewide. "This accreditation promotes best practices, professionalism and public confidence," the administrator said.
Why this matters: The ambulance revenue has created a sustainable funding stream for staffing and service improvements without relying solely on tax increases. Training and accreditation signal investments in preparedness and accountability.
Next steps: The town intends to maintain these staffing and training levels and continue applying for public-safety grants to support equipment and training.
