This firehouse was opened when October 16, 1970 when Engine Company 32 and Ladder Company 9 moved in from their old firehouse at 440 Bunker Hill Street. The building at 440 Bunker Hill Street still stands and is used by a theatre group.
The firehouse is located at 525 Main Street in Charlestown, near Medford Street, in the Sullivan Square section of the city.
On November 13, 1972 Engine Company 36 moved in from its former quarters at 44 Monument Street, Charlestown, and that firehouse was closed. Engine 36 was disbanded on October 20, 1981.
A memorial plaque is mounted on the exterior of the firehouse to commemorate three firefighters who died in the Line Of Duty. Lieutenant Carroll and Firefighters Beckwith and Murphy lost their lives at the Vendome Hotel fire and collapse on June 17, 1972, at which nine Boston firefighters lost their lives.
Another plaque commemorates a fighter who was killed in action in 1944 during World War II. The memorial plaque was dedicated to Ladderman Joseph J. Luna in 2011.
In 1948, a former U.S. Navy minesweeper was converted to a fireboat and dedicated to Ladderman Luna. The fireboat remained in service until 1976. It was sold and remained on the Boston waterfront until it sank in 2009 at Pier 7 in South Boston.
Charlestown is the primary response area for Engine 32 and Ladder 9. Located at the northern end of Charlestown, the Sullivan Square area abuts the cities of Somerville and Everett.
Engine 32 responds to approximately 1000 incidents per year. Ladder 9 responds to approximately 1300 incidents per year.
