During the week of May 4, 2026, Engines 2 & 5, Ladder 3, Rescue 1, & Squad 2 (all groups) participated in Radiation Training review. This training included both classroom and hands-on use of the various radiation meters. Members also reviewed actions, tactics, & safety used at a potential radiation incident. Remember that radiation can not be detected by human senses. Meters would be needed to determine the presence, source, direction, and level of radiation. Time, distance, and shielding is always a consideration.
Note that Engine 2, Ladder 3, Squad 2 and Rescue 1 are part of the HazMat Task Force. Engine 5 is the designated Radiation Company.
Thank you to the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Environmental Health and Safety staff for again running this very informative program. Thank you also to CFD Special Ops & Safety for the coordination.
Group 1 was on duty for these photos from Monday, May 4, 2026

Firefighters participating in the Radiation classroom review

A firefighter uses one of the meters to detect radiation levels (if any) in the ambient atmosphere

Additional review of radiation sampling meters by firefighters

Radioactivity readings from a radiation sample

The MIT staff person assists in the review of the use of various types of radiation sampling meters.

Additional firefighter review with additional meters

a phone app connected to a radiation sensor

Engine 5, Ladder 3, & Squad 2 parked on the street during the training session