Norwalk Fire Commission approves station upgrades, orders SCBAs; timelines vary

Norwalk fire officials on July 15 briefed the Fire Commission on multiple facilities and equipment projects, including a planned apparatus‑bay floor replacement at Station 1, a request for architect bids for Station 4 renovations, completed overhead door upgrades at Stations 4 and 5 and a pending SCBA replacement purchase. Assistant Chief (administration) said the apparatus floor project at Station 1 has been approved and a contractor meeting was scheduled; the department expects to start work in two to three weeks and estimates the job will take “a couple months” barring issues. During construction, Truck 1 will be temporarily relocated to Station 6 apparatus maintenance for up to about two months. The department plans to go out for an architect request‑for‑proposal for Station 4 this summer and present a recommended architect to the Common Council committees in September. Overhead commercial doors and upgraded motors and springs at Stations 4 and 5 have been installed and are described as operating well. On breathing‑apparatus replacement, the assistant chief said purchase orders have been submitted and vendors estimated delivery schedules of “anywhere 10 to 20 weeks out” because many departments are ordering similar new SCBAs. No formal votes beyond project approvals already accounted for in capital planning were taken at the meeting; staff said purchase orders and scheduling would continue to be finalized. Ending: Staff will return with contractor schedules, architect selection recommendations in September for Station 4, and estimated SCBA delivery dates when vendors confirm orders.