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Bolton Fire Commission reviews year-end operations, schedules new engine delivery
Summary
At the June 26 meeting, Chief Dixon reported 47 emergency responses, outlined year-end maintenance and testing results, and said the new apparatus (ET134) is targeted for completion around Sept. 1, 2023; commissioners also raised concerns about the town’s pace in replacing the fire chief.
Fire Commission Chairman John Morianos convened the Bolton Fire Commission meeting at 7:00 P.M. on June 26, 2023, at the Bolton Fire House. Commissioners approved the May 22 minutes and heard reports on operations, inspections and equipment.
Chief Dixon told the commission the department responded to 47 emergency calls since the last meeting, including medical runs, vehicle crashes, a hazmat spill, a burnt-food incident and one CPR call. He said the fiscal year ends this week and he is working with officers, vendors and town staff to close out the year.
The chief reported recent maintenance and testing results: the tanker had 10 tires replaced, the rescue truck had two tires replaced, hose testing produced one failure that will be addressed, all ladders passed inspection, and all SCBA packs passed flow testing. On apparatus procurement, Chief Dixon said the new engine, ET134, is slated for completion around Sept. 1, 2023, with a tentative final inspection penciled in for the following week and an online production portal to be provided once manufacturing begins.
Chief Dixon also updated the commission on the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department’s Standards of Guideline (SOG) Committee, which has met weekly and sometimes more often over the last 16–18 months to revise and publish updated operational guidelines; he said the revised SOGs will be presented to membership in the next month. He listed outside meetings he attended in the past month, including the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, Eastern Connecticut Fire School, Connecticut Firefighter Day at the state capitol, and the Tolland County Mutual Aide Fire Service (911 Center).
Deputy Fire Marshal Bill Call reported inspection activity since the last meeting: all town buildings have been inspected (the fire station hood service is pending), all apartment buildings were inspected with one complex found to require fire doors, and two burn permits and associated inspections were processed. Call described other recent duties and meetings, including Knox box work at two locations, attendance at a CRFMA meeting in Simsbury, a day-long training with building officials, an online class, and meetings with the Board of Education regarding violations.
During old business, Commissioner Robert Langton asked whether the Board of Selectmen had any new information on the process to replace the chief and on new positions for the Bolton Volunteer Fire Department, saying there appeared to be no urgency and expressing concern with timing that could extend into May 2024. The minutes record commissioners’ concern but do not record a formal direction or decision from the commission on the matter.
Administrative items recorded in the minutes included a motion by Commissioner Robert Langton, seconded by Commissioner Chris Moquin, to approve the May 22, 2023 minutes (voice unanimous), and a motion to adjourn by Chairman John Morianos, seconded by Commissioner Robert Langton, which carried by voice unanimous vote; the meeting adjourned at 8:12 P.M. The commission set its next regular meeting for July 24, 2023.
Board Clerk Janet K. Assard signed and submitted the minutes.
