Town Notes
Published on March 27th, 2002
STONEHAM, MA - More men, few changes
Tuesday the Fire Department Study Committee completed its review of the MMA Consulting Group’s study of staffing numbers and organization at the Stoneham Fire Department.
Committee members agreed with the consultants that Stoneham should maintain the current Emergency Medical Service (EMS) response system, which combines a response from Stoneham Fire and Action Ambulance; immediately train all dispatch personnel as emergency medical dispatchers; continue to dispatch a simultaneous response from the Stoneham Fire first responder company and Action Ambulance to life-threatening emergencies; and have police dispatchers, following emergency dispatch procedures, dispatch Action Ambulance to life-threatening situations.
The Committee voted to recommend increasing staffing so 10 men can be scheduled to respond to calls at all times, three superior officers and seven firefighters.
“Even with injuries and sick days this model should ensure eight men out the door and maybe cut down on overtime as well,” said Study Committee Chairman John DeGeorge.
The Committee also voted to get rid of the Deputy Chief position after Deputy Chief James Halpin retires.
The Committee rejected a series of other recommendation, including, for example, augmenting the Fire Depart-ment’s life-threatening situation first responder company with advanced life support capability and requiring the senior captain on duty to go to all structure fires.
Committee members are writing up the final report and will present it to Town Administrator David Berry in two weeks, DeGeorge said. Former Fire Chief Ray Sorenson, the Committee Secretary, and the Vice Chairman, Fire Captain Joe Rolli, have done the bulk of the writing following debate and voting by the entire Committee on recommendations made by the MMA Consultants.
MMA is an independent, private firm hired by the Town and paid for by the Gutierrez Company. The study was requested by Selectmen when public safety questions about the proposed Gutierrez office park arose during site plan discussions.
The Study Committee first met early last month and acted quickly, going through the report and saying yes or no to the relevant recommendations. Now the ball is in the TA’s court. He’s the boss. But the unions representing the firefighters and superior officers may also become involved, meaning changes will come to the Stoneham Fire Department, but slowly.
Fore!
Unicorn and the Stoneham Oaks golf courses are open for business... and pleasure. Enjoy.
It’s a Tuesday
The Special Town Meeting warrant closes on Tuesday, April 2. The legal notice posted by the Town last week said Friday by accident.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!