Deep River fire commissioners approve March minutes; updates on PFAS-free gear, firehouse firm and brush truck

The Deep River Board of Fire Commissioners approved the minutes from its March 2 meeting and received updates on equipment, training and capital projects at a regular meeting on April 6.

Chairman David Berardis called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. and commissioners unanimously approved the March minutes after a motion by Chief Tim Lee and a second from Sean Scott. Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Adam Kerop told the board that current financials show no line-item overages and that the department plans to replace turnout gear to comply with new PFAS-related regulations. "There is currently no concern with overages on any line item," Kerop said, and he expects vendor quotes for PFAS-free gear within a couple of weeks; purchases will be charged to the capital expense budget.

Chief Tim Lee described recent volunteer-recruitment efforts, saying the department mailed personalized letters to about 28 residents and held a recruitment day that included demonstrations. "The recruitment day went well," Lee said; one resident has joined the department and is in a six-month probationary period.

Kerop also outlined upcoming training: joint sessions are planned with Chester (pending certificates of insurance) and at the Mount Saint John property, with remaining training funds to cover fire training and regulatory classes. In his fire marshal report Kerop said the department responded to 13 calls in March, including fire alarms, motor vehicle accidents and smoke investigations; he also said he continues to support Bracero’s expansion and Piano Works’ alarm and sprinkler work and that two blasting permits were issued.

Chief Engineer Tom Lee reported that annual SCBA flow testing is complete and SCBAs will be sent for hydrostatic testing. He said the fire boat is in for service and that the tower truck is back in service after extensive repairs; the chassis work may cause the repair invoice to exceed budgeted amounts. He is also obtaining quotes for tire replacement.

On facility planning, the Firehouse Building Committee selected architectural and engineering firm TSKP for the new firehouse project; the contract has been forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for review and execution. Commissioners said the brush truck is nearly finished and will be temporarily placed at the Winthrop Station to verify clearance before hoped-for delivery at the end of April.

Chairman Berardis said he prepared a letter to the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance regarding a proposed part-time administrative assistant position. He also said Valley Courier reporter Aaron Rubin contacted him about coverage of the new firehouse and that members of the commission agreed to speak with the reporter.

Chief Tim Lee moved to adjourn at 7:48 p.m.; Gary Elliott seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The board recorded no new business and did not take any additional formal actions during the meeting.