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Deep River Fire Commission approves minutes, introduces new member and hears equipment updates
Summary
At its Jan. 5 meeting the Deep River Board of Fire Commissioners accepted minutes, introduced Gary Elliott as a new commissioner, learned the NEARS system is live, got updates on a ladder-truck repair and a delayed engine chassis delivery, and reviewed the FY26–27 budget and capital needs.
The Deep River Board of Fire Commissioners met Jan. 5, 2026, in Deep River and accepted the Dec. 1, 2025, minutes in a unanimous vote. The motion was recorded as “moved by Lee, seconded by Scott” and carried unanimously.
The commission introduced Gary Elliott as a new member, replacing Gary Clark. The minutes note that financial statements were reviewed but do not provide details in the record.
Chief Lee provided an update on the department’s new brush truck, saying the skid unit for the vehicle “has arrived.” The department also plans to elect new officers in January, the minutes say.
Deputy Chief Adam Kerop summarized the month’s training activities. As fire marshal, Kerop also presented the monthly calls and activity report and stated, “The NEARS system is now live.”
Engineer Lee updated the board on the ladder truck repair, saying the apparatus remains under repair while the department awaits suspension components and that it should be back in service this week. Engineer Lee also reported that annual vehicle maintenance has begun and that the new engine chassis delivery has been pushed out two months, with an expected arrival in approximately August 2026.
The chairman reported a review of 13 similarly sized local volunteer departments and said that all but two (including Deep River) employ a paid administrative assistant; reported hours range from about 10 hours per week up to full-time positions. The chairman also said the commission reviewed snow-plowing contracts and advised that contractors should ensure firehouse doors and access points are shoveled for unobstructed entry to both stations.
Under Old Business, commissioners reviewed the FY 2026–27 budget and a 10-year Capital Expenditure Report; the minutes record that Winthrop Station needs a new roof. No new business or other business was raised.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.; the motion to adjourn was recorded as moved by Lee, seconded by Scott, and unanimous. The minutes were submitted by Dave Berardis on behalf of the recording secretary.
