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Norwich Township Fire Department wins ISO Class I status, board approves new medic and equipment purchases
Summary
Fire Chief Dave Baird told trustees the department earned ISO Class I status and reported record EMS collections; the board approved a $272,483 ARPA-funded Horton medic and several equipment purchases and emergency repairs.
Norwich Township’s fire department received formal notification that it is an ISO Class I agency and reported record emergency medical-service (EMS) revenue, officials said. Fire Chief Dave Baird told the board that the department logged a large year-to-date increase in runs and that the township collected $99,000 in EMS revenue in February and $105,000 in a recent month, figures that staff say reflect improved billing and higher call volume.
The township board approved a series of purchases and emergency repairs for the fire division. Trustees voted unanimously to approve an emergency repair to Engine 83 for $5,891.75 (Heritage Fire Equipment) after a preventive maintenance inspection discovered needed repairs. The board also approved a $160,848 shingle-roof replacement at Station 83 (Garland/DBS), a $3,799 replacement treadmill for Station 81 (LifeCore Fitness), $8,390 in helmets and protective liners (Fire Safety Services, Inc.), and $19,888 in fire gear (Atlantic Emergency Solutions) under a Then-and-Now purchase order.
The board approved using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to buy a Horton medic for $272,483, which Chief Baird said would be designated Medic 84. Baird told trustees the manufacturer’s production time is currently about two years and that outfitting costs are not included in the purchase price and will be presented to the board later.
Chief Baird also briefed trustees on training and facility needs tied to the ISO rating. He said the department will need a dedicated training facility to maintain some ISO qualifications and that incorporating such a facility into a future Station 84 may be possible depending on site footprint and financing. The department is also exploring grant opportunities, including FEMA’s SAFER grant for staffing and a BWC grant for power cots (base cost cited near $45,000).
In other business related to fire operations, the board approved disposing of long-accumulated, unused items and selling surplus fitness equipment on GovDeals; Chief Baird reported that selling those items raised just under $7,000. The board approved an emergency repair to Utility 82 for $6,960.86 and approved routine purchases such as tire replacement for Ladder 81.
The board’s votes were recorded in the meeting minutes for each motion; where votes were listed they were unanimous among present trustees unless noted otherwise. The board directed staff to return with details on outfitting the new medic and options for training facilities.
