MIDDLEBORO — For the first time, the Middleboro Fire Department’s south station at 566 Wareham St. is fully staffed at all hours.

As of 8 a.m. Monday, April 7, an engine company of three firefighters will be working out of the station, Middleboro Fire Chief Owen Thompson said. This will “significantly [enhance] the department’s ability to respond to emergencies in the southern part of town,’’ Thompson said. 

This staffing upgrade is funded through a $2 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant awarded last year by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Middleboro Fire was awarded $2,019,030, which will be administered over three years, to hire six full-time firefighters, which Thompson said will increase firefighter safety and service to the community.

The grant will cover all of the personnel expenses ​of hiring six new full-time firefighters, including the town’s portion of their health insurance and pension liabilities, with no matching cost required from the town.

The grant will also allow the department to use civilian fire alarm operators for the department’s dispatch duties.

 “This is a monumental step forward for the Middleboro Fire Department and the safety of our residents,” Thompson said. “By having a fully staffed engine company at South Station, we will be able to improve response times and provide better fire protection and emergency services to the community.”

 Thompson thanked Town Manager Jay McGrail, the Select Board, the Finance Committee and grant writer Stephanie Hall for their leadership and support in securing the grant and making the expansion possible. 

"While this grant is instrumental in allowing us to staff the South Station, the department thanks our town leaders who have committed to funding the six positions even after grant funds are exhausted," Thompson said. "Their commitment to public safety has allowed us to take this critical step in improving fire coverage throughout Middleborough.”

 Middleboro Fire previously staffed a three-member engine company and a two-member ladder company at Central Station. Beginning Monday, April 7, there will be a three-member engine company at both the Central and South stations.

With the addition of full-time staffing at South Station, the Middleboro Fire Department will be better positioned to meet the growing needs of the community, Thompson said. 

“This is a proud moment for our town,”  McGrail said. “Ensuring that South Station is fully operational with dedicated firefighters will make Middleboro a safer place to live, work, and visit.”