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Fire chief praises Safety Fair, reports steady runs and upcoming apparatus
Summary
Fire Chief Robert Chegan told the committee that April run volumes remain similar to prior years (327 calls in April), thanked Safety Fair coordinator Kathy Salvo and partner agencies, reported two apparatus in production and hydrant maintenance plans for Ward 1, and confirmed mock‑crash activity with schools ahead of prom.
Fire Chief Robert Chegan briefed the Safety Committee on May 19 that April run volumes were "about the same as previous years," reporting 327 calls in April and 1,312 year‑to‑date. He said call volumes fluctuate but that there were roughly 15 calls the night before the meeting.
Chegan recognized Safety Fair coordinator Kathy Salvo and multiple partner agencies for their work on the long‑running community safety event, noting the fair's origins in 1994 and Salvo’s role with Safe Kids Coalition and Safety Town programming. "She does a phenomenal job planning from January," Chegan said.
Chegan said two units are in production — a new medic for Station 2 and a vehicle for the assistant chief — and announced recent personnel moves, including the promotion of Joe Wilkes to lieutenant. He said hydrant maintenance and painting are weather dependent; crews are working in Ward 1 and residents will be notified by Ready Notify and Facebook when maintenance occurs. Chegan also confirmed the department will participate with local schools in a mock crash program before prom.
Why it matters: Apparatus and staffing affect response capacity and community preparedness; the Safety Fair is a long‑standing public education event with broad community participation.
Next steps: Chegan will provide updates on hydrant maintenance scheduling and staffing as they become available; Ward 1 work is expected to continue and the department will coordinate around local construction when necessary.
