Local News

Firefighters ask for support for colleague critically injured in training academy fall

The union is asking for community support for the young firefighter, who will need multiple surgeries to fully recover.

A Chelmsford firefighters' union is calling on the community to help support a member who was severely injured in an accident Tuesday. Department of Fire Services

By Darin Zullo

April 8, 2026

1 minute to read

A Chelmsford firefighters union is asking for community support after one of their members was seriously injured during a training activity.

Nick Spinale, 28, has been a member of Chelmsford Firefighters Local 1839 for two and a half years, according to a community fundraiser. He is part of the Department of Fire Services’ Crib Support team at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow, the department said on Facebook.

While training fellow firefighters Tuesday at the academy Tuesday, Spinale fell about 40 feet from a window and landed on solid concrete. He sustained “facial fractures, severe internal organ damage, and fractures to both wrists,” the fundraiser reads.

Spinale was flown to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where his injuries were deemed life-threatening, according to a union press release. He is now being treated in UMass Memorial’s intensive care unit, but he will require several surgeries and physical rehabilitation to fully recover.

“The outpouring of support from fellow firefighters with the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, International Association of Firefighters and the residents of Chelmsford and throughout Massachusetts has been astounding,” the union said. “The Chelmsford Firefighters Local 1839 extends its gratitude to Massachusetts Firefighting Academy staff and the Fire/EMS personnel from Stow, Sudbury, and Life Flight who provided immediate care at the scene and during transport.”

The incident prompted officials to reflect on the sacrifices that firefighters make worldwide in their daily work.

“Yesterday’s events at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy remind us how important and valuable fire instructors and support staffers are — in Massachusetts, across the country, and around the world,” the Department of Fire Services said on Facebook. “As we hold our injured colleague in our hearts, we want to recognize these vital personnel and thank everyone who sent messages of support for him.”