Norwalk Fire Chief Denis McCarthy, who resigned as Westport's fire chief last year, sent Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia a memo last week suggesting that a sixth Norwalk fire station be built in the city. However, the sixth station would not only serve Norwalk but also Westport and Wilton, according to McCarthy's proposal. The engine company would be located in Norwalk's Cranbury neighborhood, which abuts the Newtown Turnpike area of Westport.

"The primary issue is response time," said McCarthy regarding the need for the sixth station. "We have a very long response time in Norwalk to that section of town." Westport Fire Chief Christopher Ackley said McCarthy's proposal, if it comes to fruition, could prove valuable for Westport as well.

Ackley admitted response time to the Northwest corner of Westport could be better. The closest engine company to the Newtown Turnpike, upper end of Old Hill Road/Stonybrook Road/Cranbury Road area of Westport, according to Ackley, is the fire headquarters on Post Road East. Ackley said response time is often five to six minutes.

"A lot of that has to do with traffic and the time of day," said Ackley. "A station in the [Cranbury area] would definitely reduce response times." The proposal McCarthy outlined in his memo to Moccia is not a new idea, according to Ackley, who succeeded McCarthy as Westport's fire chief.

"It was talked about 20 years ago," he said. The suggestion for a sixth station in Norwalk came out of a 10-year study of the Norwalk Fire Department, which recommended the city fund its construction. A sixth station would, as McCarthy stated, improve response times, and also improve fire insurance ratings.

"I agree with the recommendation," said McCarthy, who added, "I also understand it would be more prudent for us to look at a collaboration between the communities. We would get the benefit of the manpower and the insurance premium reductions for ratepayers." A new station would require 16 firefighters, according to McCarthy.

"I don't think Norwalk is in a position to hire 16 new firefighters," said McCarthy. That's where Wilton and Westport would come in. Whereas Norwalk could possibly provide eight firefighters, Westport and Wilton could each possibly provide four, which would get the station its required 16. A regional fire station is years down the line and will require serious discussion if it is to serve three different communities.

"How cost will be shared is part of that discussion that we need to have," said McCarthy.

Ackley added, "We need to get all the cards on the table and determine what will provide the highest level of protection for our citizens."

Ackley has had some initial discussions with First Selectman Gordon Joseloff - also a volunteer firefighter - about the possibility of being part of a multi-town fire station.

"I think my boss is very interested in regionalizing," said Ackley, adding, "We need to sit down with all the major players and determine a course of action. It's time that we take a serious approach to it and determine whether we do it or not. It's been kicked around too long. It's time we make a decision here."

Ackley said Norwalk's proposed sixth station could potentially save lives. A structure fire in the area that would be served claimed the life of a 54-year-old Westport resident over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. Carol Reynolds, who lived on Lowlyn Road, died along with her dog. That area of town also lacks fire hydrants, according to Ackley. As firefighters tried to battle the Lowlyn Road fire, water tanker trucks from Wilton and Weston responded to provide additional water.

While the sixth station has been talked about for years, Ackley noted, "Maybe it's something whose time has come."