Orford fire, police report uptick in calls; new fire truck due April 13

At the Selectboard meeting on April 8, Fire Chief Sanborn told the board the department responded to 22 calls in March, including 10 medical calls, four mutual-aid calls, two wires-down incidents, two carbon-monoxide alarms and single incidents such as a vehicle crash and a chimney fire. Sanborn said year-to-date calls stood at 60 compared with 41 at the same point in 2025 and said that with the observed increase in call volume the salary line could be affected by about $1,500. He also reported that the new fire truck is scheduled to arrive the week of April 13.

Police Chief Bachus reported the department handled 98 calls in March, ranging from a single report of a sex offense to animal complaints and a vehicle collision. Bachus said officers made 50 motor vehicle stops in March that resulted in nine summonses; three investigations remain open and two new investigations began during the month. He said July 4 parade planning has begun, permits have been submitted, and he did not expect the closure of Route 5 to heavily affect parade activities because I-91 could be used as an alternative.

The Selectboard received these reports as informational items; no formal action or budget vote was recorded at the meeting.