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Fire reports 215 calls in chief’s first year; police chief seeks station remodel and sold old cruiser
Summary
Fire Chief Vinny Garofoli reported 215 calls this year and promoted staff; Police Chief Nicole Miller said the department sold an old Explorer for $2,250 and presented plans to remodel the station, but the Select Board asked for more review of funding and building-wide coordination.
At the Jan. 5 Select Board meeting Fire Chief Vinny Garofoli summarized his first year leading the department, reporting the department responded to 215 calls — about half medical — and saying morale has improved since the department’s call tones were restored. Garofoli announced the promotion of Jim Hallock to captain and support from Larry Morse as assistant fire chief and invited residents interested in joining the department to contact him.
"It has now been a full year of holding the Chief position in West Stockbridge, and it has been a good year," Garofoli said, adding he plans to provide a fire safety article to the Local Yokel and that the department’s budget and equipment are in good shape.
Police Chief Nicole Miller told the board the department sold an old Ford Explorer for $2,250 and outlined a planned remodel of the police station to improve officer safety and public service. Miller described proposed changes including new paint and carpeting, a relocated sergeant’s room, a secure booking area, separate evidence and weapon storage, surveillance upgrades and dedicated officer workspace.
Chief Miller said she had consulted building and town officials and obtained a building permit; she told the board the Town Accountant indicated FY25 funds might be encumbered into FY26 to cover costs, and that she could use funds in her equipment budget to cover remaining expenses. Board members expressed concern about whether carrying over FY25 funds for a different voted purpose would be legal, and asked for broader building-wide planning and more involvement from Public Works Director Curt Wilton and Building Superintendent Frank Alfonso. Miller said she would meet again with Town Accountant Elaine Markham and return with additional information.
No formal vote was taken on the station remodel at this meeting; the board asked the chief to provide detailed plans and confirmation of funding authority before proceeding.
