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Concord fire chief says recruitment and equipment shortfalls remain a top priority
Summary
Fire Chief John Chisum told attendees at the Concord Fire Department awards ceremony that the department faces a sustained recruitment crisis, is seeing progress with a class of eight recruits, and needs resources including a dedicated training officer, reinstatement of Engine One, stronger communications and facility upgrades.
Fire Chief John Chisum used the Concord Fire Department’s annual awards ceremony to outline staffing and equipment priorities, saying the department continues to confront a ‘‘continuous recruitment crisis’’ that has required members to work significant overtime.
Chisum said the department is ‘‘seeing real progress’’ after its largest recent recruit school produced eight newly hired members who completed an intensive four‑week program. He credited Captain Newberry and firefighter‑paramedic Gordon Ellenwood for leading training in the absence of a dedicated training officer and said the department now intends to make that role a permanent, full‑time assignment to support retention and professional development.
Chisum also listed recent and planned equipment improvements, saying the apparatus committee placed a new tower truck and two ambulances into service, that a tanker is expected to arrive soon, and that the department completed a comprehensive replacement of its SCBA systems and is nearing completion of a two‑year cardiac monitor upgrade. ‘‘When there’s a gap, we close it together,’’ Chisum said, urging continued investment in safety gear and technology.
The chief identified several operational priorities beyond equipment: reinstating Engine One to match call volume, strengthening the communications center to handle increasing demand, and addressing aging fire stations that have exceeded their intended lifespans. He told the audience that a recent report to the public safety advisory board summarized both progress and ongoing challenges and that fire administration will continue advocating for the necessary resources.
The mayor also offered remarks of thanks to firefighters and their families, and the ceremony went on to recognize promotions, awards and a roster of notable rescues. The chief’s talk framed the evening’s honors as both recognition of past heroism and a reminder of continuing staffing and capital needs.
The department did not announce specific budget figures or a timeline for restoring Engine One during the ceremony; those details will depend on future administrative and budgetary decisions.
