Epping approves Plaistow ALS pact, accepts $10,000 DOJ/DEA grant and promotes police captain

Chairman Pamela Tibbetts presided as the Board of Selectmen on March 30 approved several public-safety measures, including a mutual-aid agreement with Plaistow and a federal grant to support local marijuana enforcement.

The board voted 5-0 to authorize an inter‑municipal agreement with Plaistow ALS after Fire Chief Ken Berkenbush told the board the town lacks enough paramedics to provide uninterrupted 24‑hour coverage. Selectman Tom Gauthier moved to approve the agreement and authorized Town Administrator Jake T. Roger to sign on the board’s behalf; Selectman Cliff Cray seconded and the motion carried on a unanimous vote.

Police Chief Michael Wallace told the board the department secured a $10,000 award from the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration to purchase equipment, protective gear or uniforms to support marijuana eradication efforts in Epping. After Chairman Tibbetts opened a public hearing and there were no public comments, the board unanimously voted to accept the grant.

The board also approved a personnel action elevating Lieutenant Stephen Soares to the rank of captain, retroactive to March 27, 2026. The promotion was moved by Chairman Pamela Tibbetts and seconded by Selectman Joe Trombley; the motion carried 5-0. Administrative paperwork submitted at the meeting documented a pay rate change from $48.18 per hour (lieutenant) to $56.01 per hour (captain).

The meeting record shows the board also approved a routine request from Police Chief Wallace to allow five officers to participate in a Sig Sauer photo shoot on April 8 for training materials and brochures; that motion passed 5-0.

The board concluded the sequence of public-safety votes without public comment and moved on to other agenda items.