Fire Apparatus Assessment Committee approves apparatus station space recommendations

The Fire Apparatus Assessment Committee voted 5-0 July 18 to approve a set of apparatus station space recommendations aimed at protecting the town’s fleet and preserving Carlisle’s on-call staffing model. The motion was made by Scott Jamison and seconded by Eric Balles at the hybrid meeting in Carlisle Town Hall’s Heald Room.

Committee members and staff said the recommendations reflect concerns that outdoor storage and inadequate bay space increase maintenance burdens and reduce long‑term readiness. The committee recorded agreement that outdoor storage should no longer be acceptable and that future station design should include sufficient covered bay space and EMS capacity such as an ambulance bay.

As discussed during review of the Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI) draft report, MRI found Carlisle’s apparatus to be generally well maintained but recommended a commercial tanker be the next purchase if Engine 7 is retired. Chair Scott Triola confirmed MRI’s draft also recommended retaining Ladder 9 while eliminating replacement of the next engine scheduled for retirement; committee members noted operational implications that warrant further clarification from MRI.

Deputy Chief Svatek told the committee the current fire station lacks living space and that, if staffing needs change, the station’s office and living arrangements must be reviewed with the project architect (Tecton) to determine whether the facility could support a career model. The committee voted unanimously in favor of the station space recommendations and recorded the motion as passed.