Epping hires nine part‑time firefighters and starts bids for replacement vehicles

The Epping Board of Selectmen on March 2 approved hiring nine part‑time firefighters and authorized staff to begin bid specifications for two replacement vehicles after a presentation by Fire Chief Ken Berkenbush.

Chief Berkenbush told the board the department recruited nine candidates to improve coverage for the 6 p.m.–6 a.m. shift, which he said “always has at least one opening.” He reported the department currently employs 16 full‑time and 20 part‑time personnel, seven of whom are inactive, and said the department’s budget can support up to 50 total positions. “There is a closet of turnout gear so I don't anticipate any expenditures except perhaps for one candidate who is quite tall,” Berkenbush said. Vice Chairman Pamela Tibbetts moved to hire all nine candidates; the motion, seconded by Selectman Cliff Cray, carried 5–0.

The board also reviewed a draft 20‑year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Fire and EMS. Chief Berkenbush said he used current numbers for planning, estimated annual ambulance revenue at $500,000 and annual expenses at $150,000 with a $20,000 buffer, and reported the department had already spent about $183,000 on new defibrillators. He said the estimated ending balance as of 2025 was approximately $1.23 million and that first‑year vehicle replacements (Forestry 1 and Car 3) would total about $230,000.

Berkenbush described specific equipment costs: a new fit‑up for Forestry 1 would likely run about $150,000 and Car 3 would require a new equipment kit because existing gear is not compatible with newer vehicles. He said retired apparatus could be repurposed for non‑emergency Highway Department work. The chief also raised the need for a ladder truck to serve taller buildings arriving in town and said impact fees and developer contributions would be applied toward that purchase. Chairman Tom Gauthier and board members authorized staff to begin seeking bid specifications for the two vehicles planned for this year.

Selectman Caitlin McCormack asked that three prior years of balances and expenditures be included in the CIP for comparison, and Selectman Joe Trombley noted potential grant funds were not reflected in the plan. Town Administrator Jake T. Roger said, if the town master plan and budget pass, a full CIP including Fire would be prepared.

The board’s action on the hires was immediate; the CIP remains a living document to be updated annually and will be refined as grant opportunities or budget decisions are resolved.