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Chief urges 12 full‑time firefighter/EMT staffing plan; council agrees to present full package to voters
Summary
South Berwick’s fire chief told the council a 12‑person full‑time staffing plan is needed to run three‑person engine crews and reliable ambulance coverage; councilors generally supported presenting the chief’s full recommendation to town meeting.
The council heard from the fire chief (speaker 9) about alternatives for implementing in‑house emergency medical services and strengthening fire coverage. The chief described the plan as a two‑year rollout and said the recommended staffing level—12 full‑time firefighter/EMTs—would allow three‑person engines and more consistent ambulance staffing.
“The third person on the shift is what really solidifies the fire side of the house,” the chief said when explaining why the additional positions are necessary. He presented several scenarios, including a hybrid mix of full‑time and part‑time staff that would lower costs but leave the town with spotty coverage because the part‑time hiring pool is shallow.
Councilors debated affordability and timing. Several council members emphasized that voters authorized a two‑year initiative last year and that continuing EMS staffing is critical to public safety. Chair (speaker 2) reminded the body that the council does not have the final vote on the overall municipal budget: “we are not the final vote on this,” the chair said, adding that if the town meeting reduces a warrant amount the council and department would need to revisit staffing plans.
The council reached consensus to keep the chief’s recommended staffing package in the warrant packet for the town meeting and leave the final funding decision to voters. Finance and department staff will present the budget article and cost offsets—including anticipated ambulance‑billing revenue—at the next meeting.
