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Fire chief describes recruit classes, delayed apparatus deliveries and effort to replace PFAS gear
Summary
Fire Chief Sullivan told the council the department expects recruit graduations this summer, is managing retirements and delayed apparatus deliveries, and plans to phase in PFAS-free turnout gear when available; the department also noted ambulance/EMS discussions with contractor Cataldo.
Chief Sullivan said the fire department expects recruits to graduate this summer and described equipment and staffing pressures that persist despite a level-funded request.
"We have 2 firefighters in the career recruit program and they have an expected graduation date of August 8," Chief Sullivan said, adding that he may need to hire again in mid‑July as several firefighters will leave the department.
Sullivan said the department received two new engines last year and expects two additional apparatuses to arrive soon; a ladder truck ordered previously is expected later this winter. He warned that national supply-chain and vendor backlogs are delaying delivery of new apparatus and forcing crews to rely on spare equipment.
The chief raised occupational health concerns tied to PFAS in turnout gear and said the department plans to replace sets with PFAS‑free gear when those products become available; the department secured a grant to purchase 180 high‑visibility jackets to reduce exposure time to contaminated gear and to meet OSHA visibility standards.
On emergency medical services, Sullivan said calls are up slightly and he described collaboration with Cataldo, the city’s ambulance contractor, which the chief said improved response metrics after the parties renegotiated a contract.
Discussion: councilors asked about EMS destination hospitals and transports; Sullivan said most transports go to North Shore Medical Center (Salem) and that closing of a nearby hospital affected transport times. No formal action was taken.
