Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Department Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tamworth Fire Board approves minutes, agrees to fund EMT class and discusses training, equipment repairs
Summary
At its May 7 meeting, the Tamworth Board of Firewards approved the April 2 minutes, agreed to pay for an EMT class for Michael Bowles and reviewed equipment repairs, training scheduling and a proposed tuition policy for certifications.
The Tamworth Board of Firewards on May 7 approved its April 2 minutes, agreed to pay for an EMT class for Michael Bowles and discussed a range of operational items including equipment repairs, training schedules and a proposed tuition-repayment policy.
Chairman Jim Bowles opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. and recorded attendance: firewards J. Bowles, M. Baumann, A. Brown and S. Riley; department members Chief R. Colcord, Capt. D.K. Bowles, Capt. D. Costello, FF T. Dutile and FF M. Costello. S. Riley moved to accept the April 2 minutes as read; M. Baumann seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Chief R. Colcord reported several maintenance and equipment updates. He said he is waiting for parts to restore power to the side outlets at the Chocorua station, that OME is awaiting parts for Great Hill repeater maintenance, and that he will acquire insulation and materials to repair the ceiling above the rescue office. He also said a solenoid valve that had been affecting apparatus 6E1’s air horn should be fixed, that two new/used radios have been purchased to update Car 1, and that a water meter has been installed in Central Station.
On personnel and training, the board agreed to pay for Michael Bowles’ EMT class (meeting minutes record the agreement but do not list a mover or vote tally beyond noting the agreement). S. Riley asked whether call firefighters had received a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment given to other town employees; Chief R. Colcord confirmed they had. The board discussed creating clearer criteria for when the department will pay class tuition and for how time spent in class is compensated; one proposal would have the department pay tuition and reimburse time only if the member passes related certification tests. S. Riley will draft policy language for review at the next Firewards meeting.
FF T. Dutile asked whether the department would help fund his paramedic program; he said the program typically costs $11,200 and takes about 16–24 months to complete, and that his other employers will not assist. The board discussed the request at length without reaching a decision.
Other operational items included a suggestion from S. Riley to set up a regular rotation for truck checks and a reminder that the part‑time salaries budget could be used to cover that work. Capt. D.K. Bowles urged members not to block access at Central Station when parking during calls and reminded the group of the Firemen’s Club Mother’s Day breakfast on Sunday. M. Baumann said the training officer is still determining an EMS training schedule and is trying, if possible, to consolidate trainings on Thursdays rather than alternating Monday and Thursday meetings. Chief R. Colcord reported that flow testing of SCBA has been completed.
A. Brown moved to adjourn at 8:46 p.m.; S. Riley seconded and the motion passed with all in favor. S. Riley will prepare draft language on tuition/payment policy for the next meeting.
