1950
Annual Town Meeting March 13, 1950
UNDER ARTICLE 26.
On a motion made by Arthur Nystrom, it was voted that
the Town raise and appropriate the sum of of $14,000.00 for the purpose of
purchasing a new piece of fire apparatus, the said purchase to be made by the
Board of Fire Engineers and that the said purchase be financed in the following
manner:
"Four thousand dollars to be raised by taxation in the year 1950 and the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen or a majority thereof be and hereby is authorized and empowered to borrow the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars at a rate of interest not to exceed 1% per annum, payable semi-annually and to issue notes of the Town of Chelmsford therefor in accordance with Chapter 44 of the General Laws so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more than five years from the date of issue of the first note, and further that the Board of Fire Engineers be and are hereby authorized to either retain or dispose of the present Town owned fire truck now located in the Fire House at East Chelmsford in any way that the said Fire Engineers deem best for the interest of the Town of Chelmsford." Three Hundred fifteen (315) voted in the affirmative and Two (2) voted in the negative.
Board of Fire Engineers' Report
The year saw many accomplishments and long strides being taken towards the eventual establishment of a closely coordinated department under a central head and with fire alarm systems being developed with the aim of tying all together in the near future.
During the year we completed repairs to the Center and North fire alarm systems and, because of the national emergency, put all remaining money into new wire in order to have supplies to carry on this work while the emergency exists. The near-hurricane ate into our funds considerably, for both the Center and North systems were quite badly damaged by the wind and falling tree limbs. We also completed renovation of the Center fire alarm whistle which now is working as it was originally intended to.
We also made many repairs to the buildings - repaired and repainted the West house, put a new floor in the Center house when termites riddled the old foundation, and made other general repairs.
From left to right: Foster Braga, ?, Don Smith, Bill Thayer, Billy Ayotte, Allan Kidder, George Waite, Ernest Byam, Walter Edwards, John Thomas (Lowell), ?, ?, Clarence Dane, ?, Johnny Hallberg, ?, Forest Philbrook, Jake Smith, Louie Bennett
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
The year also saw the town authorize a new fire truck for North, which was delivered on Jan. 6, 1951, and now is in service. This filled a long-felt want and gives us one heavy duty engine of modern manufacture.
The previous Engine 2, a 1931 Maxim Pumper, was re-designated Engine 4 and transferred to East Chelmsford
The previous Engine 4, a 1926 Maxim Pumper, was re-designated as Reserve
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
With the co-operation of the townspeople, we plan many more developments this year of 1951, including a new fire station for the Center, the appointment of a full-time chief and the tying in of two thirds of the fire alarm systems, leaving the remaining third for the following year. We also plan to complete repairs and repaint the South fire station.
There may be questions raised as to the necessity for spending money on the outlying stations, but we believe that they are even more important today, in view of the national emergency, than ever before and we plan to maintain them to the best that our funds will permit.
Forest Warden's Report
The past year has shown a decrease in the forest fire loss for the town. There were no fires that reached the proportion of being classed a major fire. Though the records show twelve less fires than the previous year, we experienced some of the worst fire hazard days in the history of the town and state.
On the morning of May 7th, which was the worst fire hazard day of the year; your forest warden was alerted by the State Department of Conservation, through the medium of our short wave radio. As a result personnel were stationed with all apparatus in our town.
Six fires were extinguished without undue damage in our town as well as rendering aid to our neighboring towns of Westford, Tyngsboro and Billerica.
The building of new homes in areas heretofore uninhabited has added new hazards to the forest fire service. Statistics show the major cause of woodland and grass fires to be the disregard of proper burning ethics.
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Board of Fire Engineers Allan Kidder Gilbert H. Perham Charles. D. Harrington Samuel A. Parks William L. Colmer |
Forest Warden Allan Kidder |
1951
Annual Town Meeting March 12, 1951
Under Article 34:
On a motion made by Charles D. Harrington, it was voted to raise and appropriate
the sum of $1,800.00 for the purpose of purchasing a three-quarter ton pickup
truck for the Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of
the Board of Fire Engineers.
Special Town Meeting October 22, 1951
Under Article 3:
On a motion made by Charles D. Harrington, it was voted to transfer the sum of
$265.65 from the account known as "Purchase of a three-quarter ton pickup truck"
and to transfer the sum of $123.41 from the account known as "Repairing and
Repainting of former Engine 2 prior to its usage as Engine 4 at East
Chelmsford", and to transfer the sum of $36.00 from the account known as
"Purchase of a new Fire Truck", all accounts of the Fire Department, the total
of these sums, $425.06, to be transferred to the account known as "Labor at
Fires" of the Fire Dept.
Under Article 4:
On a motion made by Charles D. Harrington, it was voted to transfer the sum of
$45.00 from the account known as "Purchase of a new Fire Truck" to the account
known as "Rental of North Section Quarters" of the Fire Department.
Board of Fire Engineers' Report
During 1951, the fire alarm systems of North Chelmsford and West Chelmsford were linked, and an extension was made from the Center station to the East station to permit sounding of alarms in East from the Center, where the telephone switchboard is located.
In 1952, we are hoping to tie in the South alarm siren with the Center in the same manner as East now is tied in, and this will complete the long line extensions until such time as a central fire alarm system is installed. All of these lines will serve as part of a central system at that time.
Through the co-operation of the Civil Defense organization, a combination fire alarm-air raid warning whistle was installed in North Chelmsford, giving that section an adequate, modern audible alarm system.
During 1951 we also inaugurated an emergency service, utilizing a three-quarter ton pickup truck for which money was voted at the annual town meeting. This truck is equipped with radio, with firefighting and with emergency equipment and already has proven its value on many occasions. It gives the department an all-round emergency outfit which can be used at highway accidents, drownings or other non-fire emergencies without cutting down the fire-protection service in any of the five districts.
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Also during 1951, the old Engine 4 at East Chelmsford was retired to reserve duty and was replaced with the former Engine 2 from North Chelmsford, after the latter had been repaired, repainted and modernized as much as possible. The reserve truck has been used on several occasions for non-fire work, such as pumping out Middlesex street in the area where lack of drainage resulted in minor floods after each heavy rain or thaw.
Great progress also has been made in welding the five districts into one unit with all working together for the common end — a better protection set-up for the entire town.
The town experienced two serious fires during 1951 — the Emerson barn fire and the Spurr home fire. At both of these fires the volunteer members of the department spent long hours with their companies and won the plaudits of spectators for their effective firefighting work. The members of the Board of Fire Engineers join in praising these men who give up their time, their sleep and sometimes their days work, in order to help the handful of regular firemen in the protection of lives and property in town.
Fires at the two town dumps continued in 1951 to be a source of great expense to the department, and the Engineers ask that steps be taken this year to properly police these dumps, to provide hydrant service at the North dump and other measures be taken to reduce the drain on fire department finances now caused by dump and dump originated fires.
Under the mutual aid system, the Chelmsford fire department sent help to several towns in 1951 and called for and received help from Lowell, Tewksbury and Concord when it was needed.
Our big aim in 1952 is the construction of a simple fire station in the Center, to replace the antiquated, too small and poorly located shed now in use. As soon as the school department turns the Princeton street school buildings back to the town, we hope to secure one to be remodeled into a fire station for North Chelmsford, to provide town-owned housing for the apparatus there in place of the present rented housing.
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
The grass and brush fire record for 1951 in our town is an enviable one. There were one hundred and twenty-three calls for the services of your Forest Warden against one hundred and seventy-one the previous year. I think this can be accounted for by the fact more people are becoming familiar with the laws regarding the securing of a permit before starting a fire in the open.
The only major fire we experienced occurred on May 2nd in the Groton Road section. The source of the fire was the public dump off Swain Road. Many homes were endangered and all fire fighting resources of this town as well as aid from Lowell, Tewksbury and Concord were brought into play before the fire was brought under control.
Over two thousand permits for fires in the open were issued fey the Forest Warden. In closing I will remind our citizens that the law states: "That a permit shall be received at all times from the Forest Warden before any fire is started in the out-of-doors."
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Chief Engineer Assistant Chief Engineer Clerk |
Board of Fire Engineers |
Forest Warden |
1952
Annual Town Meeting March 10, 1952
Under Article 19:
In regard to the purchase of uniforms for Police and Firemen, it was voted to
dismiss this article.
Special Town Meeting July 21, 1952
UNDER ARTICLE 2.
On a motion made by Allan Kidder, it was voted to instruct the Moderator to
appoint a Committee to investigate the advisability of the use of the Princeton
Street School Buildings for Fire Department purposes or other Town purposes. The
Committee shall consist of a representative of the Fire Department, a
representative of the Health Department and three other members. Said Committee
to make a report at the next Annual Meeting.
UNDER ARTICLE 4.
On a motion made by Gilbert Perham, it was voted to accept the report of the
Committee on Chelmsford Center Fire House Building, the report was read and is
on file in the office of the Town Clerk.
UNDER ARTICLE 5.
On a motion made by Arnold C. Perham, it was voted that the sum of $80,000.00 be
raised and appropriated for the. purpose of drawing plans, supervising,
constructing, and originally equipping a fire station in Chelmsford Center, on
land now owned by the Town and located on the easterly side of North Road and
that to meet said appropriation the sum of $20,000.00 be appropriated from
available funds in the Treasury and that the Treasurer with the approval of the
Selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow the sum of $60,000.00 and to
issue notes of the Town, therefor payable in accordance with the provisions of
Chapter 44 of the General Laws so that the whole loan shall be paid in not more
than 20 years from the date of issue of the first note. 106 voted in the
affirmative and no one voted in the negative.
UNDER ARTICLE 6.
On a motion made by Gilbert H. Perham (half brother of Arnold C. Perham), it was
voted to appoint a Chelmsford Center Fire Station Building Committee to consist
of the Board of Fire Engineers and Ulysses J. Lupien, George W. Marinel, and
Arnold C. Perham, who are hereby authorized and empowered in behalf of the Town
to proceed with the construction of a Fire House on land now located on the
easterly side of the North Road now owned by the Town. Said Committee is
authorized to procure plans, specifications, award contracts for construction,
purchase equipment and furnishings and to do all things necessary to build,
equip and furnish a Fire House on the aforesaid land.
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Board of Fire Engineers' Report
Due to the co-operation of the townspeople in voting funds, the department was able to tie in the South district with the Center fire alarm system, and to repair and rebuild old Engine 4 for use as a reserve truck. At South Chelmsford station, toilet accommodations were provided for the first time.
A considerable amount of new equipment for the men was purchased during the past year and this will be continued until the supply is adequate for the entire force.
During 1952 the members of the North company staged a drive for funds and purchased a resuscitator which now is available for use wherever needed, and the members of the East company repainted the interior of their station.
(1). 1951 Studebaker pickup, Emergency 7 (2). 1935 Maxim Pumper, Engine 1 (3). 1951 Maxim Pumper, Engine 2
(4). 1947 Studebaker Pumper, Engine 3 (5). 1931 Maxim Pumper, Engine 4
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
(6). 1934 Dodge Maxim Pumper, Engine 5 (7). 1926 Maxim Pumper, Engine 6 (8). 1941 Chevrolet, Forestry 8
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Forest Warden's Report
The Forest Fire record for the year ending, Dec. 31, 1952 shows an increase over the previous year.
The request for permits for fires in the open was greater than the previous year. This was due somewhat to the system the State Dept. of Conservation has initiated in establishing a so-called, burning index, which guides persons in knowing when it is safe to burn in the open.
Considerable forestry hose became unfit for use during the year, due to age and normal wear.
The need for a tank truck for this department became more apparent this season.
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Chief Engineer Assistant Chief Engineer Clerk |
Board of Fire Engineers |
Forest Warden |
1953
Annual Town Meeting March 9, 1953
Under Article 18:
On a motion made by Carl A. E. Peterson, it was voted to accept the provisions
of Section 6B of Chapter 40 of the General Laws entitled, "6B - Uniforms for
Police and Firemen."
Under Article 31:
On a motion made by Charles D. Harrington, it was voted to raise and appropriate
the sum of $2,850.00 to defray the cost of the construction of retaining walls,
fencing, grading and landscaping land at the new Center Fire Station.
Board of Fire Engineers' Report
The past year has brought about some changes that the Board of Fire Engineers feel are for the best interest of the service and will eventually bring about a better understanding by all concerned. The duties of Deputy to the Chief Engineer, formerly held by a Callman, were changed and assigned to a permanent fire-fighter. The duties of District Chief of the North company were also changed from a Callman to a permanent firefighter, as has been the case in the Center for some time.
Engine One was completely refinished the past year, bringing all our apparatus now to a very presentable appearance.
The West and South stations were painted one coat on the outside A radiator was installed in the South station to insure against freezing the plumbing that had been installed the previous year. This radiator, plus other material needed for other stations, were removed from the Old Princeton Street School by authority of the Board of Selectmen.
The alarm system in North and West was repaired and modernized to some extent but a great deal more is necessary.
Apparatus in the Center was moved into the new station on August 1, 1953 and affords service to the whole department that the Town never had before.
1935 Maxim Pumper Engine 1, 1926 Maxim Pumper Engine 6 (Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
The Board of Fire Engineers gave considerable thought to the 1954 Budget and feel this Department can continue to render the type of service the Town is entitled to under the Board's budget recommendations. The Board decided against any further extensions of the fire alarm system, until what we have now, is modernized and put in a condition we can depend upon at all times.
The Board feels it is time steps were taken to have Town-owned quarters in North Chelmsford, and have requested the Selectmen to insert an Article in the Annual Warrant asking for a committee and funds to secure plans and specifications for a fire station for that section of the Town.
Forest Warden's Report
More calls were answered the past year than in any one year for the past three. The records for the Year 1953 show 174 calls answered. In some cases, these calls were responded to by companies of the Fire Department. The policy of the Forest Warden is that under certain circumstances governed by weather conditions, the amount of property exposed in the fire area, and distance traveled it is in the best interest of good fire protection to have the nearest available apparatus respond on the initial call. This is to be followed by the Forest Department's truck which has equipment most adapted for grass and brush fires.
Requests for permits for fires in the out-of-doors, (which are necessary under State regulation) have increased this past year. More people have become familiar with the so-called "burning index", as used by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation in its effort to reduce forest fires. As a result fewer requests for permits have been received when the index reading is thirty-five or higher.
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Chairman Clerk |
Board of Fire Engineers |
Forest Warden |
1954
Annual Town Meeting March 8, 1954
UNDER ARTICLE 28:
On a motion made by Harry L. Shedd, it was voted to appoint a Committee
including the present Fire Engineers, namely: Harry L. Shedd, Jr. Allan Kidder,
Vinson C. Reid Bernard F. McGovern, Leo A. Williams, John J. Dunigan, Richard B.
Carr, and Roger Welch with powers to engage an architect to formulate plans and
specifications for a Fire Station to he located on land now owned by the Town,
known as the Princeton Street School Site at the intersection of Washington
Street and Princeton Street, said Committee to report at the next Annual or
Special Town Meeting.
(Chelmsford Historical Society Collection)
UNDER ARTICLE 103:
On a motion made by Warren C. Lahue, it was voted to accept the provisions of
Chapter 48, Sections 42, 43, and 44 of the General Laws relative to the
appointment of a Fire Chief, and repeal all other previously accepted sections
of Chapter 48 in conflict herewith.
Report of the Fire Department
The year 1954 has brought about a great transition in the Fire Department. At the Annual Town Meeting it was voted to change the form of administration of the Fire Department from a Board of Fire Engineers to that of a full time chief. On June 1st, I (Allan Kidder) was appointed Temporary Acting Fire Chief and on September 15, 1954 was appointed Fire Chief.
This report will cover the activities of both the Fire Department and the Forest Warden as the two departments are now under one head and operate under a single budget.
Very little progress could be made for the present due to the budget being set up for the old form of organization. Plans have been formulated for the reorganization of the department to bring it up to a modern status.
A survey was requested by the Board of Selectmen of the New England Rating Bureau Association, in regard to our department's rating by their body, who are the ones to set the standard of our department as well as establishing insurance rates from same. Their survey was conducted and the report forwarded to our Board of Selectmen.
I feel that this report and recommendations are what was needed by our taxpayers for them to be guided in building and maintaining the type of fire protection the taxpayers expect and demand. With this report in mind, I have evaluated their recommendations and therefore, use the same as a basis of my request of the 1955 budget.
1 personally witnessed the testing of our pumping engines, the results of which are: the Town of Chelmsford have, of five engines tested, only one that could pass the test and meet the requirements which were not twenty years old or older. Three other pieces of apparatus owned by the Town were not of the required type so, therefore, could not meet the requirements likewise.
Progress has been made toward replacing our obsolete outside fire alarm circuits.
Report of Civilian Defense
Our emergency power plants were put to use by the Fire Department to save thousands of dollars in foods that would have otherwise spoiled. The portable light plants were used in the flooded area of Central Square and elsewhere. The teletype service gave the police and fire departments constant information regarding the progress of the storm. Radio communications were maintained throughout the emergency.
We have asked for a somewhat larger budget this year than last. We feel that this is necessary to complete an effective program. The budget calls for $5300.00 but $2105.00 will be returned to E and D Fund from the Federal and State Matching Fund. The largest item is for $2160.00 for four mobile radios for the Fire Department. This will complete communication to all sections of the town in an emergency. We understand, this may be the last year to receive matching funds from the State, on communication equipment.
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Chairman, Board of Fire Engineers Clerk, Board of Fire Engineers |
Board of Fire Engineers |
1955
Fog nozzles are still in use by the Chelmsford Fire Department depending on required reach and water supply
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Annual Town Meeting March 14, 15, and 21, 1955
UNDER ARTICLE 15:
On a motion made by the North Chelmsford Firehouse Building Committee composed
of Richard B. Carr, John J. Dunigan, Roger P. Welch, Harry L. Shedd, Jr., Allan
Kidder, and Bernard F. McGovern, it was voted that for the purpose of
constructing and originally equipping and furnishing a Fire Station at North
Chelmsford on land now owned by the Town of Chelmsford that the town appropriate
and transfer and borrow the following sums:
$33,250.00 to be transferred from the Stabilization Fund, so-called, and that
$1,150.00 be transferred from an appropriation made under Article 29 of the
Annual Town Meeting held on March 8, 1954, and that $3,600.00 be raised by tax
levy and that the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen be
authorized to borrow the sum of $10,000.00 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws
and to issue notes payable $1,000.00 each year from the date of the first note
for 10 years. Making a total of $48,000.00. All of the said money to be used for
the purpose aforesaid.
This vote was unanimous.
UNDER ARTICLE 16:
On a motion made by Bernard F. McGovern, it was voted that a North Chelmsford
Fire House Building Committee be appointed composed of Bernard F. McGovern,
Harry L. Shedd, Richard Carr, Allan Kidder, John J. Dunigan, Vinson C. Reid and
Roger P. Welch and that the said committee be authorized to proceed with the
construction of said project and to enter into all necessary and proper
contracts and agreements in respect thereto and to do all other acts necessary
for constructing said project.
UNDER ARTICLE 36:
On a motion made by Joe Lukas, it was voted to accept the following By-Law: The
Chief of the Fire Department shall include in his annual report, and cause to be
published in the Town annual report, the following information: Amount of
explosives, of all classes, stored in magazines in the Town of Chelmsford. It
was unanimously voted.
Report of the Fire Department
It is with pleasure that I submit my report of the activities of your fire department at the completion of the first year it has functioned under the system of the administration of a Fire Chief.
A program was inaugurated in the Fire Department, this year for training the personnel, both permanent and call men, that has proven to be of tremendous value. Drill periods were held every week under a schedule that enabled all firefighters to attend every two weeks. The instruction received was of the latest and of the most up-to-date methods employed by leading firefighting forces.
A maintenance system was started in the department in the past year; whereby, ail our minor repairs, testing and recording is being carried out by a department mechanic. All apparatus and equipment in all stations are checked every other day and the department mechanic is available at all times.
1951 Maxim Pumper Engine 2, 1935 Maxim Pumper Engine 1, 1926 Maxim Pumper Engine 6,
1941 Chevrolet Engine 8, 1951 Studebaker Pickup Emergency 7 (Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Inspection of oil burning equipment, bottled gas installations and all other items that come under the control of the fire department are now bring carried out in a most efficient manner.
Improved record facilities have been instituted and a more closely knitted fire fighting and fire prevention organization is now in operation.
Constant attendance at the telephone switchboard, radio transmitter and fire alarm headquarters by a permanent member of the department has been inaugurated since June 1st of 1955.
Chief Kidder published a 24 page booklet with all the location codes to be broadcast on the air horns at Town Hall and the fire stations to alert the Call Firemen in the event of a fire.
Another step in centralizing our fire alarm system by tying the West Chelmsford alarm circuit into the alarm headquarters at 7 North Road has been started, but not completed at this date.
For the most part, all the foregoing improvements in the structure and operation of the Fire Department have been made possible by the four additional men that were authorized at the annual town meeting in March of 1955.
The following amounts of explosives of all classes, stored in magazines in the Town of Chelmsford are: Magazine No. 1, 46,000 lbs.; Magazine No. 2, 51,000 lbs.; Magazine No. 3, 4,500 lbs.
In the past year, through the splendid cooperation of the Police Department and the Office of State Fire Marshal, much has been accomplished in the way of fire prevention and the proper disposition of cases of fires of suspicious origin that have occurred in Chelmsford. Court action where necessary has been ably carried out by the Chief of Police.
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Fire Chief Captain Lieutenant Permanent Firefighters Engine 1 |
Engine 2 Engine 3 |
Engine 4 Engine 5 Westlands Company |
1956
Annual Town Meeting
UNDER ARTICLE 40. On a motion made by Bernard F. McGovern, it was voted to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-Five Thousand, ($25,000.00) Dollars to be added to money previously appropriated for the purpose of building, equipping and furnishing, including architectural fees, a fire station in North Chelmsford.
(Chelmsford Historical Commission Archive)
UNDER ARTICLE 59. It was voted to dismiss this article regarding a committee studying the advisability of taking land on North Road between the Fire Station and Town Hall.
Report of the Fire Department
The increase in the number of new homes, and the fact that we can expect a great deal of future development in Chelmsford, together with the increase in Automobile fires and accidents, has shown very clearly this past year that we definitely need both new equipment, and more men to provide the Town with adequate fire protection.
However, as I feel that it is out of the question to request both new equipment and more men at this time, and as the more important of the two right now is for the Town to purchase a minimum of two new 750 G. P. M. Pumpers, I have recommended again this year, as I have for the past three years, that an Article be inserted in the Annual Town Warrant for the purchase of these trucks.
I cannot stress too strongly the need of both of these Pumpers at this time, rather than purchasing just one of them. One truck will replace a pumper which is now 26 years old, and broken down to the extent that both the Board of Selectmen and I agree that it would be a waste of money to repair such an old truck, plus the fact that we would have no assurance that we could depend on this truck to continue in service. The other truck which we would replace is an even older one, 31 years old, which we certainly cannot depend upon, and which is no longer suitable for modern day fire protection.
With two new Pumpers in service, we will then have a dependable truck in each section of the Town, although even then we will not be up to the recommendations of the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association, as printed in their report of August 11, 1954 at the completion of their survey, which was requested by the Board of Selectmen.
With the purchase of only one new Pumper, we would have to use an obsolete and undependable truck (31 years old) in some section of the Town, and I feel that all sections are entitled to equal protection. Each taxpayer has the right to the same amount of protection for his home and family as any other.
The past year, as in other years, has shown a great increase in the number of calls answered by your Fire Department, and with the additional duties assumed by the firefighters besides actual firefighting such as a Fire Station and Apparatus maintenance, Alarm maintenance, oil burner inspections, office work, drills, fire prevention, and so on, your Fire Department is now having trouble keeping up with the demands for its service, and it is certain that the demands will continue to increase in the future.
On or about August 15, 1956, I attended a meeting of the Board of Selectmen together with two members of the Finance Committee. At that meeting it was unanimously agreed that no money should be spent on the apparatus that was out of service because of a major breakdown. I informed the Selectmen that a piece of apparatus could be borrowed, at no cost to the Town, for a reasonable length of time, and' it was accepted.
Realizing that something concrete had to be inaugurated in regard to purchasing new equipment, I offered a plan to all present. It being a fact that for many years taxpayers have not been called upon to make any effort to carry their share of the burden to purchase fire apparatus, I recommended the following:
That a sum of money be borrowed immediately to cover the cost of apparatus broken down, plus apparatus which is of an age and condition that it cannot be depended upon. This sum to be paid off in equal payments over a period of five years. That also at the same time a fund be started, (known as Apparatus Depreciation Account), into which a given amount shall be placed each year, through taxation.
This plan would accomplish three things; first, it would furnish the Town at once, with the apparatus that is so greatly needed, and I believe, carry us for the next five years in a safe condition. Second, at the end of the five year period, when our apparatus debt would have been paid off, we would have a fund available to start a replacement program of apparatus, which will then be at best twenty-seven years old. Finally, the plan would accomplish the important fact of all taxpayers, every year, carrying the burden equally for proper fire protection.
At a subsequent date I was requested to meet with the Board of Selectmen and members of the Finance Committee, and two evenings were required to accomplish all that was desired. I was finally asked to pass judgment as to how few pieces of apparatus I felt we could buy at this time, and still be assured of proper fire protection. My answer was as follows: If we only have one fire at a time, we would dispatch two companies to each building fire, as is recommended by all standards, are able to be returned from a call and made ready before we have another call, then the least number of pieces of apparatus we should purchase at once would be two 750 G. P. M. pumpers. That, of course, would be eliminating one piece of apparatus, (a forest fire truck), from my original plan. If that course were to be followed, money would have to be made available to recondition our present forest fire truck.
In conclusion I feel that to furnish fire protection to all sections of the Town equally, it is imperative that the taxpayers purchase at least two pumpers at once. I shall also be more than pleased to discuss the Fire Department problem with any taxpayer, should more facts be desired.
The following amounts of explosives of all classes, stored in magazines in the Town of Chelmsford are: Magazine No. 1, 41,850 lbs.; Magazine No. 2, 47,350; Magazine No. 3, 4,400 lbs.
Report of the North Chelmsford Firehouse Building Committee
The North Chelmsford Firehouse Committee, Bernard F. McGovem, Chairman; Roger P. Welch, Secretary; Richard B. Carr, John J. Dunigan. Fire Chief Allan Kidder, Vinson C. Reid and Harry L. Shedd. Jr. submits a report of progress as follows:
Construction of the new fire station at North Chelmsford was begun in August of 1956. A considerable delay was encountered when it was necessary to call for bids on three different occasions in order to come within the funds appropriated by the voters at the Town Meeting. On the third call for bids, the lowest bid submitted was still some S3,000. 00 over the amount appropriated; but, by re-advertising for new bids on electrical, roofing, landscaping and hot topping bids, the committee finally was able to award the contract to W. W. Granger Co.
The building was substantially completed and occupied on December 30, 1956, Because of contingent expenses incurred in the installation for footings and drainage, it was impossible to furnish the building in the manner the committee had planned. The Firemen's Relief Association from North Chelmsford has supplied some of the furnishings and equipment needed and the Committee wishes to express its thanks for their help. While the station is not completely furnished, the quarters are quite comfortable.
Grading and seeding of the entire lot has been contracted for, work to begin as soon as the weather permits this coming spring.
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Fire Chief |
1957
Annual Town Meeting March 4 and 11, 1957
UNDER ARTICLE 23.
On motion of Robert F. McAndrew to raise and appropriate Twenty-Two Thousand
($22,000.00) Dollars to purchase a Fire Truck for the Fire Department to be
purchased under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen. It was so voted.
UNDER ARTICLE 24.
On motion of Robert F. McAndrew it was voted to authorize the Selectmen to sell
or otherwise dispose of the Fire Truck now being used by the Fire Department.
Report of the Fire Department
Upon comparing the records of the department over the past four years, they reveal a steady increase of service calls requested of, and furnished by the Fire Department. In some types of services the number of requests have more than doubled. The only decrease is in the number of dump fires, which has dropped sharply, and that reflects a credit to Mr. Isadore Needham the caretaker of the Town Dump, for the manner in which he has carried out his duties.
The addition of a new pumper was made to the department in November as authorized by the voters at the Annual Town Meeting in March. Additional apparatus is needed as has been proven in the past, and will be requested for the voters' consideration at our next Annual Town Meeting.
The previous Engine 1, a 1935 Maxim 500 g.p.m. Pumper, was re-designated Engine 4 and transferred to East
The previous Engine 4, a 1931 Maxim Pumper, was taken out of service
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
There have been other developments of vital interest that directly affect proper fire protection in Chelmsford, one in particular that I feel should be brought to the taxpayers attention, is manpower. Over the years Chelmsford has depended upon call firefighters for manpower in fighting fires. A call firefighter is a person who gives of his time, over and above his regular pursuit of livelihood, for the good of his community and neighbor, for which he receives a token compensation.
The call firefighter spends much of his leisure time training and becoming proficient with the apparatus and equipment he is called upon to use. Firefighting methods, as everything else, are constantly changing and being improved upon, making it possible for the department and its personnel to do a better job. Whenever possible the Chief of the Fire Department must appoint as call firefighters, men who shall be available to the department at all times, or at least have a balanced roster whereby fifty percent of his manpower will be on call at all times. This can be possible only if industry allows its personnel to leave their regular job to answer an alarm of fire. With the changing times, that situation has changed also.
In one fire company alone in Chelmsford last year, at least fifty percent of the company worked in an industry that issued an order forbidding their personnel leaving to respond to an alarm of fire. Similar conditions exist throughout the Town, seriously impairing our manpower problem. At one particular fire in 1957 at least twenty men were needed because of the nature of the fire. In three fire companies of our total of five, with a roster of ten men to each company, only three men were available to fight fire.
This leads to but one conclusion, the urgent need for more permanent firefighters, not only to have while on their regular tour of duty, but to be available for emergencies while on their off duty time. At present the department has eleven (11) permanent firefighters. A survey conducted in 1954 by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association, at the request of the Board of Selectmen, reports that a minimum of forty-two (42) permanent firefighters shall be provided to insure a working force.
1957 was a particularly hazardous year for forest fires and during the period of May 1-12, a state of emergency was declared. During this period, the State of Massachusetts will reimburse the cities and towns for any expense incurred in fighting forest fires. I have submitted a bill to the State in the amount of $655.30 which will help to offset the labor expense paid out in fighting brush fires which occurred during the time the emergency was declared.
The following amounts of explosives of all classes, stored in magazines in the Town of Chelmsford are: Magazine No. 1, 55,400 lbs.; Magazine No. 2, 58,200 lbs.; Magazine No. 3, 3,600 lbs.
Report of the North Chelmsford Fire House Building Committee
The North Chelmsford Firehouse has been occupied by the Fire Department since December 10, 1956. Grading, painting and minor construction work on the building was completed early in 1957. Open house was held in October of 1957 and the building is completely finished.
The Building Committee of Bernard F. McGovern, Chairman; Roger P. Welch, Secretary; Richard B. Carr; John J. Dunigan, Fire Chief Allan Kidder; Vinson C. Reid and Harry L. Shedd, Jr. wish to express their appreciation to all who helped bring this project to a successful completion.
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Fire Chief |
1958
Annual Town Meeting March 10, 1958
UNDER ARTICLE 2.
Mr. Goldman moved that the Town vote to amend Section 19, paragraph III
subtitled "Hours of Work Shall Be As Follows", by striking out the language in
paragraph III and inserting "For those occupying positions designated 'Public
Safety Occupations' and within the Fire Department, forty-eight (48) hours per
week; Police Department, an average of forty-four (44) hours per week, scheduled
in such a manner as the head of such department may deem advisable."
It was so voted.
UNDER ARTICLE 3.
Mr. Goldman moved that the Town vote to amend Section 19, paragraph IV
subtitled, "Hours of Work shall be as follows;" to read as follows: "Overtime
work for those beyond these hours may be compensated for by time off, except
'Mechanical and Construction Operation' hourly rates which shall be paid at the
standard rate of pay for the job times one and one-half, and except the full
time employees of the Fire Department who may be summoned and kept on duty
because of a serious fire, and except for the Police Department who shall be
paid the regular hourly rate for overtime effective July 1, 1958."
It was so voted.
UNDER ARTICLE 48.
Mr. Bradford 0. Emerson moved that the Town vote to accept an Emergency Rescue
Truck, to be used by the Fire Department, from the Box 7 Associates. It was so
voted. Moderator DeSaulnier extended the appreciation of the Town to the Box 7
Associates.
and Selectmen Edgar P. George, Raymond J. Greenwood, Robert F. McAndrew
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
UNDER ARTICLE 60.
Mr. Allan Kidder moved that the Town raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-two
Thousand Dollars ($22,000) for the purchase of a Fire Truck for the Fire
Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of
Selectmen.
It was so voted.
UNDER ARTICLE 61.
Mr. Allan Kidder moved that the Town vote to authorize the Selectmen to sell, by
good and sufficient Bill of Sale, an old Fire Truck now being used by the Fire
Department.
It was so voted.
Special Town Meeting June 23, 1958
UNDER ARTICLE 6. Hans H. Schliebus moved that this article regarding transfer of balance of account entitled "Purchase of Fire Truck" in the amount of Twelve Hundred Ten and 58/100 Dollars ($1,210.58) to the account in the Fire Department budget known as "Building Repairs and Maintenance" be dismissed. A hand vote was taken 33 voted in the affirmative 101 voted in the negative The motion failed. A motion on the original article carried.
FIRE CHIEF ALLAN KIDDER
Allan Kidder, Chief of the Fire Department, died on November 4, 1958. Chief
Kidder was first appointed a call firefighter in 1931. After serving his country
in World War II, he returned to the Fire Department in 1946 as a regular
firefighter. He rose rapidly in rank until in 1954 he was appointed as
Chelmsford's first fulltime Fire Chief. His untimely passing put an end to a
career dedicated to the Fire Service, a career in which he earned the respect of
his fellow-workers and of the Townspeople.
Report of the Fire Department
During this year the Town, and in particular the Fire Department, suffered a great loss in the passing of our Chief, Allan Kidder. His life was dedicated to the Fire Service, and the work that he accomplished will always be a tribute to his memory.
Our records show that there is a steady increase in the number of calls requested of the Fire Department. This year there was a drop in the number of grass and brush fires due to the wet Spring and Fall, and the number of dump fires was held to a minimum because of the excellent condition in which the Town Dump is kept, and burning controlled.
During this past year a new pumper was delivered to the Town, and is in service at the North Fire Station. The addition of this truck gives adequate pumper protection for some time to come.
The previous Engine 2, a 1951 Maxim 750 g.p.m. Pumper, was re-designated Engine 3 and transferred to West
The previous Engine 3, a 1947 Studebaker 500 g.p.m. Pumper, was re-designated Engine 5 and transferred to South
The previous Engine 5, a 1934 Pumper, was taken out of service (Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Also, this past year has seen the fulfillment of our drive to secure a Rescue Truck, at no cost to the Town. This truck with the equipment cost over Twelve Thousand Dollars, and of this amount the firefighters themselves donated over Five Thousand Dollars from their Relief Fund.
At the West and South Stations modern overhead doors have been installed, and the grounds have been leveled and graded, with new driveways put in.
A considerable amount of work has been done at the Center Station. The upstairs section which was left unfinished when the building was built, has now been completed, and painted. All of the woodwork on the outside of the building was given a coat of paint, and we are now in the process of painting the downstairs section. All of this work has been done by the firefighters themselves on their regular tour of duty.
The immediate problem facing the Fire Department continues to be the need for additional manpower. There is only one man on duty at the North Station on each shift at present. This is a dangerous situation, and in order to correct it I am requesting permission from the voters at the Annual Town Meeting in March to appoint three additional men. These three men will be assigned to the North Station and we will then have two men on each shift to answer any call for assistance.
Additional equipment needed is both a ladder truck and a brush truck, but to keep expenditures as low as possible I am requesting that only the brush truck be purchased this year. Our present truck is eighteen years old, and because it gets more use than all other trucks combined, it is just about worn out.
The following amounts of explosives of all classes, stored in magazines in the Town of Chelmsford are: Magazine No. 7, 55,445 lbs.; Magazine No. 2, 56,400 lbs.; Magazine No. 3, 3,500 lbs.
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Fire Chief |
1959
Annual Town Meeting March 9, 1959
Under Article 14:
Mr. Robert F. McAndrew moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum
of $12,400,00 to purchase a new piece of fire apparatus, said apparatus to be of
the type commonly used for brush and grass fires, purchase to be made by the
Board of Selectmen. It was so voted.
Report of the Fire Department
An increase in the demands on the Fire Department was maintained again this past year. We responded to a total of 415 calls which is a great jump over preceding years, and for the most part is the result of the rapid growth of the Town.
A new 4-wheel drive brush truck was delivered to the Town, making it possible to move one of our other brush trucks to the North Station. This will save our pumper from answering brush fire calls, and keep it in readiness for building fires.
In turn, the old brush truck, a 1941 Chevrolet, was transferred to North Chelmsford as Engine 7
(1959 Annual Town Report)
A considerable amount of repair work has been done on all five stations during 1959, most of which has been done by the regular firefighters while on their regular tour of duty.
There were 85 permits for Oil and L.P. Gas installations or alterations, and 15 permits for blasting issued. Periodic inspections were made in schools and convalescent homes to eliminate fire hazards.
One new circuit was added to the fire alarm system to enable us to include the new High School on a separate circuit rather than to overload any of the present circuits. Two fire alarm boxes were also added to this circuit.
Maintenance work on the fire alarm system consisted mainly of general and emergency repairs and pole changeovers. Most of the emergency repairs were made necessary by the new road construction which is going on in Chelmsford.
The department believes that in order to maintain a high level of fire protection the following recommendations should be carried out.
- Adopt a plan whereby an amount, shall be appropriated each year, and placed in a fund, for the future replacement of fire apparatus
- Replace the Studebaker pickup truck
- Purchase a 75' aerial ladder truck
The following amounts of explosives of all classes stored in the Town of Chelmsford are: Magazine No. 1, 48,450 lbs.; Magazine No. 2, 40,150 lbs.; Magazine No. 3, 5,800 lbs.
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Fire Chief Ernest G. Byam |