February 20, 2026 — Mansfield Fire and Emergency Services shared a formal letter of appreciation from Chief John R. Roache recognizing the coordinated response to the February 5, 2026 Stafford Road train derailment. In the letter, Chief Roache extended gratitude to the numerous local, county, and state agencies that assisted during the large-scale incident, which involved six liquid propane gas railcars and three non-hazardous railcars derailing along Route 32 in Mansfield. The chief commended responders for their professionalism, decisive action, and strong interagency collaboration during what was described as a high-risk, low-frequency event. Emphasizing the importance of training, preparedness, and leadership, Roache noted that the collective efforts of all involved ensured community safety and allowed for a successful resolution. The department expressed appreciation for the continued partnership and support demonstrated throughout the response and recovery operations.