07/02/2026
It’s been a very busy 24 hours for the Temple Volunteer Fire Department, especially for Chief Clark and Captain Pervere.
Yesterday began around 0800, when Chief Clark and Captain Pervere met at the station to prepare for the delivery of our new CET skid unit for Brush 1. This was no simple process — all tools, equipment, shelving, mounts, and side rails had to be removed beforehand. The new skid arrived shortly after 0930, with the Temple Highway Department (Steve Harling and Josh Kullgren assisting in unloading the crated unit from the delivery truck. Soon after, the old skid was removed from Brush 1.
Once disassembly was complete, the truck bed was cleaned and prepared. Firematic Supply Company representative Dean Ericson stopped by to assist with planning the lift and placement of the new skid. The Highway Department (Steve Harling) then returned to place the new skid onto the truck. He then assisted with loading the old unit into Greenfield’s truck.
Several more hours were then spent mounting the new skid unit, with assistance from returning Firefighter Wilson. A final plan for reworking the truck to improve functionality was completed with additional input from Deputy Caisse. From start to finish, this project ran until 1700. Combined with the high heat and blazing sun, it made for a long and exhausting day.
Additional details on the new skid unit and Brush 1’s full rework will be shared once the project is complete. We would like to Say Thank you to the town residents for voting yes on this for us.
That long day was followed by an even longer night.
At 0148 this morning, Temple Fire was requested for mutual aid to the Town of Mason, New Hampshire to provide station coverage with Tanker 1 while Mason Fire Department and multiple mutual aid partners worked a 2nd alarm structure fire. Just two minutes later, at 0150, Tanker 1 was requested directly to the scene as the incident escalated to a 3rd alarm. Tanker 1 was on the road by 0156 and arrived on scene at 0205.
The Tanker 1 crew, Captain Pervere and FF/AEMT Collette, provided scene support and assisted Wilton Fire Department with establishing a secondary water supply, laying approximately 1,800 feet of large-diameter hose from the fire scene to the nearest water source. Chief Clark stood by at the station.
At 0324, Rescue 1 was requested to the scene to provide use of its cascade system. Chief Clark had the Rescue 1 on the road by 0327 and arrived at 0343. The Tanker 1 crew then assisted Chief Clark with setup and filling SCBA bottles.
While crews remained committed in Mason, at approximately 0425, Greenville Fire Department was dispatched to a pickup truck fire. Jaffrey Fire Department, who was covering Greenville with an engine at the time, responded immediately. Due to limited regional resources and no longer being directly needed for firefighting operations in Mason, Temple Tanker 1 and a tanker from New Ipswich Fire Department were reassigned from Mason to Greenville. Chief Clark and Capt. Pervere responded.
Tanker 1 cleared Mason at 0430 and arrived in Greenville at 0438. By the time they arrived, Jaffrey’s engine company had made quick work of the truck fire and had already begun overhaul. Temple remained on scene briefly in case additional water supply or manpower was needed before clearing at 0506.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1, staffed by FF/AEMT Collette, remained in Mason and cleared that scene at 0536. Both Temple apparatus were back in service by approximately 0615.
This is a strong example of the dedication shown by the members of the Temple Fire Department. Despite blistering heat, exhaustion, and the demands of everyday life and work, our members continue to answer the call. Between the skid unit project and the overnight emergency responses, Chief Clark and Captain Pervere alone dedicated roughly 12 hours of service to the department in just 24 hours.
That level of commitment reflects the dedication of every member of this department. Whether their contribution is big or small, every hour matters and every effort helps keep our community — and our neighboring communities — safe.
As a department, we are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from others. A huge thank you to the Temple Highway Department and Dean Ericson for their assistance in helping us get this new equipment in place.
