Lancaster Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 5527

05/24/2026

Our hearts are with Boston Local 718. Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters as they deal with the loss. We stand with you in your loss. Rest easy BK we have it from here.

Robert “BK" Kilduff, Jr. exemplified what it meant to be a union firefighter. BK was passionate about his profession, assigned to Rescue Company 2, and passionate about improving the lives of his fellow brothers and sisters, working as a staff member of the PFFM for the last 15 years.

More than anything else, BK was passionate about being a father. The PFFM sends all of our love and support to both of his children and will stand with Boston Firefighters Local 718 IAFF to ensure they have whatever they need.

Rest easy BK.

05/24/2026

Come by and say Hi to us after the memorial day parade

Join Lancaster Fire-EMS for our Community Cookout following the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25th from 12:00–14:00 at the Lancaster Fire Station, 1055 Main St.

Stop by for burgers, dogs, chips, drinks, and a chance to spend time with your local first responders and neighbors. We look forward to seeing everyone for a great afternoon of community, appreciation, and remembrance.

A special thank you to the Lancaster Firefighters Association, Lancaster Professional Firefighters Local 5527, and the Lancaster Police Department for generously donating all of the food for this event.

We hope to see you there!

05/17/2026

Our thoughts are prayers are with Sterling fire on the loss of a brother. Jim Emerton was a great FF/Paramedic who had worked closely with Lancaster on calls and always willing to teach our EMTs. Jim was a kind and caring person to any Patients that he cared for. He was also a member of the Sterling local. Rest easy brother. We have it from here.

05/07/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters of blue on the lost. Any member of public safety that dies in the line of duty is a high loss. We stand next to you as you do for us.

The Massachusetts State Police announce the line-of-duty death of Trooper Kevin Trainor, 30, who was senselessly killed this morning by a wrong-way driver.

At the conclusion of his public safety detail shortly before 2 a.m., Trooper Trainor began his commute home. Minutes later, 911 received a call reporting a wrong-way driver traveling South on Route 1 North in Lynnfield. Several dedicated Troopers converged on the area and located the vehicle traveling the wrong way at 2:03 a.m. One minute later, at 2:04 a.m., the vehicle collided with Trooper Trainor’s cruiser.

While nothing will ever repair the pain we feel today, we make a solemn promise to never forget Trooper Trainor and his service to the Commonwealth. Kevin served as a Corrections Officer in Essex County before joining the State Police as a member of the 88th Recruit Training Troop. In his decorated career, he mentored new Troopers as a Field Training Officer or “Trooper Coach,” earned a place on the prestigious Troop Community Action Team, set the standard for professionalism, and patrolled our roads with a singular focus: keeping the people of this Commonwealth safe.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Trooper Trainor’s classmates have shared stories of his genuine care and concern for others. As one person put it, “he was the guy you wanted as your backup.”

Colonel Noble said in his remarks this afternoon, “Make no mistake: Trooper Trainor saved lives this morning. His courage – his commitment to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth and put his life on the line – prevented an even greater tragedy. He will be remembered as a hero.”

We deeply appreciate the outpouring of support from our Governor, the Secretary of Public Safety, and friends in Massachusetts and across the country. We will remember and honor this extraordinary man, son, fiancée, and friend who gave his life for others.

05/07/2026

On duty personnel along with off duty and call members were called for the brush fire. With the high winds it was difficult to contain. We want to thank our brothers and sisters from the surrounding communities that came out to help extinguish the fire and overhaul.

03/05/2026

Local 5527 welcomes FF/EMT Alec Copeland to our department. FF Copeland comes with fire and EMS experience along with service in the US Coast Guard. Alex is our seventh full time firefighter. After two weeks of training he will be assigned to a group.

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we announce the newest addition to the full-time staff of Lancaster Fire-EMS — Firefighter/EMT Alexander (Alex) Copeland.

FF/EMT Copeland began his career in the fire service in 2017 and has been serving as an EMT since 2023. Over the years, he has gained valuable experience in both firefighting and private EMS, working in several different communities. His diverse background has allowed him to develop a strong skill set, a steady presence on scene, and a commitment to delivering high-quality care and service.

In addition to his fire and EMS experience, FF/EMT Copeland has proudly served for several years as a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, further demonstrating his dedication to public service and community involvement.

As he transitions into his new role, FF/EMT Copeland will complete two weeks of rigorous orientation before beginning his assigned working group shifts. This orientation period will ensure he is fully prepared and aligned with our department’s operations, standards, and expectations. In addition, he will begin paramedic school this fall at a local community college, further advancing his education and commitment to providing the highest level of prehospital care to the community.

We are excited to officially welcome FF/EMT Copeland to our full-time ranks and look forward to the professionalism, experience, and fresh perspective he brings as we continue moving the department forward.

Please congratulate Firefighter/EMT Copeland on this well-earned achievement and help us welcome him to Lancaster Fire-EMS.

02/15/2026

We welcome Matt to our full time staff. From day one after joining the call Matt has done amazing things such as his FF l/ll certification while being in college full time. Congratulations to Matt on your first shift today.

It is with great pride and pleasure that we announce the newest addition to the full-time staff of Lancaster Fire-EMS — Firefighter/EMT Mathew Basteri.

FF/EMT Basteri joined Lancaster Fire-EMS a little over two years ago, and since day one, Matt has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to training, professional growth, and service to our community.

During his time with the department, Matt has:
Completed his Advanced EMT training.
Graduated from the Massachusetts Call/Volunteer Recruit Academy.
Earned his Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications.
Received the prestigious Marty McNamara Outstanding Student Award for his exceptional performance at the academy

Matt has been a steady and dependable presence within the department, balancing all of these accomplishments while also pursuing his degree in the nursing program at UMass Amherst. His dedication to advancing his medical knowledge will undoubtedly strengthen his role as a prehospital care provider and enhance the level of service we provide to our residents.

We are excited to officially welcome FF/EMT Basteri to the full-time ranks and look forward to the new perspective and professionalism he brings as we continue moving the department forward.

Please join us in congratulating Firefighter/EMT Mathew Basteri on this well-earned achievement.

02/10/2026

Sunday evening around 9:10 pm Lancaster Fire along with other District 8A towns were sent to Marlborough as an ambulance taskforce to help in the evacuation of Marlborough Hospital. Ambulance 2 transported two patients to UMass memorial hospital on Belmont St. The crew were released from the taskforce at 3:30 am.

02/02/2026

We want to welcome Doug Heffel to our department as full time. His knowledge and experience is a great addition to our department. Doug will be going through orientation and will then be assigned to a group. Welcome aboard Doug

It is with great pride and pleasure that we announce the newest addition to the full-time staff of LFD, Firefighter/EMT Douglas Heffel.

FF/EMT Heffel comes to Lancaster with nearly a decade of experience as a first responder. He has served in the role of Lieutenant with the Bolton Fire Department since 2019. In addition to his leadership background, FF/EMT Heffel brings a strong commitment to training, valuable EMS experience, and a fresh perspective that will be a significant asset to our department.

We are excited to welcome FF/EMT Heffel to LFD and look forward to utilizing his experience and insight as we continue to shape and advance our department.

01/16/2026

5527 Local president Thomas Fitzgerald along with another member are at the monthly state meeting in Devens. We want to thank Ayer and Devens locals for hosting the event.