Springfield MA Firefighters Local 648

City of Springfield and Springfield Fire Department to host Oath of Office Ceremony for new Fire Commissioner Miguel A. Rivera

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, the Springfield Fire Department, Congressman Richard E. Neal, city and state officials will join with Springfield Fire Commissioner Miguel A. Rivera and family for a historic Oath of Office Ceremony at Springfield Symphony Hall on Monday, August 3, 2026.

“This is a very proud moment for our city as we come together to celebrate a proud resident of Springfield, a graduate of Putnam Vocational Technical High School, a brave military veteran, and someone who has spent his career serving our Springfield Fire Department, working to keep us all safe, Miguel “Mike” Rivera – our new, and the city’s first Latino, Springfield Fire Commissioner,” said Mayor Sarno. “I am proud to congratulate Springfield Fire Commissioner Miguel ‘Mike’ Rivera and look forward to continuing to work together. As previously stated, I continue to have the full confidence in Fire Commissioner Rivera, his leadership team and the brave and dedicated men and women who serve in our Springfield Fire Department.”

“Prior to coming on as our Springfield Fire Commissioner, when I tapped BJ, he had been serving as Deputy Chief of Operations over at Agawam. Now we have another Deputy Chief of Operations once again assuming the Commissioner role,” explained the Mayor. “Fire Commissioner Rivera will lead our Springfield Fire Department with more initiatives and reforms and handle all the day-to-day affairs and duties concerning the operations of the Department, including ‘command and control’ of all department members, professional standards, as well as hiring’s, promotions, and as well as assignments. I wish much success to new our Springfield Commissioner Miguel “Mike’ Rivera.”

“I want to thank Mayor Sarno for his confidence and belief in me. I am honored to serve as Springfield’s first Latino Fire Commissioner, recognizing the importance of this milestone, while remaining committed to representing every member of the Department and every resident of the city of Springfield,” stated Fire Commissioner Miguel A. Rivera.

Miguel M. (“Mike”) Rivera, is a proud military veteran, and before being appointed Fire Commissioner by Mayor Domenic Sarno, had served as Deputy Chief of Department Operations for our Springfield Fire Department. Rivera is a proud lifelong Springfield resident and graduate of Putnam Vocational Technical High School. Rivera has served our Springfield Fire Department for more than 17 years. He joined the Department on January 12, 2009. He served five years on the SFD Rescue Squad, as a Bomb Technician on Bomb Squad, as a Lieutenant, assigned to Truck 1, as well as Captain, serving in the Training Division before commanding Truck 4, and as District Chief, serving District 2, with a focus on hands-on leadership development, team building, and multi-company training.

Commissioner Rivera was officially and technically sworn into his new role on July 24, 2026, the final day of service of outgoing Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi. Commissioner Rivera took command at 12:01 a.m. Saturday July 25, 2026.

The Oath of Office Ceremony on August 3rd is free and open to the public. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. Free parking is available in the I-91 South Garage, East Columbus Avenue Entrance only, across from Symphony Hall.

https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/news-story?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=17882&cHash=2e3ce3f8395399c35f85acbb0dd1fd7e

Last night, IAFF Local 648 members demonstrated outstanding professionalism, grit, and dedication during an exceptionally demanding stretch for our city.
Crews operated at a 5‑alarm fire and responded to another structure fire in the early morning hours, working through the night to protect lives, property, and each other under intense conditions. Their performance was nothing short of exceptional.

We also extend a deep and sincere thank‑you to all mutual‑aid companies who responded to the 5‑alarm incident and provided station coverage throughout the night. Your support ensured uninterrupted protection for the citizens of Springfield while our units were fully committed. This partnership is invaluable, and we are grateful for your service.

To all who answered the call: your dedication to this city continues to set the standard.

Stay safe. Stay strong.
IAFF Local 648 — Springfield’s Bravest.

IAFF Local 648 members participated in the Battle of the Badges Volleyball Tournament! This year they took home silver! Great work and thank you to all who participated! See you next year!

IAFF Local 648 is devastated to hear of the passing of one of our brothers, Robert "BK" Kilduff, Jr. from Boston Local 718 who tragically lost his life while battling a 3-Alarm structure fire last night in Dorchester. Our thoughts and prayers are with brother Kilduff, with his family and friends, and all the brothers and sisters from Local 718. Rest easy brother!

UPDATE 3-ALARM SPRINGFIELD ST.

Visible fire has been extinguished, companies are still operating checking for any hot spots. Estimated time left for operations approximately 1 hour. Please continue to avoid this area if possible.

Local 648 members are currently battling a 3-Alarm structure fire at the intersection of Chestnut and Springfield St. near baystate. Please avoid this area if possible.

Reports of a working fire from 1400 State St. the decommissioned Vibra Hospital. Please avoid this area if possible. We will have updates as they become available.

The recent mattress factory fire in Belleville, NJ is a strong reminder of how quickly modern mattresses can burn — not just in factories, but inside our homes. Foam and synthetic materials produce fast‑moving fire and heavy, toxic smoke that can overwhelm a bedroom in minutes.

IAFF Local 648 encourages residents to take simple steps to stay safe:
• Keep mattresses away from heaters, candles, and smoking materials
• Replace damaged or exposed‑foam mattresses
• Don’t store old mattresses in hallways, basements, or near ignition sources
• Make sure smoke alarms work on every level of your home

The same materials that fueled that large‑scale fire can create dangerous conditions in a single room. A few precautions at home go a long way toward protecting your family.