1970
The previous brush fire truck, 1959 Ford Engine 9 at the Center, was transferred to South Chelmsford
The donated 1958 Chevrolet rescue truck, Rescue 1, was taken out of service
(1983 photo, Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Town Election March 2, 1970
QUESTION #2:
Shall the Town of Chelmsford accept the provisions of Section 111D of Chapter 41
of the General Laws (Ter. Ed.) of Massachusetts, as amended as it applies to the
permanent or regular members of the Police Department and the Fire Forces of the
Town of Chelmsford?
A Fair and Concise Summary Appears Below:
Acceptance of the provisions of Section 111D of Chapter 41 would grant to
regular and permanent members of the Police Department and Fire Forces of the
Town of Chelmsford a three (3) week vacation after five (5) years of service and
a four (4) week vacation after ten (10) or more years of service.
Results: Yes 3,463; No 2,408; Blanks 373
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 24, 1970
UNDER ARTICLE 30.
Mr. Howard Humphrey moved the Town appropriate and
transfer from surplus funds $90,000.00 for the purpose of constructing and
originally equipping and furnishing a fire station at West Chelmsford on land
now owned by the Town. It was so voted.
UNDER ARTICLE 31.
Mr. Howard Humphrey moved the Town vote to authorize
the Board of Selectmen to appoint a West Chelmsford Fire Station Building
Committee and authorize it 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. It was
so voted.
(Appointed to the committee were: Frederick H. Reid, Ralph E.
House, Edward Hoyt, Eugene E. Gilet, and Peter R. Vennard)
UNDER ARTICLE 32.
Mr. Gerald Lannan moved the Town vote to appropriate
and transfer from the Fire Equipment Fund $6,150.00 for the purchase of a new
Motor for a 1958 Maxim Fire Engine for the Fire Department, such purchase to be
made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen. It was so voted.
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Special Town Meeting June 8, 1970
UNDER ARTICLE 3.
Mr. Paul Murphy moved that the Town vote to designate
and dedicate for recreational purposes that the parcel of land owned by the Town
and known as the Robert's land at Old Westford, which parcel had been originally
purchased by the Town for school purposes and excepting from recreational
purposes that portion of the property which is to be utilized for fire station
purposes. It was so voted.
UNDER ARTICLE 5.
Mr. Frederick Reid moved that the Town vote to transfer
from the excess and deficiency fund the sum of Nine Hundred Dollars to the
regular fireman account said sum to be utilized for the employment of additional
fire department personnel. It was so voted, unanimously.
Westford Firefighter Richard T. St. Onge died of a heart attack
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
(Chelmsford Historical Commission Archive)
Report of the Fire Department
Quarterly inspections required by statutes in nursing homes were conducted and the necessary reports filed. Public and private school fire drills and inspections required by law were conducted; mercantile, industrial, church, garage and service station buildings were inspected for hazards and reports filed. Appropriate recommendations were given to owners and/or occupants. The 1970 inspection program was, in fact, the most aggressive conducted by the department in its history. A single piece of radio-equipped apparatus was assigned with a full complement of fire fighters to undertake "in service" inspections. In the event of a fire call, the men and equipment are able to respond immediately and without delay. In this way more efficient and effective use of personnel and apparatus is achieved.
For 1971 the department recommends that a new 1000 G.P.M. pumper be purchased, replacing a 1935 pumper now in service. There are five pumping engines in the department. Our plans are to replace one pumper every five years so that we will always have modern equipment without putting a burden on the tax rate.
Report of the Board of Selectmen
Labor negotiations with unions which represent the Fire Department and Highway Department employees commenced once again, during the latter part of 1970, so that new contracts can be agreed upon, and the results presented to the voters at the coming annual town meeting. Our Labor Relations Advisor, Mr. S. Anthony DiCiero, has assisted the board in many ways during these negotiations and we are most grateful for his help.
Capt. Allen Mello, James Cutter, Ronald Sawicki (Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Report of the Fire Station Building Committee
Eugene Gilet, Chairman, Edward Hoyt, Secretary, Frederick H. Reid, Fire Chief, Peter Vennard, Ralph House
At the annual town meeting of March 1969, a committee was appointed to select a site, prepare plans and specifications for a new fire station to be located in West Chelmsford.
The site selected was one located at the corner of Westford Street and Old Westford Road, said land being owned by the town of Chelmsford. Some delay in obtaining plans and specifications occurred due to the refusal of the State Board of Health to approve the original site as selected. A new site on the same property with the approval of the Board of Selectmen was selected.
Articles for the annual town meeting in March 1970 were prepared and costs submitted to the Finance Committee for their approval. Bids from three general contractors were received September 24, 1970, and the contract was awarded to the low bidder one week later.
Progress from then on was very good — the building being roofed in and heat on before the first snowfall. At this present rate of progress we expect that the building can be occupied by the beginning of February, 1971.
Report of the Civil Defense Commission
During April, Crystal Lake burst its dam due to the rains and melting snow. The culverts which allowed the water from Stony Brook to go under the railroad tracks in West Chelmsford, became clogged with old railroad ties and debris from the adjacent banks diverting practically all the water to flow along the dyke into Crystal Lake. As a result, the overflows caused the dam (which was mostly fine sand) to be washed away, flooding the lower part of the area on Richardson Road and Princeton Blvd. The damage which occurred was quite extensive to some of the business establishments and residents in the area.
The Police and the Auxiliary Police along with the Fire Department did an outstanding job of traffic and warning patrol. The Red Cross, under the supervision of Walter Hedlund, set up a first aid center and provided food for the workers. The town was fortunate that the dam burst in mid-afternoon and no one was injured. Had it happened during the night, the damage and injuries would have been much more extensive.
|
Fire Chief Deputy Fire Chief Captains |
Privates |
Paul D. Henderson |
1971
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 22, 1971
UNDER ARTICLE 33.
Mr. Fred Reid moved the Town vote to raise and
appropriate $47,200.00 for the purchase of a Pumping Engine for the Fire
Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of
Selectmen. It was so voted,
UNDER ARTICLE 64.
Regarding funds for manning the East Chelmsford Fire
Station on a permanent basis, Mr. Timothy O'Connor moved for dismissal. It was
so voted.
UNDER ARTICLE 6.
Mr. Gerald J. Lannan moved that the town vote to
transfer from surplus funds the sum of $300 to procure appraisals for the
purchase of land for the use of a fire station in East Chelmsford, such
appraisals to be obtained by the Fire Station Site Committee. It was so voted.
Report of the Fire Department
In 1971 the Fire Department inspected one hundred and eighty-six mercantile and commercial establishments for the purpose of making recommendations for fire safety and prevention. One hundred and thirty-two re-inspections were made to protect the safety of the general public and assure compliance with state statutes. The cooperation of our local business community has been outstanding and the department is appreciative of their help and understanding. In addition, every three months the department has inspected all schools, theaters and nursing homes. During the summer fire safety programs were held for the staffs of all four nursing homes in the town.
During fire prevention week the department conducted an all day fire safety program for several hundred boy scouts and their parents. The use of the building and grounds of the South Chelmsford Rod and Gun Club were made available for this program, through the courtesy of the members of that organization.
In the morning, classes were held inside for groups of scouts. Subjects discussed were: the various types of fire extinguishers and their proper use, danger of false fire alarms and how to develop an emergency evacuation plan for the home. Two timely fire prevention films were also shown during the morning program. The aid and cooperation of the scouts was sought in the fire department's continuous campaign to prevent fires.
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
The afternoon program included an outside demonstration of the fire extinguishers on test fires. The boys were given an opportunity to use the various types of extinguishers on a real fire. A team of fire fighters demonstrated rescue techniques by using the aerial ladder and strokes stretcher to remove a simulated victim from the roof of a building. As a finale to the day's program, a small building was set on fire. On signal, the fire companies responded and extinguished the fire as they would at an actual fire. This day long program was well received and was given extensive coverage by the local newspaper and a Boston television station.
During the year several hundred youngsters have been given conducted tours of the various fire stations and have been supplied with fire prevention literature. Your fire department in cooperation with the fire department of Billerica and Dracut has established a library of fire safety films. These films are available to any group or organization and a program may be arranged by calling or writing the fire prevention bureau.
As a result of a complete ban on outside burning, the number of brush fires have been reduced from 257 calls in 1969 to 95 calls in 1971; although we did respond to several dump fires totaling several hundred man-hours and millions of gallons of water prior to the use of the Lowell incinerator.
In February we opened the new West Chelmsford Fire Station. This now gives us four permanently manned stations which enable us to provide better fire protection throughout the town.
(1995 photo, Chelmsford Fire Department Collection))
A new 1000 G.P.M. pumper will be delivered in the spring as part of our continuing rotation plan whereby we purchase a new pumper every five years.
For 1972, the department recommends that we replace a 1964 pick-up truck now in use at the Center Fire Station with a new 3/4 ton pick-up This vehicle is used for transporting equipment to the various stations, picking up hose after fires and plowing all fire stations.
The East Chelmsford fire Station Site Committee
In April of 1971 a committee was appointed by the Selectmen to select a site for a fire station in East Chelmsford to provide that section of town with equal fire protection with other parts of town.
The members of the committee are:
Timothy F. O'Connor, Chairman
Myles I. Beers, Clerk
Thomas E. Firth, Jr.
John E. Hibbard
Edward G. Quinn, Deputy Fire Chief
Frederick H. Reid, Fire Chief
William E. Spence
Francis J. Bindas
The committee began holding meetings early in May and continued through October with the final selection of a site on Carlisle Road in East Chelmsford.
|
Fire Chief Deputy Fire Chief Captains |
Privates |
Paul D. Henderson |
1972
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting March 21, 1972
UNDER ARTICLE 24.
Mr. Gerald J. Lannan moved that the Town vote to raise
and appropriate the sum of $3,988.00 for the purpose of purchasing a 3/4 ton
4-wheel drive pick-up truck with snow plow for the Fire Department, said
purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen; and to
authorize said Board to transfer by good and sufficient Bill of Sale the 1964
Chevrolet 3/4 ton pick-up truck with plow now being used by the Fire Department.
It was so voted.
Special Town Meeting April 18, 1972
UNDER ARTICLE 52.
Pertaining to the acquisition of land for a site for a
new fire station on Carlisle Street. The vote was: YES 33, NO 85. Motion
defeated.
As a result ARTICLE 53 to raise money to be used for procuring plans and specifications for a proposed new fire house in East Chelmsford and ARTICLE 54 to authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint an "East Chelmsford Fire House Building Committee" to proceed with the procurement of plans, legal and technical advice, specifications and costs for the construction of a proposed new fire house in East Chelmsford were both withdrawn.
Special Town Meeting April 18, 1972
UNDER ARTICLE 1.
Mr. Gerald J. Lannan moved that the Town vote to
transfer from available funds the sum of $6,000.00 for the purchase of a new
motor for a 1957 Maxim Fire Engine for the Fire Department, such purchase to be
made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen. It was so voted.
due for engine replacement in 1972 (Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Report of the Fire Department
Although the actual number of alarms have been reduced from previous years, we did have several multi-alarm fires resulting in large fire losses. Two of which were at the Middlesex Training School. Both were set. In each case all persons involved were apprehended and convicted.
A stepped-up fire prevention program was inaugurated in the department during the past year, with Captain Robert Spaulding being assigned to this program. The 1971 fire prevention car has been replaced by a 1972 model through the continuing courtesy of Bournival Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc.
All fire fighters participate in the in-service inspections of commercial and industrial buildings. Any violation of law or unusual conditions are referred to the fire prevention bureau. These in-service inspections have been well received by the business community. A study is being made of the advisability of adopting a fire prevention code for the town.
In compliance with state law, all churches having kindergartens who do not have the required fire detection and alarm systems were notified and are complying.
In addition, a new pick-up service truck has been added replacing one that was several years old. This vehicle is used to transport hose and to perform the many service duties required by the department. It is furnished with complete snow plowing equipment which is used to keep the five fire stations clear of snow and ice.
The department rescue truck which was originally presented to the town as a gift has been retired after many years of excellent service.
The newest brush fire truck has been converted by the men of the department to a rescue vehicle. This was made possible by the drop in the number of brush fires due to the ban on outside burning.
This 1983 photo with firefighters Richard Grennon and Frances Conlon shows a generator working atop the truck
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
Training of personnel continues to be a prime consideration of the fire department, continuous throughout the year, consisting of both outdoor drills and indoor classroom instruction. The members of the department have received basic and refresher courses in cardiopulmonary resuscitation under the sponsorship of the heart association. Special classes have been held on the handling of all types of gas fires.
The department has made another advance in the past year consistent with modern fire fighting practices. This is the introduction of pre-fire planning. Under this system a diagrammed written plan is devised for coping with a fire in schools, nursing homes, shopping centers, etc. Each man is provided with his own copy of the plan, and in addition each engine company carries a copy with them. The plans are reviewed frequently and operational drills are held at the various sites.
For 1973, the department recommends that a 1969 4-door sedan now being used by the fire department be replaced with a 1973 4-door sedan.
The department is also recommending through articles in the Annual Town Warrant, the purchase of land and funds for preliminary plans for a fire station in East Chelmsford.
|
Fire Chief Deputy Fire Chief Captains |
Privates |
Paul D. Henderson |
1973
Annual Town Meeting March 12, 1973
UNDER ARTICLE 13.
Mr. Frederick H. Reid moved that the Town vote to
authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire in fee simple by purchase, by
eminent domain or otherwise, as the site for a proposed new fire station the
following described land which is bounded as follows: Beginning at a point on
the northerly side of Riverneck Road, the southeasterly corner of land now or
formerly of Stephen H. and Louise M. Farley: thence westerly two hundred fifty
(250) feet: thence northerly about four hundred (400) feet to Black Brook
Channel: thence easterly two hundred fifty (250) feet to corner of land now or
formerly of Helen Lemire: thence running southerly approximately four hundred
fifty (450) feet to the point of beginning. Said land being part of Lot #405 now
or formerly owned by Franklin N. Prescott, Plan Book 35, Plan 28: and that the
Town vote to raise and appropriate $20,000 to defray all necessary costs, fees,
and expenses in connection with the acquisition of said land and for paying any
damages which may be awarded as the result of any such taking, said purchase to
be made only if said land passes state sanitary requirements. A motion to amend
to delete the words "eminent domain" from the above motion was defeated. The
vote on the main motion was unanimous.
UNDER ARTICLE 14.
Mr. Frederick H. Reid moved that in the event of an
affirmative vote under the preceding article, that the Town vote to authorize
the Board of Selectmen to appoint a committee consisting of not more than five
(5) members for the purpose of proceeding with the preparation of plans and
specifications for the construction of a fire-house on the said described
premises, and to transfer from the West Chelmsford Fire Station Building funds
the sum of $2,500.00 for the use of said committee. It was so voted.
UNDER ARTICLE 15.
Mr. Thomas F. Markham, Jr. moved that the Town vote to
raise and appropriate $2,849.00 for the purchase of a 1973 four-door sedan type
vehicle for the Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision
of the said Board of Selectmen: and to authorize the Selectmen to sell by good
and sufficient bill of sale the 1969 four-door sedan type vehicle now being used
by the Fire Department. It was so voted.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 14, 1973
UNDER ARTICLE 78.
Mr. Thomas F. Markham, Jr. moved that the Town vote to
grant longevity benefits to all permanent employees of the Police Department and
Fire Department in accordance with the following schedule:
a. Upon completion of five years of employment said employee shall receive a
three per cent (3%) increase.
b. Upon completion of ten years of employment said employee shall receive a six
per cent (6%) increase.
c. Upon completion of fifteen years of employment said employee shall receive a
nine per cent (9%) increase.
d. Upon completion of twenty years of employment said employee shall receive a
twelve per cent (12%) increase.
A discussion took place. Mr. Gerald Lannan of the Board of Selectmen stated that the Selectmen are unanimously in favor of this article. Mr. Richard McDermott of the Finance Committee spoke in opposition to it, but stated he wished to go on record that the Finance Committee considers the firefighters and policemen first class citizens. A motion was made to stop debate. Motion carried, unanimously. A vote was taken on the main motion. It was so voted. The voice vote was questioned. A hand count was taken: YES 271, NO 147. It was so voted.
Report of the Fire Department
On March 23, 1973 the town was notified of a change in the insurance rating schedule. Specifically rated buildings were changed from 5th class to 4th class. This would include mercantile and industrial properties. Dwellings were changed from Grade "C" to "B". This has resulted in savings to both business enterprises and private homeowners. This change in rating resulted from a survey of the fire defenses of Chelmsford conducted by the Insurance Service Organization. We feel this change was brought about primarily through the efforts of the fire department in effecting modern training methods and especially its system of pre-fire planning of major buildings and complexes throughout the town.
Undoubtedly the energy crisis will play a major part in the fire service. We are beginning to feel the affect. Several fires have occurred due to the reactivating of fireplaces after several years of idleness. We cannot stress too strongly the importance of having old fire places checked by a competent person.
A major concern to the fire department involves the transport, handling and storage of gasoline. Gas should be transported in approved safety cans and never stored in any building or part of any building being used for habitation. However, gasoline may be used, kept, or stored in any building not used for habitation nor frequented by the public, without a permit, provided the total quantity shall not exceed seven gallons and provided the gasoline is stored in one or more metal or plastic containers which have been approved by the marshal. Such containers shall be kept away from all heating devices and shall not be opened in any area where there is an open flame or an electric or mechanical device that might cause a spark. If a container is used in an enclosed area, such area shall be suitably ventilated. Precaution should also be used with portable electrical heaters. All electric heaters should be kept away from flammable materials.
The 1972 fire prevention car has been replaced by a 1973 model through the continuing courtesy of Bournival- Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc.
(Chelmsford Historical Society Collection)
The 1969 Ford 4-door sedan used by the Fire Chief has been replaced by a 1973 Chevrolet.
I am recommending, and have made provisions in my budget for 1974, the up-dating of our rescue equipment as we are responding to an increasing number of accidents on Route #495 and Route #3.
The East Chelmsford Fire Station Building Committee
Walter R. Hedlund, Chairman, Frederick H. Reid, George R. Dixon, Edward G. Quinn, Edward Hoyt
The above committee held its first regular meeting immediately following the acquisition of the land for the station on December 17th. At this meeting the possibility of incorporating a civilian defense Emergency Operating Center in the plans for the building were discussed. The committee instructed the Chairman to ask the Assistant Director of Civil Defense of Sector 1 to be present at our next regular meeting to advise us of the requirements for such an operating center.
|
Fire Chief Deputy Fire Chief Captains |
Privates |
Paul D. Henderson |
1974
Report of the Fire Department
Again this year the Fire Department hit a record high in responses but the actual loss by fire was the lowest it has been in the past decade. The increase was mainly caused by legislation allowing open burning for the period of March 15 - April 15. Our most serious fires this year have resulted from improper installation and use of wood-burning stoves and of neglected fireplaces
An "Act to Insure High Quality Emergency Medical Care Through Regulation" adopted by the Department of Public Health in accordance with provisions of Chapter 948 of the Acts of 1973 are now being incorporated within the department as several members of the department are presently taking the Emergency Medical Trainee course at two Lowell hospitals. Two fire fighters, Donald Weber and Joseph Staveley, have already successfully completed the course. They have passed the national exams and have teen awarded their certificate as emergency medical technicians.
Due to the economy, the Bournival-Chrysler Co., Inc. was unable to continue to provide us with a courtesy car for use in fire prevention. However, we were most fortunate to obtain a 1974 sedan through the courtesy of Hallissey Chevrolet, Inc. thus enabling us to continue our fire prevention program.
For 1975 the Department recommends that a new 1000 G.P.M. pumper be purchased. There are five pumping engines in the department. In continuing our rotation plan of replacing one pumper every five years, we will always have modern equipment without putting a burden on the tax rate.
It is our hope that articles submitted for appropriation for the construction of a fire station on land purchased for that purpose on Riverneck Road in the East section of town be acted upon favorably at the annual town meeting.
|
Fire Chief Deputy Fire Chief Captains |
Privates |
Paul D. Henderson |
1975
Annual Town Meeting May 5, 1975
UNDER ARTICLE 27.
Selectman Arnold J. Lovering moved that the Town vote
to raise and appropriate the sum of $22,437 and transfer the sum of $53,263 from
the Stabilization Fund for the purchase of a 1,000 Gallon Pumping Engine for the
Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of
Selectmen. The Finance Committee supports this article. A 2/3 vote required for
the transfer. It was so voted, unanimously.
UNDER ARTICLE 28.
Selectman Arnold J. Lovering moved that the Town vote
to raise and appropriate the sum of $275,000 for the purpose of constructing and
originally equipping and furnishing a fire station on Riverneck Road in East
Chelmsford on land now owned by the Town. A discussion about the need for a fire
station followed with Fire Chief Frederick Reid answering specific questions.
The Selectmen and Finance Committee favored this article. It was so voted, by
voice.
UNDER ARTICLE 29.
Selectman Arnold J. Lovering moved in the event of an
affirmative vote on the preceding Article, I move that the Town vote to
authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint an East Chelmsford Fire Station
Building Committee consisting of five (5) members and authorize it to proceed
with the construction of said project and to enter into all necessary and proper
contracts and agreements in respect thereto, said contracts to be signed by the
Board of Selectmen, and to do all other acts necessary for constructing said
project. It was so voted, by voice.
Report of the Fire Department
This year for the first time the Fire Department responses exceeded 1000 calls with increase mainly in automobile accidents, motor vehicle fires and malicious false alarms which in itself showed an increase of 87%. Of major concern to the Fire Department is the number of motor vehicles being stolen and burned in the Town of Chelmsford with approximately fifty cases of arson involving motor vehicles this year alone.
On December 29. the contract was signed for the new Fire Station on Riverneck Road in East Chelmsford. Funds were appropriated at the annual town meeting. Construction should begin sometime in January with a completion date set for August.
A new 1000 gallon per minute pumper authorized last year is on order and scheduled for delivery in the summer of 1976.
(This photo shows the pumper after modifications in 1988 that added a four-door forward cab)
The previous Engine 1, a 1972 Maxim 1000 g.p.m. Pumper, was re-designated as Engine 2 and transferred to North
The previous Engine 2, a 1966 Maxim 1000 g.p.m. Pumper, was re-designated as Engine 4 and transferred to East
The previous Engine 4, a 1951 Maxim 750 g.p.m. Pumper, was placed in Reserve and remained in East Chelmsford
(Chelmsford Fire Department Collection)
This year the Fire Department is requesting funds in the budget for eight additional men for the new fire station.
East Chelmsford fire Station Building Committee
Walter Hedlund, Chairman, Frederick Reid, Fire Chief, Edward Quinn, Deputy Fire Chief, George Dixon, Edward Hoyt, Secretary
The above committee met in February 1975 and voted to insert in the annual Town Warrant an article requesting that the sum of $275,000 be appropriated for the construction of this station. Following approval of this article at Town meeting the architect made structural changes in the design of the station to bring the cost more in line with the sum of money that was appropriated.
Complete working plans and specifications were prepared for bidding and on November 18th bids for sub-contract work were received and opened at the architect's office. Sealed bids for the general contract were received and opened at the architects office November 25th. A total of fifteen bids were received with costs ranging from a low of $244,397 to a high of $304,622. The successful bidder was the Petruccelli Construction Co. of Lynn, Mass.
At a meeting with the Board of Selectmen on December 29th contract documents were signed by the Selectmen, with Committee and the contractor. The projected completion date is expected to be early fall of 1976.
|
Fire Chief Deputy Fire Chief Captains Clerk |
Privates |
Paul D. Henderson |
1976
Report of the Fire Department
With the opening of a new fire station in the east section, the fire department has completed its expansion program which began in 1952. Construction of stations were made at five year intervals (North, South, West) and each station is permanently manned with modern equipment. We feel that the manpower level now obtained shall remain the same for several years to come. We plan to continue our present policy of purchasing a fire engine every five years. Money is set aside each year for this purpose.
The Town of Chelmsford, through a survey conducted by the Insurance Service Office of Massachusetts, has a Grade "B" rating. This rating is as high as any town in the Commonwealth.
This year the fire department has requested that the ladder truck be repowered with a new diesel engine as this will add 15 years or more to the life of this vehicle.
East Chelmsford fire Station Building Committee
Walter Hedlund, Chairman, Frederick Reid, Fire Chief, Edward Quinn, Deputy Fire Chief, George Dixon, Edward Hoyt, Secretary
The above committee and the Board of Selectmen met December 29, 1975, and signed a contract for the construction of this station. It was expected at the time that the building would be completed by the fall of 1976. Unavoidable delays in the delivery of some of the special equipment needed in the repair area of the building held up construction of the rest of the building beyond the expected date of completion.
The station was finally occupied and manned as of January 12, 1977. The long continued spell of cold weather in the fall and the snows which followed prevented the application of the final top coating of the driveway and area surrounding the building. As this is a part of the contract which can not be completed until warmer weather, formal acceptance of the station will be delayed until then.
|
Fire Chief Deputy Fire Chief Captains Clerk |
Privates Robert K. Adams Walter F. Adley, Jr. Arthur G. Anderson Robert A. Bennett Michael A. Blazonis (Resigned) William M. Burke, Jr. William V. Cady, Jr. Francis J. Conlin James P. Curran Michael F. Curran Thomas J. Curran William F. Curran James T. Cutter John P. DePalma Bertrand E. Dixon, Jr. Donald A. Drew Philip Dube Charles Ferreira James P. Flaherty Ernest J. Frobese Robert R. Gagnon Terrence A. Goode Richard L. Grenon Jack D. Hadley William H. Hadley Paul D. Hayes Paul D. Henderson Robert L. Hughes |
William H. Jamer Peter G. Johnson Ronald L. Johnson Raymond R. Kydd Joseph F. Lynch Emil A. Magiera Leo A. Martin Wallace V. Maybury, Jr. Edward J. McGovern (Retired 10/30/76) Michael McTeague Harvey M. Miller Thomas P. Miskell Edward J. Nolet Richard P. O'Neil Harold J. Pierce, Jr. Daniel T. Reid Michael D. Ridlon Ronald J. Sawicki Charles A. Schramm James A. Sousa Joseph J. Spinazola Joseph E. Staveley Gerald D. Tonks Donald A. Weber Peter T. Wetherbee Alvin F. Wetmore Ronald O. Wikander Dennis Vargeletis |
1977
Special Town Meeting May 12, 1977
UNDER ARTICLE 8.
Selectman Philip L. currier moves to see if the Town will vote to amend its
action taken under Article 78 of the Annual Town Meeting May 14, 1973 as
follows:
To grant longevity benefits to all permanent employees who are members of the
respective collective bargaining units of the Police Department and Fire
Department in accordance with the following schedule:
a. Upon completion of five years of employment, said employee shall receive a
three percent (3%) increase.
b. Upon completion of ten years employment, said employee shall receive a six
percent (6%) increase.
c. Upon completion of fifteen years of employment, said employee shall receive
a nine percent (9%) increase.
d. Upon completion of twenty years of employment, said employee shall receive a
twelve percent (12%) increase.
This amendment shall not apply to persons employed by the Town on the effective date of this amendment in a position that would entitle that person to longevity benefits under Article 78 of the Annual Town Meeting of May 14, 1973. Selectman Currier explains the article. The Finance Committee is in favor of the article. Motion Carried
Report of the Fire Department
The surprise snow storm in May caused considerable problems for the fire service by "knocking out" all fire alarm circuits and downing several miles of fire alarm wire. It was also necessary to provide fire companies at the burning site on Crooked Spring Road every day for a two month period.
There has been a 90% drop in arson involving automobiles from 1976-1977.
The Fire Department recommends before installing a wood burning stove that you contact the fire department and obtain a pamphlet, free of charge, pertaining to their installation.
With the funds appropriated at the Annual Town Meeting, we have repowered the Ladder Truck with a new diesel engine, giving it a 15 year life expectancy. This year we are requesting a new car the present one being a 1973.
|
Fire Chief Deputy Fire Chief Captains Clerk Mechanic |
Fire Fighters |
Paul D. Henderson |
1978
Report of the Fire Department
The "Great Blizzard of 1978" caused some anxious moments for the Fire Department as many streets were impassable. However, with the doubling of manpower in all stations we did not incur any serious incidents.
Two major fires in December, 1978, the State Line Lumber Co. and The Fiske House show the greatest loss in the departments history.
Newsweekly article dated December 28, 1978 (Regina Linsley Collection)
This year the Fire Department recommends that we replace a 1972 Pick-up and a 1973 Sedan.
|
Fire Chief Deputy Fire Chief Captains Clerk Mechanic |
Firefighters |
Paul D. Henderson |
1979
Special Town Meeting February 1, 1979
UNDER ARTICLE 6:
Selectman Murphy moved, that the Town vote to authorize
the Board of Selectmen to transfer by a good and sufficient bill of sale, title
to one (1) 1972 Chevrolet pickup truck with snow plow being used by the Fire
Department. Selectman Murphy explained the reasoning for this article. The
Chelmsford Lodge of Elks had raised money for the Jaws of Life Machine. Because
of this the Town didn't need to buy the machine itself, as a result the Town
would be able to purchase the pickup truck if so voted. The Finance Committee
recommends passage. Motion Carried.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 7, 1979
Under Article 1:
Paul C. Hart moved that the Town vote to raise and
appropriate the sum of $8,000.00 for the purchase of a 1979 or 1980 four-door
sedan type vehicle for the Fire Department, said purchase to be made under the
supervision of the Board of Selectmen; and to authorize said Board to transfer
by good and sufficient bill of sale (1) 1973 Chevrolet four-door sedan type
vehicle now being used by the Fire Department. Motion Carried, unanimously.
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 21, 1979
Under Article 40:
Paul C. Hart, moved that the Town vote to accept
Chapter 41 Section 100B of the Massachusetts General Laws: Indemnification of
Retired Police Officers and Firefighters for certain hospital, etc. expenses.
The Finance Committee recommends this article. Motion Carried, unanimously.
Under Article 41:
Chief Reid of the Fire Department, moved that the Town
vote to accept Chapter 148 Section 26C of the Massachusetts General Laws: Smoke
and Heat Detectors for Dwellings Not Otherwise Regulated. The Finance Committee
recommends this article. Chief Reid explained the purpose of this article.
Motion Carried, unanimously.
Report of the Fire Department
The major problem facing the fire service today is the energy crisis. The cost of heating five stations and supplying fuel for fourteen pieces of equipment is a drain on the budget. Also, the improper installation of wood burning stoves and the illegal and improper storage of gasoline cause the most serious problems that we are faced with at this time.
This year the Fire Department recommends that we replace a 1957 pumper.
|
Fire Chief Deputy Fire Chief Captains Clerk Mechanic |
Firefighters |
Paul D. Henderson |