Firefighters from Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties are among those helping to battle large-scale western blazes.
BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick gave thanks and praise to a state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) firefighter team that has helped battle wildfires across the country this summer.
"Thanks to the @MassDCR firefighter team fighting #wildfires out in Montana over the past 2 weeks," Patrick tweeted Tuesday.
DCR officials earlier this month dispatched a team of men and women from Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester counties to help bolster firefighting efforts in Montana, Alaska and West Virginia.
"We are grateful to these firefighters who are bringing their expertise and commitment to assist our partners in other states," Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. said. "It is our hope that these added resources help to protect the public and the environment in Alaska, Montana and West Virginia, and we look forward to our crew's safe return."
Local DCR firefighters dispatched to Montana include: Shawn Bush (Oakham), DCR District 7 Fire Warden South Worcester County; Jesse Hanecak (Whately); Eric Rogers (Holyoke); and Sam Schilling (Northampton).
Local municipal firefighters dispatched to Montana include: John Branscombe (North Brookfield); Bruce Forgea (Windsor); Walker Korby (Montague Center); Jonathan Lacasse (Lanesborough); Max Lacasse (Lanesborough); Benjamin Miller (Amherst); George Nolette IV (North Brookfield); Daniel Thayer (New Salem); and Christopher Trainor (North Brookfield).
Dispatched to Alaska was Trevor Augustino, DCR District 11 Fire Warden Hampden County, and sent to West Virginia was Patty Correia, DCR District 8 Fire Warden North Worcester County.
Wildfires have threatened parts of the West this summer, including sections of Montana, Idaho, Utah and California, among other areas.
