Westborough adds one firefighter-paramedic to classification plan as chief cites long deployment

The Westborough Select Board voted unanimously Dec. 2 to amend the town classification plan to add one firefighter-paramedic position after a request from Fire Chief Patrick Purcell.

Purcell told the board a firefighter who is a paramedic was placed on active duty and informed the department of an extended specialty assignment lasting an "881 day deployment," and that the department needs an authorized hire to maintain operations. "Currently, we have 49, sworn members on the fire side," Purcell said, and described retraining and recertification that will be necessary when the member returns.

Purcell said the town has funds to cover the net salary difference for the remainder of the current fiscal year and estimated a budget shortfall in fiscal 2026 of roughly "$11,000 to $12,000" to continue paying the net difference while filling the vacancy. He framed the addition as both an operational and a cost-avoidance measure: hiring now will "stop myself from having to spend more" on overtime in the long run.

Board members pressed for details on how long the deployment might last and how staff and contractual rules apply. Officials noted that federal law and the union contract require the town to hold the employee's position for up to five years; Purcell said salary continuation for year two is subject to the town manager's discretion and contractual limits.

A motion to approve the amendment — described by the chair as increasing the number of firefighter-paramedic positions from 35 to 36 at the relevant line in the classification plan — passed on a unanimous voice vote with five members present. The board did not set hiring details beyond authorizing the additional position.

The department will present budget adjustments and hiring plans in the town's personnel and capital processes as needed. The select board said it expects managers to update the board on fiscal impacts during the budget cycle.