Methuen Fire Department

We want to send out thanks to Project & Outreach Coordinator Patty Trudel and the folks at Pest End. Patty recently stopped by our Central Station and left some incredible food and groceries for our firefighters to enjoy. Patti is pictured here left to right with Deputy Chief Jeff Slattery and Firefighters James Traverso, Pat McKenna, and Troy Donahue. We truly appreciate your generosity!

Beautiful weather served as a wonderful backdrop to our annual Firefighter Sunday ceremony held on June 14. Deputy Chief Jeff Slattery hosted the event and introduced Mayor Beauregard, local dignitaries, and Chief Dave Toto who welcomed a terrific crowd. MFD Chaplain and First Baptist Church Pastor Nathaniel Burnes gave the blessing and Captain Sue Vallera read the Firefighter’s Prayer. As always, current members of our department read the names of all of our deceased Methuen firefighters. We also paid special tribute to Lieutenant James McLachlan who passed away on May 8, 2026. MFD Engine 1 now has an insignia in the name of Lt. McLachlan, forever securing his legacy of service to our department. As part of the event, Methuen Firefighters Local 1691 handed out their annual scholarships to deserving students going on to college. In addition, our recently promoted and new firefighters were joined by family and loved ones for the annual pinning ceremony. Those in attendance enjoyed pastry and coffee from Heav’nly Donuts and an amazing breakfast prepared by our firefighters themselves. The ceremony was a fitting tribute to the past, present, and future of our department. 

Congratulations to four members of our department who reached wonderful career milestones this past week. Firefighters Craig Langlais, Jesse Kattar, and Sean Wholley were officially promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Pictured here with Chief Dave Toto, Mayor Beauregard, the City Council, family, and fellow firefighters, all of these men have been fine members of our department - diligent and dutiful firefighters with positive demeanors and personalities. In addition, Firefighter Nathan Sharples graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, part of Recruit Class #339. Sharples performed well through the 50-day, rigorous training at the Academy’s Stow, MA campus and is now certified as a Firefighter I/II. We congratulate all of these fine members of our department and wish them well as their careers continue. 

On Monday, June 8, Methuen Firefighters John Berube and Lee Melillo spoke to students at Methuen’s Chapel School. The preschool students listened attentively as Firefighters Berube and Melillo educated them on fire safety and what to do in the event of an emergency. It was a really interesting and informative talk, and our firefighters enjoyed meeting with the youngsters.

🎓 Congratulations to the Methuen High School Class of 2026! 🎉

Your hard work has paid off, and the Police Department is incredibly proud of your achievements. As you walk across the stage this Friday, June 5th at 6:00 PM, we wish you a safe, celebratory, and bright future ahead!

To ensure a safe and smooth evening for all graduates, families, and neighbors, please note the following temporary traffic and parking changes around the stadium area.

🚧 TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGE
Location: Pleasant View Street
Time: Friday, June 5th, from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Direction: One-way traffic only, traveling from Pleasant Street toward East Street

♿ ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Location: Pleasant View Street, inside the stadium parking lot
Requirement: Dedicated handicap parking spaces will be clearly marked for those with valid placards

Officers will be stationed throughout the area to direct traffic and assist pedestrians. Please plan your travel routes ahead of time, drive slowly, and expect minor delays.

Let's make it a memorable and safe night for our graduates!

METHUEN FISHING DERBY CANCELED: The annual Methuen Fishing Derby scheduled for Saturday, May 30 beginning at 10AM has been canceled due to rain in the forecast. The Derby will be rescheduled for sometime in the fall, date to be determined.

Methuen Fire Engine 1 along with Andover Fire and Lawrence Fire were at Greater Lawrence Technical School on May 28 for a mock crash display. The demo is designed to show students the dangers of impaired driving most especially during graduation party and prom season. The GLTS students saw this display as they arrived at school. 

Batteries are a major fire risk that can ignite in carts and bins, trucks, or at local processing facilities. We’re seeing fires like we never have before. Please tape the ends of lithium batteries and recycle batteries properly. Batteries should never be placed in recycling and trash bins, and require special handling.

RecycleSmart provides FREE and convenient disposal programs for batteries: www.recyclesmart.org/hhw

Chief Dave Toto and the men and women of the Methuen Fire Department would like acknowledge and recognize the many heroes who gave their lives in battle for our country. Their distinguished service and sacrifice allow us to enjoy the freedoms that we all share today. May their actions always be appreciated and their legacy honored. 

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE CANCELED: The Methuen Memorial Day parade scheduled to start on Monday, May 25 at 10AM has been canceled due to inclement weather in the forecast. There will be a Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Post 122, 200 Broadway, at 10AM and another ceremony at VFW Post 8349, 26 River St., at noon on Monday, May 25.