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Swansea fire department reports new hires, equipment upgrades and training plans
Summary
Fire department leaders updated the board on two new hires, recruitment progress, a planned new station site, training courses (large-animal rescue) and purchases of thermal cameras, gas detectors and airbags.
Fire department leaders told the board they have recently hired two new recruits, reported progress on equipment purchases and outlined several training initiatives, including a large-animal recovery course.
Eric and Mick, speaking for the department, said two new members were hired and that one new hire is certified while the other is in training; the new certified firefighter was assigned to Station 2 and the other to Station 3. Eric said the new staff will bolster coverage and that several other applicants remain under consideration.
The department described several recent equipment buys: four new multi-gas detectors (for confined-space and carbon-monoxide monitoring), replacement thermal-imaging cameras (one per station), and new lifting bags (airbags) for stabilization and extrication. Officials said the airbags can stabilize or lift up to 12,000 pounds and will be carried on the rescue vehicle; the department expects delivery of the bags within about a month and will schedule training on their safe use.
The department also plans a large-animal recovery class (horses are the most common subject), with participation from the Monadnock Humane Society and invited veterinarians. Trainers will bring lifting straps, wood cribbing and other gear to teach safe animal-handling and rigging techniques. Officials emphasized the dual goal of protecting animals and keeping responders safe in confined or stressed-animal situations.
On the planned new fire station, officials said the board approved up to $21,000 for site design and permitting work at an earlier agenda item; the department thanked voters and noted site clearing and test pits could begin as design and permitting progress. Fire staff said they will hold a public-facing training near the new site once drawings are more complete and that local contractors have offered in-kind work that could lower site costs.
Board members thanked the department for the update and noted that a new station and new equipment could help recruiting by making the department’s facilities and gear more attractive to volunteers and employees.
