Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use And Dispatch Transition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Easton fire marshal flags apparatus-access concerns for Plum Tree, outlines dispatch and prevention plans
Summary
Fire Marshal Schuyler Sherwood reported that he submitted testimony saying Plum Tree Lane lacks adequate fire-apparatus access, noted Strong on Center withdrew its application, raised access concerns for Rising Sky School, and said the dispatch transition to FCRD and NERIS information-system switch are on near-term timetables.
Fire Marshal Schuyler Sherwood presented the Easton Fire Marshal monthly report to the Board of Fire Commissioners on Jan. 21, 2026, highlighting community risk reduction efforts, development reviews and operational transitions.
Sherwood said the week of Jan. 19–25, 2026, was designated Community Risk Reduction Week, a public-safety outreach effort emphasizing the five Es: education, engineering, enforcement, emergency response and economic incentives. He said the initiative aims to reduce preventable fire and medical incidents through targeted prevention work.
On land-use reviews, Sherwood said, "I have submitted testimony that I do not believe there is adequate Fire Apparatus access as currently presented," referring to the Plum Tree Lane proposal. He said he worked with the Long Hill fire chief on ladder-truck requirements and expected continued revisions; Strong on Center’s application to move into the Apple Barn, he said, has been withdrawn. Sherwood also said he will press zoning about access concerns for Rising Sky School located behind the firehouse.
Sherwood reported the department’s transition of dispatch to FCRD is "in full swing," with contract approvals and setup underway and a target date of April 1, 2026, for the transition. He noted the department switched to NERIS (National Emergency Response Information System) on Jan. 1 and that vendor Advanced Fire Data will provide training pending chief approval.
He listed upcoming prevention and training activities: fire drills for Town Hall and the library when weather permits, a newly developed Town Hall fire drill procedure, investigation of an AED for the Town Hall second floor, emergency-plan updates, fire extinguisher training for town employees and a Feb. 3 fire-safety presentation at Keller School. Sherwood also provided construction and inspection updates: the EMS building is largely sheetrocked and being inspected; the cabinet shop is framed and awaiting fire-alarm plans; and public-school inspections are scheduled for Feb. 17 and 19.
Sherwood signed the report as "Respectfully Submitted, Schuyler Sherwood, Fire Marshal, Town of Easton."
