Seekonk Fire Reports Record Number of Calls

The Seekonk Fire Department received a record number of calls for service in 2025, according to a recent Facebook post.

“In 2025, we responded to 4,662 calls for service, including Fire Prevention field activity (not including the extensive behind-the-scenes Office work).”

“Sharing this data reinforces the true value of public safety in Seekonk being ready at any hour, adapting to growing demand, and a delivering professional, reliable service when it matters most.”

A chart which shows the department’s calls for service noted 2025 experienced a significant increase over 2024.

Two attempts to secure funding for a South End Fire Station were unsuccessful. The project was rejected at the May 2025 town meeting by a vote of 112 – 108.  A second attempt to authorize $9.5 million in funding for the project was rejected by voters at the September 15 Town Meeting.

The Select Board rejected a request from member Gary Sagar to hold another vote on funding for the station at the November Town Meeting.

“I believe it’s needed,” Board member Michael Healy noted. “From day one, I’ve stated that staffing is the issue. (The fire department) has been understaffed and undermanned.”

Town Administrator Shawn Cadime said increasing fire department staffing remains a top priority. 

“From day one, it has been a shared priority to address those concerns, and with the support of the Select Board and the community, we've made significant progress, even while balancing other competing priorities in Town.”

“In FY’ 2024, the Select Board set a goal to reach 12 firefighters per group within three years,” Cadime noted. “We began working toward that goal with the 5 positions added in FY 2024, but achieving it will require 8 additional firefighters, at an estimated cost of roughly $800,000. Reaching that benchmark will allow us to fully and adequately staff both Station 1 and the Banna Fire Station.”

Cadime also stated the town has made “substantial investments in apparatus, equipment, and capital improvements. The Fire Department's annual operating budget has grown from $2.4 million in FY 2014 to $4.9 million in FY 2026.”