Backup pact renewed with Long Ridge department

By Jeff Morganteen
Staff Writer
The Advocate Posted: 11/14/2008 03:05:19 AM EST

STAMFORD - The Long Ridge volunteer fire department and the paid city department, Stamford Fire & Rescue, have reinstated a longstanding pact to back each other up automatically.

In June, Long Ridge Chief Robert Bennett requested that the agreement be changed to "mutual aid upon request." Under the original pact, the city automatically sent firefighters to calls in the Long Ridge district to back up volunteers.

At first, Bennett said he made the change to save on fuels costs and vehicle maintenance.

He later said he ended the agreement because the city attempted to take over the Turn of River volunteer fire district and didn't have the equipment or training to do it.

Mayor Dannel Malloy requested earlier this month that the pact be renewed.

The city and the volunteers are battling for control of the fire districts. Last year, city officials called for a consolidation of volunteers and the paid fire department to improve service and save money.

The volunteer departments have autonomy under the city Charter but rely on taxpayers' money and paid firefighters to staff their stations.

An Oct. 4 fire in North Stamford, the Long Ridge district, nearly destroyed a $2.4 million house, prompting city officials to question the response by Long Ridge volunteers.

The city has hired a consultant to investigate the response to the fire on Mill Spring Lane.

Bennett was unavailable for comment.

Bennett and Stamford Fire & Rescue Chief Robert McGrath signed a new agreement that took effect Wednesday. Director of Public Safety William Callion said the new agreement enhances the one that ended in June.

The old agreement was not specific enough, Callion said, and the new one calls for explicit responses.

It stipulates that Stamford Fire & Rescue will assign an engine company to respond with Long Ridge on all calls for assistance regarding "automatic fire alarms."

Stamford Fire & Rescue will send a full response - two engine companies, one ladder company, one deputy chief, a deputy chief aide and a safety officer - to all working fires. The agreement requires Long Ridge to request a rapid intervention team, a squad designed to aid other firefighters.

The agreement states that Bennett will retain his authority at any fire in his district.

"He's the chief," McGrath said. "We will work under his direction."

McGrath said he and Bennett hashed out the agreement over the past few days.

A statement released by Malloy's office said the agreement will improve response in the Long Ridge fire district.

- Staff Writer Jeff Morganteen can be reached at jeff.morganteen@scni.com or 964-2215.