Brooklyn to hold May 28 forum on Day Street as town reviews fire commission roles

First Selectman Joe Bellavance told the Board of Selectmen on May 19 that he has researched Connecticut General Statutes Section 7-301 and the town's 1972 Board of Fire Commissioners ordinance as officials examine the BOFC's role and options for fire and ambulance service delivery. He said the town will hold a public forum on May 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Brooklyn Middle School Auditorium to give residents a chance to review proposals and raise concerns.

Bellavance said the discussion has included the possibility of consolidating services — "one fire department with two fire companies" — and questions about ambulance coverage, and that the town is still evaluating needs, goals and legal framework. He also noted the R1 and R2 responses and the potential dissolution of a tax district if the governor signs off, and said the administration will follow up with any mailings or notices to residents.

During public comment, Lou Brodeur asked whether the town had identified FEMA funding for the Day Street project and referenced recent FEMA grant activity. Mike Podzaline and D. Lee urged the town to consider a municipal fire department as the most efficient option, citing the town's 1972 ordinance as background. Bellavance said he had applied for a climate resiliency grant for Day Street but had not yet received word on the application.

Why it matters: The forum will be the principal opportunity for residents to weigh in before the Selectmen or the Board of Fire Commissioners take further administrative or structural steps. Topics under consideration — department structure, ambulance coverage and grant funding — could affect budget planning and emergency response arrangements.

The town will present background materials and invite public discussion at the May 28 forum; Bellavance urged attendees to be considerate of neighbors in the Day Street area as the town works toward a final solution.