SOUTHWICK – A discussion between Southwick Fire Chief Richard Anderson and the Board of Selectmen last night about the fire department budget turned into a talk about the future of the department.
Anderson offered two budget scenarios: one with the current status as a mostly volunteer department and one with the department elevated to Advanced Life Support (ALS) status, which includes paramedics.
Anderson said even if the department does not move toward ALS, he needs to beef up the staff.
“You need at least one more full-time,” said Chairman Joseph Deedy.
Anderson said there are currently four full-time firefighter/EMTs covering shifts from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Two are out on injured leave and volunteers are helping fill in. Another full-time person would help cover the 6 p.m. – 6 a.m. shift.
Deedy asked how long it would take to become an ALS department.
“The only thing holding us back is staffing,” Anderson said.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart asked about grant opportunities to cover costs of a paramedic department and Anderson said he would pursue any available grants.
Selectman Russell Fox said an ALS department seems to be the goal.
“We all want to go in this direction,” said Fox. “The taxpayers want us to go in this direction – it’s just getting the budget together,” he said.
Anderson and the board also spoke about capital needs, including planning for a new ladder truck in the next few years.
“The ladder truck we have is in good shape,” Anderson said of the apparatus purchased in 1991. “but it’s something to be thought about.”
Later this month, the Southwick Finance Committee will meet with department heads to review budget proposals before the Selectmen hold budget hearings with every department and board in February.
