Boston Public Safety Chiefs Say Neighborhoods Will Stay Fully Staffed During Summer Mega-Events

BOSTON — March 26, 2026 — Boston public safety chiefs pledged full neighborhood coverage during a summer of major events at a City Council committee hearing Thursday. Committee Chair Henry Santana convened the hearing on Docket No. 0174, sponsored by Councillor John FitzGerald, to examine preparations for the FIFA World Cup, Tall Ships, and the Boston 250 anniversary celebration. Boston EMS Chief James Hooley said his 440-member department responded to more than 141,000 incidents in 2025 and would deploy bicycle paramedics, aid stations, and additional ambulances for large gatherings. Fire Commissioner Paul Burke, who is retiring after 36 years, said 60 new recruits will graduate in April and that hazmat units will not be moved from their positions on either side of Mass Ave. Deputy Superintendent Sean Martin said Boston Police will draw on mutual aid from regional partners and that the Boston Regional Intelligence Center is conducting ongoing risk assessments. Councillor Ruthzee Louijeune pressed for cost figures on overtime, and officials acknowledged that a full staffing matrix has not been completed and that grant applications to offset costs are pending. Councillor Miniard Culpepper called for a formal information-sharing agreement between the BRIC and the state police Fusion Center, a recommendation officials did not commit to.