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Canterbury Fire Department reports hydrant drill, staffing changes and new engine preparation
Summary
Fire Chief updated the board on recent incidents, hydrant and pump drills at Shaker Village, a new engine delivery schedule and staffing changes including a recent paramedic addition and a departure of a long-term member.
Canterbury’s Fire Chief reported recent activity, training and equipment preparations at the select board meeting.
Key points: The chief said the department has responded to recent incidents including a serious single-vehicle crash on Shaker Road and to an older structure fire. The department conducted a hydrant and fire-pump drill at Shaker Village, operating hydrants that had not been used for some time and verifying mutual-aid agreements for water sources such as Jacob Oaks. "We operated the hydrants in the fire pump that haven't been probably operated in a long, long time," the chief said.
Staffing and training: The chief reported one member completed paramedic training and became an active paramedic-level personnel; the department also had one long-term (17-year) member leave service last month, affecting staffing levels. The chief said he is recruiting and encouraged interested residents to consider volunteering.
Equipment and grants: The department is preparing to place a new engine into service that will replace an older 1996 engine. The chief said grant funding (about $30,000) has already secured replacement items such as nozzles and radios and that other parts will be transferred from the old engine to the new one where suitable. "I've probably $30,000 of grants for hoses, nozzles, and radios. It's all locked through grant money," the chief said.
Public events and coverage: The department will staff the July 5 fireworks display with firefighters staged on site for about an hour after the show to check for spot fires and will maintain personnel availability during summer events at local beaches; life-saving equipment and signs were placed at four beach access points.
Ending: The chief said he will return to the board later in the year with a recommendation about disposition of the old engine after the new apparatus is placed in service.
