From the Annual Town Report...2006...
In 2006 the department was fortunate enough to have it's first year with funds for a training budget line item, which helped enhance the training program. Effective preparedness begins with training and Lt. Bob Benoit and Firefighter Tim Bellemore have done a great job of providing many training initiatives; mock mass casualty incidents, pediatric assesment management, cardiac arrest management, and Boston Med Flight Orientation.  Firefighter David O'Keefe keeps the crews busy with his training schedule by training on ladders, may day operations, Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT), flashover recognition and hazardous materials. A variety of staff have stepped up to assist with this program. These in house training programs along with new initiatives have allowed the Department to work towards the goal of providing the best services to the town. Thanks to Bob, Tim and David on jobs well done.
Staffing
As I work with the day to day operations of the Fire department, I find myself in the very familiar territory as in years past. I find myself worrying about the struggle with staffing and budget needs and would be remiss if I did not advise you about my concerns. The town is continually growing and we are faced with the same issues. The department is still running below NFPA standards for the acceptable personnel and I am alarmed about our inablity to provide adequate levels of fire protection, medical aid and emergency services throughout our town.
The George P. Rogers Station remains un-staffed and I feel that it's prudent to increase the number of Department personnel by 8, which in my professional opinion, is still below a minimum of the three people per Engine Company, and still below NFPA standards of 4 per Engine Company. The town continues to grow and the impact of future projects in Graniteville and Forge Village is already strained because of no staffing in this station...
Capital Program
Although there were no funds for capital items this past year, the Department is looking to replace our Ambulance under the enterprise system and will be looking to start the replacement process for self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and radio replacement for the members.
Thank You
Thanks to all the townspeople for their continued support. The last few years of budgets have been a tremendous challenge to us all. Thanks also to the men and women of this Department for their support and professionalism as we meet the challenges of tomorrow. I would like to thank Jarrod Joyce for his outstanding commitment to a challenging year and his hard work. I would also like to acknowledge Dave Christiana for all his hard work on the Fire Department's website. As we start looking at the Department's 100th Anniversary we hope to have a few events to celebrate.
I would like to thank the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen for their continued support and look forward to continuing to work towards our goal of making the Town of Westfordthe bestitcan be. thank you to the area Chiefs for their support and wish the ones who are retiring the very best and welcomethe new Chiefs who will continue with our excellent mutual aid. I would like to again thank the department heads who have had some challenging years with the budget and would also like to welcome Bill Olsen as the new School Superintendent who I know will work with all of the other department heads to continue to make this the great community that we know.
I can't believe that i will be finishing my 12th year as Chief and 30 years with the Fire department. With that I have to thank my wife Kathy for keeping us organized as a family and understanding this difficult schedule. this report would not be complete if I didn't mention Maria and Kayla who are doing a great job in thrid grade and who unconditionally love their Dad for who i am, but wish they can spend more time at night with me and I thank them for their understanding.
Richard J. Rochon
Fire Chief
| 
