Orford fire and police chiefs report seasonal readiness, equipment purchase and upcoming events

Fire and police leaders briefed the Orford Selectboard on department activity and near‑term plans during the June 11 meeting.

Fire Chief Sanborn told the board the department responded to 12 calls in May, which included mutual aid and medical responses. He said hose and ladder testing and SCBA cylinder testing are scheduled over the next two weeks. Sanborn said the department will order three radios to be paid from the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund and will staff a station at the Mt. Cube rest stop during the Prouty event. He recommended buying a 13‑horsepower skid unit from vendor Qtec for $17,495; with shipping the total cost is $19,815. Sanborn said the purchase is covered by a warrant article approved at the 2025 annual meeting.

Police Chief Bachus reported 144 calls for service in May (Orford Police Department handled 142; NHSP handled two). He said enforcement connected to the NH Highway Safety Grant produced 36 stops; the department also recorded two criminal arrests, 55 motor‑vehicle stops that resulted in four summonses, five animal complaints, and other non‑criminal calls. Bachus said a permitted event on the Orford Bridge is scheduled for June 14, with about 100 people expected; he noted parade permits for July 4 have been received and the town has submitted a Highway Safety Grant application and is preparing for the Prouty. When asked if he would serve as the town health officer, Bachus said potential conflicts could arise and he would look into the issue further. The board agreed to review the Animal Control Officer job description at the next meeting Bachus attends.

The reports were received for the record; no formal votes were recorded on the equipment recommendations during the public report section.