By Nathan Fisher
Published on 9/2/2004

The Board of Fire Commissioners voted last week to award Smeal Fire Apparatus Company the bid for a new fire truck. The Snyder, Nebraska company impressed the board and the Truck Committee by improving on many of the specifications they required for the engine. Improvements include an improved alternator and a wheelbase that will allow for a better turning radius.

"He was able to talk to the specific people at the factory who would be building the engine while I was sitting there," said Fire Chief Jack Ahern. "They seemed very personable."

Firefighter Joe Petrozino chaired the Truck Committee.

"It looks good," he said. "We're happy with it."

"The truck should be very impressive," said firefighter Bob Paradise. "It's very hard to get a truck for under $300,000."

The bid came in at $295,756.

"It'll be a truck the Town of Branford can be proud of," said Ahern.

(subhead) Hydrant Maintenance Lacking in Private Developments

The Board of Fire Commissioners also heard concerns that local developments that are not located on public roads are not maintaining their fire hydrants.

"We have no recourse through anyone," said Fire Chief Jack Ahern.

The board heard a possible ordinance that would require private developments and condominium associations to properly maintain their hydrants and paint them the correct color. Board members were unsure on the amount of fines or the enforcement of such an ordinance.

"[Enforcement] won't be easy," said Ahern. "But it's a step in the right direction."

(subhead)Fire Police Squad Losing Membership

Captain of the town's Fire Police Squad Captain Kevin McMillan proposed changing the squad to a fire company. The Fire Police Squad utilizes firefighters to direct traffic and secure the area when fire companies are called to a structure fire.

McMillan is concerned that current by-laws requiring members to be a member of the Branford Fire Department for a minimum of two years are restricting the squad's ability to take on otherwise qualified members.

The board was unsure whether Fire Police Squads are allowed by state law to have the status of a company, and whether that status would override the jurisdiction of the local Police Department.

(subhead) Thimble Island Fire Relief in Sight

Deputy Chief Pete DaRos is investigating the problem of fighting possible fires on structures located on some of the Thimble Islands. While some houses are in range of the Fire Department's fire boat, others are too elevated for the boat's hoses to reach the houses.

"The cost [of hydrants] would be phenomenal," said DaRos.

DaRos recommended standpipes for three of the islands.

Fire Chief Jack Ahern mentioned the possibility of state funding for the projects. He recently visited the islands with representatives of the state's Office of Emergency Management.

"We're slowly planting the seeds for funding," said Ahern.