Waltham Firefighters Local 866

05/31/2026

We’d like to recognize Fire Lieutenant Bill Withycombe for his extreme generosity after winning our $10k raffle. Lt Withycombe donated the money back between The Tillerman Foundation and the family of fallen Boston FF Kilduff.

“THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE FIREFIGHTING COMMUNITY”

After winning $10,000 in a Waltham fire union raffle, a veteran WFD lieutenant gave it all away in support of two late firefighters, including one who will be laid to rest on Monday.

Lt. Billy Withycombe and his wife Deena enter Waltham Local Firefighters 866’s fundraising raffle every year.

If the couple won, Billy told union treasurer Izzy Torres he would donate $9,000 to a Waltham-based foundation that supports firefighters and their families.

Billy and Izzy, both WHS Class of 1989, went to school with Bobby Felt [upper left photo], a fellow Waltham firefighter who was only 33 when he died unexpectedly in 2004. “Bobby was a good friend of mine,” Billy said.

His death inspired his brother Mark to create the Tillerman Foundation, so named because Bobby served as the rear cab driver (or tillerman) on the department’s just-retired Ladder 2 truck—the same engine Billy served on.

“Guys like Billy are why the foundation exists,” said Mark, who was “blown away” by his friend’s donation, but not surprised.

Billy, who owns a construction company, also sponsors a hole at the Tillerman Foundation’s annual golf tournament.

The foundation supports the fire union’s annual fundraising banquet, but its main mission is to provide assistance to firefighters either killed or injured in the line of duty.

Mark will use the Withycombes’ donation to help the family of Boston firefighter Bobby Kilduff, Jr. [upper right photo], a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, third-generation firefighter and father who died while on duty on May 23.

The Withycombes are also helping out by donating the remaining $1,000 of their raffle winnings to “BK.”

Billy and Deena will be in Alaska on their-first ever solo adventure during the funeral mass Monday, but they wanted to do something for the fallen firefighter’s family. “It’s a tragedy,” Billy said.

In a statement, Local 866 recognized his “extraordinary generosity and selflessness.”

“Lieutenant Withycombe’s actions embody the true spirit of the firefighting community—dedication, compassion, and unwavering support for one another,” the union said.

More
www.tillermanfoundation.org

Photo: Peter Lobo

05/24/2026

Thoughts and prayers to the family of Firefighter Kilduff, as well as our brothers and sisters of Boston Firefighters Local 718.

05/20/2026

WFD LT. HURT WHILE WARNING OTHERS OF FALLING TREE

On Wednesday, Waltham Fire Lieutenant Selvin Sandoval was injured by a falling branch from a large oak tree in Framingham.

Framingham Fire said the incident happened on Eaton Road around 12:30 p.m.

According to witnesses, Sandoval suspected the tree was about to fall and warned others nearby, including Framingham DPW workers and an Amazon delivery driver.

They got away safely, but the lieutenant was hurt when a branch from the large tree fell unexpectedly, striking his head.

Sandoval, 39, was initially trapped, but was able to self-extricate himself before emergency crews arrived to treat him, said Framingham Fire.

He is currently at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Framingham Fire Chief Michael Dutcher commended Sandoval’s “courageous actions.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lt. Sandoval and his family at this challenging time,” said Waltham Fire Chief Randy Mullin. “We wish him a quick and full recovery.”

A former Russo’s worker who grew up in Waltham, Selvin Sandoval is a father and U.S. Army veteran who was deployed to Iraq.

He was recognized as a Waltham Lions Unsung Hero in 2012.

Photo: Peter Lobo

05/20/2026

We are extremely proud of the actions of our member. He is currently in stable condition. We would also like to thank our brothers and sisters at Framingham Fire Department Framingham Firefighters IAFF Local 1652 for their quick response and actions, as well as the Police Dept and Brewster EMS.

This afternoon (May 20) at approximately 12:30 p.m., a 39-year-old male walking along Eaton Road was struck in the head by a limb from a large oak tree that fell unexpectedly.

The victim was initially trapped beneath the limb but was able to self-extricate prior to the arrival of emergency personnel, said the Framingham Fire Chief.

According to witnesses at the scene, the victim became aware the tree was falling and warned others nearby, including Framingham DPW workers and an Amazon delivery driver, allowing them to avoid the area safely. Witnesses rendered first aid immediately, said Chief Michael Dutcher.

The patient was transported to Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston for treatment, said Chief Dutcher.

The victim’s courageous actions are especially notable as he is an off-duty firefighter with the Waltham Fire Department, said Chief Dutcher.

05/13/2026

For Immediate Release - FF Nick Spinale Legislation Filed by Governor Maura Healey

Chelmsford Firefighters IAFF Local 1839
Barrault and Associates LLC.

04/29/2026

04/08/2026

Please see the attached and consider donating to the gofundme. FF Spinale has a long road ahead of him.

Nick Spinale, 28, and member of Chelmsford Local 1839 for two and a half years, was injured on Tuesday morning during the performance of his duties, training other firefighters. Nick fell approximately 40 feet from a window and sustained multiple serious injuries, including facial fractures, severe internal organ damage, and fractures to both wrists. He faces a long road to recovery, including several surgeries to fix his injuries.

Please visit the link below to donate and support Nick's ongoing rehabilitation and recovery.

https://tinyurl.com/NickSpinale

04/07/2026

Thoughts and prayers are with the this member and his family.

This morning, a member of our Crib Support team was seriously injured after a fall at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's Stow campus. We are deeply grateful to all the staff who took immediate action to provide medical aid and notified 9-1-1, and to Stow and Sudbury first responders. We ask that you please spare a thought and a prayer for him, his family, and his brother and sister firefighters.

04/03/2026

02/07/2026

Congratulations to Firefighters Bill Gullotti and Sean McGowan on their recent promotions to Fire Lieutenant. Lieutenant Gullotti has been assigned to Group 2 Engine 7 and Lieutenant McGowan has been assigned to Group 1 Engine 3.