Fire chief pitches laptops, marine‑engine replacements and gear upgrades

Fire Chief Chris Veil asked the Capital Committee to approve multiple fire department capital requests to maintain compliance, readiness and fleet reliability.

"The units are in constant use, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," Veil said about the laptops used for EMS patient care reports and said the department plans to replace roughly 11 units so crews can continue timely, compliant PCR submissions to hospitals and insurers.

Veil also described a 2017 Ford Explorer used for service roles that has about 100,000 miles and is due for replacement and explained that ambulance receipts traditionally fund ambulance‑related vehicle replacements. On the marine side, he said the town operates two surplus vessels whose outboard motors are approaching end of life; he recommended replacing both motors at once to reduce duplicated labor costs and to preserve the vessels’ service life.

On procurement timing, Veil noted potential grant opportunities (including Port/Harbor grants) that could reduce the town’s capital ask; the chief said major boat purchases would be timed to avoid taking marine assets out of service during summer months. He also requested auxiliary items — a power washer for headquarters and Station 2, turnout gear dryers to speed gear return to service and a small rigid‑hull inflatable to reach shallow areas and ponds.

Committee members raised questions about phasing, trade‑in and funding sources; Veil said he would pursue grants where available and, where not, follow the capital process.