2000
Annual Town Meeting April 27
Under Article 10.
Selectman Philip M. Eliopoulos moved that the Town appropriate the sum of
$875,000 for capital projects including:
Refurbish Rescue Truck 1 $60,000. Motion carried, unanimously.
Fire Chief's Report
The department's policy of sending all newly hired firefighters to the Massachusetts Fire Academy Recruit Training Program was very evident this year. Six (6) firefighters graduated from the eleven (11) week program. Firefighter Jeff Cancella graduated number one in his class. In addition, three (3) firefighters attended training and became State certified Emergency Medical Technicians.
Firefighter Donnie Peterson headed the Student Awareness Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) program this year. He was assisted by Firefighters Michael Donoghue, John Kivlan and Will Amundson. Over 1,500 preschool, kindergarten and first graders were taught the importance of fire safety. Additionally, Firefighter Peterson organized the 7th Annual Fire Prevention Open House, in October, with over 500 residents in attendance.
During the year two department members retired, Captain James Spinney, a 34 year veteran and Firefighter John DePalma, a 30 year veteran. Three firefighters were also hired to fill open vacancies, Firefighter Brian Daly, Thomas Brothers and Robert Gardner. I wish the retirees well on their retirement and welcome the new firefighters on board with the hopes of a long and safe career.
The tragic Worcester warehouse fire that killed six (6) Worcester firefighters brought to light the importance of new technology and the ability to rescue lost or trapped firefighters at a fire scene. This past year the local Lions Club along with the firefighter Union, Local 1839, purchased a Thermal Imaging camera for the department to aid in search and rescue efforts. The Town matched this donation, giving the department two Thermal Imaging cameras. This new technology will greatly enhance our ability to rescue civilians and firefighters alike.
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Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanics * retired in 2000 |
Firefighters William Amundson William Bacon Christopher Brothers Thomas Brothers William Cady David Campbell William Campbell Jeff Cancella Jack Carroll Anthony Cincevich David Clancy Kevin Clarke F. Mark Conlin Daniel Corey James Curran William Curran William Dalton Brian Daly John DePalma * Michael Donoghue Bruce Donovan Donald A. Drew James Durkin Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro Robert Gardner Daniel Ubele |
David Hadley Henry Houle William Jamer Dennis Keohane William Keohane John Kivlan Raymond Kydd Cynthia Leczynski Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leslie Merrill Edward Nolet Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donnie Peterson Daniel Reid, Sr. Daniel Reid, Jr. James Reid John Reid Michael Ridlon Rick Rivard John Robinson Gary Ryan George Ryan Kevin Sheehy Brian Stanton |
2001
Fire Chief's Report
During the year, three (3) department members retired, Captain Charles A. Schramm, William V. Cady, and Donald A. Drew. Firefighter Daniel Reid, Jr. resigned and took a position as a patrol officer for the Chelmsford Police Department.
Firefighter Rick Rivard was promoted to the rank of Captain to replace retiring Captain Schramm. Robert Tello, Timothy Shanahan and Keith Lindsay were hired as firefighters to fill the vacancies created by the retirements. I would like to wish those that have retired a long and healthy retirement and the newly hired firefighters a long and safe career.
Firefighter Donnie Peterson headed the Student Awareness Fire Education program (S.A.F.E.) again this year. He was assisted by Firefighters Michael Donoghue and John Kivlan. Over 1500 elementary and middle school students were instructed in the importance of fire safety. Firefighter Peterson also organized the departments 8th Annual Fire Prevention Open House, in October, with over 500 residents in attendance.
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, tore at the hearts of every member of this department. On September 12th nine department members headed to Ground Zero and volunteered their assistance to FDNY. In the next three weeks, three additional department members would also be asked for their assistance, two as members of the Critical Incident Stress Team and one to work at the Command Post. Their efforts and bravery are to be commended. My personal thanks to Deputy Curran, Captain Boermeester, Retired Captain Schramm, Firefighters William Amundson, James Durkin, Henry Houle, John P. Kivlan, Marc Pare, Donnie Peterson, Gary Ryan and George Ryan.
Firefighter Marc Pare received the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Medal of Valor for bravery from Acting Governor Jane Swift for his heroic acts during an ice rescue while off duty in Maine. Marc put his life in great danger when he rescued a snowmobile driver who had fallen through the ice. Without any rescue equipment and the ice breaking beneath him, Marc was able to pull this man from the freezing waters to safety. Without his efforts this young man would have surely perished. Congratulations Marc!
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Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanics * retired in 2001 |
Firefighters William Amundson William Bacon Christopher Brothers Thomas Brothers William Cady * David Campbell William Campbell Jeff Cancella Jack Carroll Anthony Cincevich David Clancy Kevin Clarke F. Mark Conlin Daniel Corey James Curran William Curran William Dalton Brian Daly Michael Donoghue Bruce Donovan Donald A. Drew * James Durkin Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro Robert Gardner Daniel Ubele |
David Hadley Henry Houle William Jamer Dennis Keohane William Keohane John Kivlan Raymond Kydd Cynthia Leczynski Keith Lindsay Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leslie Merrill Edward Nolet Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donnie Peterson Daniel Reid, Sr. Daniel Reid, Jr. ** James Reid John Reid Michael Ridlon Rick Rivard John Robinson Gary Ryan George Ryan Timothy Shanahan Kevin Sheehy Brian Stanton Robert Tello |
2002-2003
Town Manager's Report
This Annual Report covers the period of January 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003 as we move from a calendar year to fiscal year reporting cycle. The reason for this change is to have consistency in all of our planning and reporting documents including our budget, audit, and reports to the state and federal government. This consistency will be increasingly important as new government accounting standards are introduced over the next few years.
(Photo by Fred Merriam)
Fire Chief's Report
This proved to be another very busy year for the Chelmsford Fire Department. Total emergency calls for the year were 4,571. Medical emergency calls accounted for over half the calls at 2,318. Actual fire calls were down over this period, however, we had some of the largest building fires in the department history including a six (6) alarm fire at the Carriage House Apartments and a four (4) alarm fire at Laughton's Nursery.
Over the past year the department suffered two great losses. The retirement of eleven (11) firefighters with a combined career experience of over 285 years and a reduction in manpower to the department of seven firefighter positions. In addition to the above, one firefighter was activated by the military and has yet to be released for return to work.
The eleven (11) firefighters that retired were: Captain Walter Adley, Captain Michael Burke, Firefighter David Campbell, Firefighter James Curran, Firefighter William Curran, Firefighter William Dalton, Firefighter William Jamer, Firefighter Ray Kydd, Firefighter Edward Nolet, Firefighter Daniel Reid, Firefighter James Reid, we wish them a long and enjoyable retirement. Firefighter Robert Tello was activated by the Air Force and we hope for his safe return.
Out of the eleven retirements we were able to hire four new recruits. They are Michael Chiasson, Casey Phelan, Michael Maher and Michael Nelson. All four have graduated from the 11 week Massachusetts Fire Academy Recruit Training class and hopefully will enjoy a long and fulfilling career with the department.
The new Quint "firefighting" apparatus was put into service this past year and will offer the department greater versatility at all emergency scenes. In addition, initial plans are underway to replace the fifty year old Center Fire Station and consolidate three of the five current stations into one station to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
(photo by Fred Merriam)
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Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanics * retired in 2002 |
Firefighters William Amundson William Bacon Christopher Brothers Thomas Brothers David Campbell * William Campbell Jeff Cancella Jack Carroll Anthony Cincevich Michael Chiasson David Clancy Kevin Clarke F. Mark Conlin Daniel Corey James Curran * William Curran * William Dalton * Brian Daly Michael Donoghue Bruce Donovan James Durkin Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro Robert Gardner Daniel Ubele David Hadley Henry Houle |
William Jamer * Dennis Keohane William Keohane John Kivlan Raymond Kydd * Cynthia Leczynski Keith Lindsay Michael Maher Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leslie Merrill Michael Nelson Edward Nolet * Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donnie Peterson Casey Phelan Daniel Reid, Sr. * James Reid * John Reid Michael Ridlon Rick Rivard John Robinson Gary Ryan George Ryan Timothy Shanahan Kevin Sheehy Brian Stanton Robert Tello ** |
(2013 photo by Fred Merriam)
2004
Fire Chief's Report
Fiscal year 2004 proved to be a very busy year for the Chelmsford Fire Department. Total emergency calls for the year were 4,278. Medical emergency calls accounted for over half the calls at 2,324. Actual fire calls were down over this period, however, the fires we did have seemed larger in nature and required more mutual aid request from surrounding communities than in recent years. The concern of terrorism has forced the department to prepare itself as the first line of defense against incidents of this type. Specialized equipment has been purchased and put into service. In addition, anti-terrorism training has been conducted for all department members and a terrorism annex has been added to the Town's Emergency Contingency Plan.
The Department applied for and receive two federal grants during this fiscal year. One was used to improve the physical fitness and health of all fire fighters on the job and the other grant is being used to replace an antiquated radio system. Additionally, the department receive one grant from the state for the purchase of anti-terrorism equipment. These grants will go a long way in improving the many services the department provides to the Town of Chelmsford during these difficult fiscal times.
The new Quint "firefighting" apparatus was put into service this past year and will offer the department greater versatility at all emergency scenes. In addition, plans are underway to replace the fifty two year old Center Fire Station that is showing its age. Structural problems have been identified in the apparatus floor and the concrete basement walls causing concern. We are currently looking at various locations for a new Center Station and examining the possible consolidation of one or more of the four sub-stations in an effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Three Fire Fighters, Anthony Cincevich, Dave Clancy and Dennis Keohane retired during the past year, additionally, Brian Daley and Robert Tello resigned their positions for other employment. Five new Fire Fighters, Edward Boisseau, Michael Ducharme, Danial Koutsoufis, David Lefebvre and William. Schellbach were hired to replace those that left. We wish them all well on their new endeavors.
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Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanics * retired in 2004 |
Firefighters William Amundson William Bacon Edward Boisseau Christopher Brothers Thomas Brothers William Campbell Jeff Cancella Jack Carroll Anthony Cincevich * Michael Chiasson David Clancy * Kevin Clarke F. Mark Conlin Daniel Corey Brian Daly ** Michael Donoghue Bruce Donovan Michael Ducharme James Durkin Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro Robert Gardner Daniel Ubele David Hadley Henry Houle Dennis Keohane * |
William Keohane John Kivlan Danial Koutsoufis Cynthia Leczynski David Lefebvre Keith Lindsay Michael Maher Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leslie Merrill Michael Nelson Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donnie Peterson Casey Phelan John Reid Michael Ridlon Rick Rivard John Robinson Gary Ryan George Ryan Timothy Shanahan Kevin Sheehy William. Schellbach Brian Stanton Robert Tello ** |
2005
Fire Chief's Report
The Department applied for and received three State grants during this fiscal year. One was used to improve the communication system for the Chelmsford Emergency Management Agency and another was used to purchase an emergency rescue boat and equipment to improve the Department's confined space and trench rescue capabilities. Additionally, the Department received a grant from the State to conduct require emergency preparedness training for all necessary Town employees. At this point in time this training is ongoing. These grants will go a long way in improving the many services the department and its workers provide to the Town of Chelmsford during these difficult fiscal times.
(2013 photo by Fred Merriam)
A new Command vehicle was put into service this past year and will offer the Department greater coordination at all emergency scenes. This new unit will operate out of the Center Fire Station and offer command and control support, communication capabilities and improve overall emergency scene safety.
Structural problems were identified with the apparatus floor at the Center Fire Station over the past few years. During the last few months work has been completed to stabilize it. Although the floor has been stabilized this is only a temporary fix buying us two to three years. Within this time period we must come up with and institute a permanent solution. Currently, we are exploring various options to replace or completely rebuild the out dated and aging station.
Two new fire fighters, Jason Moody and Michael Brothers, were hired this year to fill to the two remaining vacancies created from retirements during the last fiscal year. I would like to wish them well on their new careers.
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Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanics |
Firefighters William Amundson William Bacon William Bennett Edward Boisseau Christopher Brothers Michael Brothers Thomas Brothers William Campbell Jeff Cancella Jack Carroll Michael Chiasson Kevin Clarke F. Mark Conlin Daniel Corey Bruce Donovan Michael Ducharme Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro Robert Gardner David Hadley Henry Houle William Keohane John Kivlan Danial Koutsoufis |
Cynthia Leczynski David Lefebvre Keith Lindsay Michael Maher Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leslie Merrill Jason Moody Michael Nelson Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donnie Peterson Casey Phelan John Reid Michael Ridlon John Robinson Gary Ryan George Ryan William. Schellbach Timothy Shanahan Kevin Sheehy Brian Stanton Daniel Ubele Michael Young |
2006
Fire Chief's Report
The department was honored this year when six of its members were recognized by Governor Romney for their heroic actions at the annual Fire Fighter of the Year award held at Faneuil Hall in Boston. Captain Durkin, Fire Fighters Don Peterson, Gary Ryan, Bill Bennett and Mike Young were recognized as "Fire Fighter of the Year" for their life saving actions and rescue of a trapped victim in a burning vehicle. Fire Fighter John Kivlan was awarded an individual award for fire "Fighter of the Year" for his rescue of a 96 year old women trapped in an apartment fire. Their dedication and commitment to the citizens of Chelmsford is quite apparent and transcends throughout the department. I thank them for their actions and congratulate them on the recognition.
A new trench rescue trailer was put into service this past year and will offer the department greater ability to rescue those involved in a trench collapse. Trench collapses in the Town are a daily possibility with the ongoing sewer project. Department members designed and built most of the equipment needed for the trailer, reducing the overall cost of the project. A special thanks goes out to each of them.
Structural problems have been identified with the apparatus floor at the Center Fire Station over the past few years. Last year work was completed to stabilize it. Although the floor has been stabilized this is only a temporary fix buying us two to three years. Options need to be explored to replace or completely rebuild the out dated and aging station. Because of fiscal problem this project has been put on the back burner but, will need to be revisited in the coming year.
Over the past few years the fire department staffing has been reduced by four fire fighters and one secretarial position. Although we do understand the fiscal restraints associated with the town budget the cut backs make it very difficult for the department to meet its mission of protecting life and property. It is our hope that when the financial picture brightens, these positions will be restored.
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Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanics |
Firefighters William Amundson William Bacon William Bennett Edward Boisseau Christopher Brothers Michael Brothers Thomas Brothers William Campbell Jeff Cancella Jack Carroll Michael Chiasson Kevin Clarke F. Mark Conlin Daniel Corey Bruce Donovan Michael Ducharme Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro Robert Gardner David Hadley Henry Houle William Keohane John Kivlan |
Danial Koutsoufis Cynthia Leczynski David Lefebvre Michael Maher Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leslie Merrill Jason Moody Michael Nelson Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donnie Peterson Casey Phelan John Reid Michael Ridlon John Robinson Gary Ryan George Ryan William. Schellbach Timothy Shanahan Kevin Sheehy Brian Stanton Daniel Ubele Michael Young |
2007
(Photo by Don Miffitt)
Fire Chief's Report
Medical emergency calls also continued to grow and now accounted for more than half of our calls. We responded to an all time high of 2,506 calls for medical assistants this past year. Based on the fact that emergency medical care has become such a large part of the department's responsibility the Chelmsford Fire Department applied for and received a license from the state to operate a "Class 5" ambulance. This license greatly enhances the ability of the department to provide a higher level of medical care and transport patients to the hospital in the case of an extreme emergency. In addition, the department took the led in writing the "Emergency Medical Service Zone Plan" for the Town of Chelmsford. This plan outlines how emergency medical care will be delivered within the Town and sets the standard of care town residents will receive. Firefighter John Robinson spent hundreds of hours putting this plan together and he is to be commended for his effort.
The concern of terrorism has forced the department to prepare itself as the first line of defense against incidents of this type. Specialized equipment has been purchased and put into service. In addition, mandatory National Incident Management System (NIMS) training has been conducted for all department members and we now meet or exceed the national standard in this area.
The Department applied for and received two State grants during this fiscal year. One was to continue our Student Awareness Fire Education (SAFE) program. This program allows us to send trained fire department personnel into the schools and educate our students on fire safety and the ill effects of smoking. The department also received a grant from the State for firefighting equipment. The department will purchase a new thermal imaging camera and a rapid intervention breathing air kit with the money from that grant. We owe a great debt of gratitude to our state legislators for their help in providing this funding.
Two seasoned veterans with over 60 years of combined experience retired during this past year. The department wishes Captain Rich Miller and Firefighter Mike Ridlon a long and enjoyable retirement. These vacancies were filled by hiring two town residents Firefighter/EMTs Ryan Houle and Josh Abbott. Firefighter Gary Ryan was promoted to Captain. We wish them all well in their new positions. In addition, Firefighter Mike Young was activated by the military and is serving our country in Iraq. His deployment is expected to last for fifteen months. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Structural problems have been identified with the apparatus floor at the Center Fire Station. Thirteen large support columns have been built in the basement to support and stabilize the floor. Although the floor has been stabilized the engineer has told us that this is only a temporary fix and will buy us a little time until we can build a new station. A building committee has been established to look into the feasibility of building and locating a new Center Fire Station. Their recommendations are expected to be presented at the 2007 October Town Meeting.
Because of budget problems within the Town the Fire Department has been forced to cut four firefighter positions and a clerk in recent years. Although we do understand the fiscal restraints associated with the town budget the cut backs are making it very difficult for the department to provide the services the citizens of the town have grown accustomed to expect. It is paramount that when the financial picture brightens or alternative funding sources are identified that these positions are restored.
(2013 photo by Fred Merriam)
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Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanics |
Firefighters Joshua Abbott William Amundson William Bacon William Bennett Edward Boisseau Christopher Brothers Michael Brothers Thomas Brothers William Campbell Jeff Cancella Jack Carroll Michael Chiasson Kevin Clarke F. Mark Conlin Daniel Corey Bruce Donovan Michael Ducharme Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro Robert Gardner David Hadley Henry Houle Ryan Houle William Keohane John Kivlan |
Danial Koutsoufis Cynthia Leczynski David Lefebvre Keith Lindsay Michael Maher Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leslie Merrill Jason Moody Michael Nelson Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donnie Peterson Casey Phelan John Reid Michael Ridlon John Robinson George Ryan William. Schellbach Timothy Shanahan Kevin Sheehy Brian Stanton Daniel Ubele Michael Young |
2008
Town Manager's Report
During the past fiscal year. Town officials examined ways to raise additional revenue and to more efficiently provide services. A considerable amount of time was expended on analyzing whether the Fire Department should provide ambulance services. After receiving a favorable proposal from the Town Manager and holding a public hearing prior to the 2007 Fall Annual Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen created an ad-hoc ambulance study committee. After a few months of study, the committee voted not to support the Fire Department-based financial model. Heeding this recommendation, an RFP was issued for the provision of ambulance services from private vendors. After a review of the three proposals, the Town has entered into a three-year contract with Trinity EMS. The Town will receive S60,000/year during each year of the contract as compensation for the dispatch operations provided by the Town to support ambulance operations.
Faced with these challenges, a budget plan was presented to Town Meeting that did not rely on one-time revenues or otherwise avoid the fiscal realities. Capital investment has remained level-funded; the School Department has consolidated the students from the Westlands Schools into the Town's four other elementary schools, restructured its lunch program, imposed a transportation fee, and raised fees for extracurricular activities; the South Chelmsford Fire Station has closed as a result of the elimination of four firefighter positions; and other personnel cuts have been made at the Police Department, Department of Public Works, the Town Manager's Office, and other town departments. The challenges for the upcoming fiscal year are expected to be even greater. However, we will continue our efforts to persevere and prosper.
Fall Town Meeting October 15, 18 and 22, 2007
ARTICLE 11.
I move that the Town transfer from the Stabilization Fund $85,000 for the
purpose of funding feasibility studies for the planning and construction of a
new Fire Department Headquarters and for the planning and construction of a new
Department of Public Works Facility with a recycling center. SUBMITTED BY: Town
Manager
Two-Thirds Vote required.
It was so voted
Spring Town Meeting April 28 and May 1, 2008
ARTICLE 8.
I move that the Town appropriate $2,560,553 for capital projects including:
Fire Staff Vehicle Replacement $35,000
Engine 3 Replacement $310,000
SUBMITTED BY: Board of Selectmen, Town Manager and Capital Planning Committee.
Two-Thirds Vote required.
It was so voted
(2013 photo by Fred Merriam)
Fire Chief's Report
Repeat of 2007.
|
Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanics |
Firefighters Joshua Abbott William Amundson William Bacon William Bennett Edward Boisseau Christopher Brothers Michael Brothers Thomas Brothers William Campbell Jeff Cancella Jack Carroll Michael Chiasson Kevin Clarke F. Mark Conlin Daniel Corey Bruce Donovan Michael Ducharme Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro Robert Gardner David Hadley Henry Houle Ryan Houle William Keohane |
John Kivlan Danial Koutsoufis Cynthia Leczynski David Lefebvre Keith Lindsay Michael Maher Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leslie Merrill Jason Moody Michael Nelson Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donnie Peterson Casey Phelan John Reid Michael Ridlon John Robinson George Ryan William. Schellbach Timothy Shanahan Kevin Sheehy Brian Stanton Daniel Ubele Michael Young |
2009
The previous Engine 2, a 1999 Smeal Pumper on a Freightliner chassis, was re-designated as Engine 5 and transferred to South
(2013 photo by Fred Merriam)
Board of Selectmen Report
After nearly 2 years of effort and study, the Fire/ DPW study committee presented their recommendations to replace the aging Center Fire Station and relocate and consolidate DPW facilities, currently housed principally at Richardson Road with several satellite locations. The Fire DPW Feasibility Study Committee was formed after Town Meeting voted to fund a study to address facility needs of these departments. As a result of their work, and Town Meeting votes at the August 2009 special town meeting, the residents had the opportunity at a special election on October 6th to consider two ballot questions to authorize borrowing, as debt exemptions, to fund a new $12 million Center Fire Station building at Wilson Street, and $13 million to consolidate DPW operations into one location at an existing building on Alpha Road. Neither ballot question was passed by the voters. Although the Board was split on the support of both of these facilities, more affordable alternatives to address these critical facility needs are now being considered.
Town Manager's Report
A special town meeting was held on March 9, 2009 to balance the Town budget. General Government operations were reduced by S500.000 and the School Department's budget was reduced by S600,000. Personnel reductions took place in the Assessors', Tax Collector's and Town Clerk offices; police and fire positions were eliminated, along with reductions in overtime expenditures, thereby resulting in fewer police officers on patrol and the closing of one of the five fire stations; library positions, materials, and hours of operation were curtailed.
Fall Town Meeting October 20, 2008
ARTICLE 16.
I move that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the General
Court for special legislation entitled, "An Act Relative to the Minimum
Years-of-Service Required to be Eligible for Civil Service Promotions to the
Position of Fire Captain in the Town of Chelmsford," as printed in the Warrant
for this Annual Town Meeting, provided, however, that the General Court may make
clerical or editorial changes of form only to the bill, unless the Board of
Selectmen approves amendments to the bill before enactment by the General Court;
and provided further that the Board of Selectmen is hereby authorized to approve
amendments which shall be within the scope of the general public objectives of
this petition:
SUBMITTED BY: Town Manager
Majority Vote
Motion carried unanimously by show of hands
Spring Town Meeting April 27, 2009
ARTICLE 7:
I move that the Town appropriate $2,568,500 for the following capital projects
including:
Fire Staff Vehicle (1997) Replacement $36,000
Fire Alarm Truck (1988) Replacement $65,000
SUBMITTED BY: Board of Selectmen, Town Manager and Capital Planning Committee.
Two-Thirds Vote required.
Motion carried unanimously by show of hands
(2013 photo by Fred Merriam)
Fire Chief's Report
Fiscal year 2009 was a very difficult year for the Chelmsford Fire Department due to the continued poor financial situation of the Town and the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, we were force to close the South Fire Station (Engine 5) for the entire fiscal year and the station will continue to be closed during FY 10. The decision to close this one station on a permanent basis was based on call volume, accessibility and continuity of services. Staffing levels remain at very low level with a minimum level of one Captain and eight firefighters per shift (as compared to a minimum staffing level for the department in 1990 of one Captain and fourteen firefighters). The outlook for fiscal 2010 is not any better and we anticipate further cutbacks during the years when all the final numbers are in for the Town and from the State.
The Department applied for and received a federal grant this year to illuminate the rear of all Engines, the Quint and Rescue Truck with reflective stripping and amber arrow lights. This new illumination system (and NFPA standard) will help to reduce the chance of rear end collisions while we provide emergency service on the highways. In addition, the department received a state grant to purchase reflective vest for all firefighters while operating on a roadway as required under a new Federal ANSI Standard. Hopefully, this will created a safer working environment on the highways as traffic related accidents are the third leading cause of firefighter deaths nationwide.
Brian Stanton, a seasoned firefighter, retired during this past year with over 28 years of service to the Town. The department wishes him a long and enjoyable retirement. Dave LeFebvre transferred to the Westford Fire Department after working in Chelmsford for three years. Unfortunately, we were unable to fill either of these positions because of the looming budget crisis.
We continue to experience major structural problems with the apparatus floor at the Center Fire Station. Although the floor has been stabilized with 13 wooden pillars, the fix only serves as a temporary repair and buys us a little time. The Fire/DPW Building Committee has concluded their two year study and determined that a new Center Fire Station should be built and located at the corner of Chelmsford and Wilson Street. I urge the town residents to support the funding of this proposal.
(photo by Fred Merriam)
Although we do understand the fiscal restraints associated with the town budget, the cut backs over this year (compounded by those in the past few years) have made it very difficult for the fire department to meet its mission of protecting life and property. The reduction in man power and the closing of a fire station has created an increased risk to the residents of Chelmsford and the firefighters alike. During this year we have seen response times increase and manpower shortages while operating at emergency scenes. It is our hope that when the financial picture brightens, these positions will be restored and all five fire stations will again be open.
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Chief Deputy Chief Captains Department Assistant Mechanics * retired |
Firefighters Joshua Abbott William Amundson William Bacon William Bennett Edward Boisseau Christopher Brothers Michael Brothers Thomas Brothers William Campbell Jeff Cancella Jack Carroll * Michael Chiasson Kevin Clarke F. Mark Conlin Daniel Corey Bruce Donovan Michael Ducharme Jesse Foster Daniel Funaro Robert Gardner David Hadley Henry Houle Ryan Houle William Keohane |
John Kivlan Danial Koutsoufis Cynthia Leczynski David Lefebvre ** Keith Lindsay Michael Maher Daniel Manley Leo Manley Leslie Merrill Jason Moody Michael Nelson Kevin O'Brien Marc Pare Donnie Peterson Casey Phelan John Reid John Robinson George Ryan William. Schellbach Timothy Shanahan Kevin Sheehy Brian Stanton * Daniel Ubele Michael Young |
