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Volunteer fire chiefs report engine repairs, tanker coverage and station upgrades
Summary
Drakeville Volunteer Fire Chief Tom Kalinowski told the board Engine 35 (37 years old) is at Gowans Knight for pump repairs with insurance assisting; tanker and brush truck remain in service. Fire Chief Tripp described extra storm staffing, a high-school pathway recruitment program and plans for Thornford station renovations (roughly $40,000 estimate).
Chief Tom Kalinowski of the Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department told the board that his department ran 14 calls in the month and logged about 24 cumulative training hours.
"Our engine 35 ... it's a 37 year old piece ... it is at Gowans Knight right now, out of service, waiting some pretty substantial pump repairs," Kalinowski said, adding that insurance is helping cover repair costs and that the tanker and brush truck are available for responses.
Board members asked whether a spare apparatus was available; Kalinowski said no spare pumper is currently available but the tanker could be used if needed. He said he hopes the engine can return this week but could not provide a firm ETA.
Fire Chief Tripp described the department's storm response, including extra staffing at the Torrington station, and said crews were first-in on several calls during the storm. Tripp also outlined a recruitment plan that partners with Torrington High Schools to certify students as Firefighter I — a step he called important to retaining locally trained personnel.
On facilities, Tripp reviewed plans for work at Thornford (also referenced as Towingford/Torrington in discussion), including installing an exhaust system, partitioning the apparatus bay, and making kitchen and bathroom updates. Board members and staff discussed a rough cost estimate of about $40,000 to make the station viable for daytime staffing; Lowe's pledged a donated floor for the day room.
Jeff reported all apparatus are in service except Engine 2, which is undergoing pump work at Gowans Knight and is expected back by the end of the week. Jeff said Tanker 38 will be assigned to reported structure fires until further notice because uncleared hydrants and freezing risk remain a concern.
Taken together, chiefs asked the board to monitor parts availability and vendor timelines for pump repairs and to continue coordinating on station upgrades and staffing needs.
