Bethel board approves $11,020 for volunteer turnout gear as chief warns of safety risk

The Bethel Town Board voted to approve $11,020 to buy five sets of turnout gear for newly recruited volunteer firefighters, a move the town said is needed after the department added seven volunteers and some existing gear exceeded recommended service life.

The request came from Commissioner Liddy, speaking in his role as the volunteer fire chief, who said the department has several volunteers without protective gear and some equipment is past recommended replacement intervals. "Saving lives ain't cheap," Liddy said, arguing the new gear and matching grant applications are necessary to maintain safe operations and preserve the town's insurance rating.

Interim Town Manager Scott and other commissioners discussed funding options. The manager noted the town could use contingency funds to cover the purchase now and bring a state 50/50 grant (described by speakers as a cost-share program that can provide up to $40,000 in recent cycles) back to the board for formal approval. Liddy said some items—airbags and extrication equipment—would be eligible under that grant and estimated the full package could total roughly $30,000, with the town’s match covering half.

Commissioners debated competing priorities—park improvements and public safety—and several members said they supported both. One commissioner stressed that investing in the fire department can lower insurance rates for property owners. A motion to fund the $11,020 turnout gear from contingency passed; the meeting record indicates the motion carried.

Next steps: staff will process the purchase and return to the board with formal grant documents and any required budget amendments at a future meeting.