Rethink Station Closing

March 22, 2002

I am a resident of the Green's Farms area. On Thursday, February 28, I attended the RTM Safety Committee meeting regarding the closing of the Green's Farms Fire Station. I am adamantly opposed to this idea and, judging from what I heard at the meeting, so are a lot of other people. Every person who spoke out, a number of them firemen and also a number of residents who live outside the Green's Farms area, was against the closing of the station. The reason for closing the station, we were told by the fire chief, is to put three men on each fire engine instead of the current two. I don't know if three men per engine are necessary. Has the department not operated efficiently all these years with a two-man crew? What has changed? In any case, I don't think closing the Green's Farms Station is a viable solution.

During the meeting we were told that the Board of Finance would not approve the cost of hiring additional firemen; hence, the plan to close the Green's Farms Station. I was confused, to say the least, when one resident asked, "If additional firemen were to be hired in the future, would the Green's Farms Station be reopened?" The answer was, "No." It would seem to me that there may be some hidden agendas regarding this entire matter.

Several years ago, the Green's Farms Station underwent modifications; a larger door and a stronger floor, to accommodate a larger fire engine. Now we are talking about closing it? The station is in a strategic location with its proximity to the Sherwood Island Connector, the thruway, Green's Farms Elementary School and many densely populated residential areas.

There was talk of time trials to various locations to determine the difference in response time from the Central Station vs. the Green's Farms Station. It was determined that most locations would take only a few extra minutes to reach from Central. What if a situation should arise where a few minutes could mean life or death?

One resident asked, "Why couldn't the assistant chief's driver serve as the third man?" I was both appalled and insulted when I overheard one of the higher ranking fire officials say to himself, but loud enough for me to hear, "You can't talk intelligently to these people" appalled, that a town employee would express that kind of attitude toward the people who pay his salary; insulted, because I am one of "these people" and happen to think the resident had a legitimate question. I have the utmost respect for our firemen. They have a tough and important job. This opinion has not been swayed by the careless remarks of one individual. By the way, why does the assistant chief need a driver? Is there a logical reason or is it just a prestige thing?

Another question that was asked is "Who ultimately has the final decision as to whether the station closes or not?" To the best of my knowledge, this question did not receive a definitive answer. Actually, I'm not sure if it was made clear if the closing of the station is a proposal or a done deal. If it is a proposal, what is the process to make it effective?

In closing, I just want to say that I think the closing of the Green's Farms Fire Station would be a gross injustice to, not only Green's Farms area residents, but all Westport residents. I think the situation needs closer examination before a final decision is made.

I urge everyone who shares this opinion to call or write our selectwoman and/or RTM representatives to express their views.

Wayne D. Mills, Westport