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Peterborough Fire/Rescue 16 Summer Street Peterborough, NH 03458 Emergency Dial 911 603-924-8090 Business 603-924-8091 Fax |
Peterborough Transcript Article by Paige Smith. about the Ladder Investigation Committee meeting with the Selectmen on 6/17/03by Paige Smith 6/19/03 PETERBOROUGH-The Peterborough Fire/Rescue Department received approval from the Board of Selectmen to continue forward with the process of investigating replacing its existing aerial ladder truck. "The Fire/Rescue department reflects the community it serves," said Firefighter Jon Sawyer. Sawyer, Firefighter Jon Hampson, Lt. Mike Roper and Chief William Naugle offered the board a presentation supporting the need to proceed with the aerial ladder replacement. The presentation touched upon many thoughtful topics and offered evidence to support their request. As of June 2003, there are 43 firefighters and EMS personnel in the department. Peterborough Fire/Rescue responded to 1,052 incidents in 2002; 239 were fire related calls. "The town is provided a valuable service at a reasonable cost," said Sawyer noting that per capita, Peterborough residents pay $49.55 for fire service as compared to full-time suburban departments averaging $162.72 per capital. The department's Capital Improvement Program for fire apparatus replacement is: aerial ladder in 2004 (1978 model year), pumper in 2006 (1985 model year) and a command vehicle in 2007 (2002 model year). The goal of Fire/Rescue is to interface these purchases with the goals addressed in the Master Plan process and spend money wisely by learning from the past. The Insurance Services Office, according to Hampson, sets insurance prices based on fire protection ratings. Ratings range from Protected, Semi-protected and Unprotected. Peterborough has two ratings: Protection Class 9, Semi-Protected, and Class 5, Protected. Class 5 covers the area of town closest to the fire station and the town's hydrant system. Without an aerial ladder, the Class 5 rating will be affected and could drop to Class 7, Semi-Protected. This drop could affect insurance premiums for residents. According to Roper, an aerial ladder has many pros as opposed to ground ladders. An aerial ladder is self-supporting, sits out of the collapse zone, is used at lower angles and is more stable, can be deployed by one firefighter, reaches peaks, is essential to rapid rescue, is key to effective vertical ventilation, offers an elevated master stream, can be equipped with special equipment and lighting, and increases firefighter safety. The aerial ladder in the fleet now is a 1978 Seagraves 100' ladder. It is 25 years old, with 14 years of service in Peterborough. It is showing signs of wear and does not meet current standards of safety, weight limits and tip load. Rails and rungs are bent and cables are frayed. There is an engine oil leak, an aerial lift piston leak, airbrake system leaks, areas of rust on the body and numerous electrical malfunctions. Based on the current and future needs of the community, the department feels an aerial ladder is an important element of its fleet. Fire/Rescue proposed a timeline for its investigation process. June 18-July 15: in-town evaluation of aerial units, visiting trade shows and other NH departments, meeting with the Budget and CIP committees, and drafting specs, requirements, cost and finance requirements. July 16-31: review by the department and selectmen. Aug. 1: sending RFPs or bid specs to vendors. Sept. 1: RFPs due to return. Sept. 1-30: opening RFPs and develop recommendation. Oct. 1-31: public hearings. Process set to be complete Nov. 1 with a possible vote at the 2004 town meeting. |
