RowleyFire News

RFD promotes two to Captain

2009-12-16T09:57:00.000-05:00

On Monday, December 14, 2009, full-time firefighters Mark Emery and J. Ronald Merry were officially promoted to the rank of Captain. The Board of Selectmen hosted a badge-pinning ceremony at their regular meeting that evening.

At the same meeting, Deupty Chief (ret.) Doug Chadbourne was presented with proclamations from the Board, the MA Senate, and the MA House of Representatives recognizing his 48 years of service to the department.

Newburyport News Story

H1N1 vaccine update

2009-12-15T09:49:00.000-05:00

The Rowley Health Department has a limited number of doses of H1N1 flu vaccine available to residents. A flu clinic will be conducted on Saturday, 12/19/09.

Contact the Board of Health at 948.2231 to register or for further information.

Engine 1 / Squad 1 Dedication

2009-11-14T19:56:00.006-05:00

(l to r: Chaplain Hagopian, FF Joe Merry, FF Dick Gagnon, Lt James Chadbourne, DC Roger Merry, FF Mark Winfrey, FF Ron Agrella, Cpt Don Merry)

This afternoon the RFD held ceremonies to dedicate Engine 1 and Squad 1, the two newest additions to our fleet.

Engine 1 was dedicated in honor of the 12 charter members of the Rowley Volunteer Fire Protection Association and carries the designation 'Charter Hose Co. No. 1' on the front fender.

The ceremony was officiated by our chaplain, Reverend Bob Hagopian, and featured a brief speech by Selectman Robert Snow.

There was a brief interruption to the ceremonies. . .

Enjoy the video.

Dedication Ceremony

2009-11-06T20:19:00.002-05:00

The public is invited to a dedication ceremony for Engine 1 and Squad 1 on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 13:30 hours at Rowley Fire HQ on Hammond Street.

Engine 1 will be dedicated in memory of the Charter Members of the Rowley Volunteer Fire Protection Association.

Refreshments will be served.

For more information please contact Chief James Broderick.

Facebook username

2009-11-06T20:13:00.002-05:00

The Rowley Fire Department continues to expand our presence in the social media universe. Thanks to our dedicated Facebook fans, you can now find the RFD Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/rowleyfire.

Of course, you can still find us here at RowleyFire.org, on Blogger at rowleyfire.blogspot.com, and on Twitter @rowleyfire!

DC Chadbourne retires

2009-10-20T19:02:00.007-04:00

On Saturday, October 17th, the Rowley Fire Department honored Deputy Chief Douglas Chadbourne on the occasion of his retirement.

DC Chadbourne joined the RFD in 1961, completing 48 years of service before facing mandatory retirement. He rose through the ranks of fireman, lieutenant, and captain, before election to the post of 2nd Assistant Chief in 1981. He would hold the post for another 28 years.

Fifty-one firefighters, family, and friends attended the party at the Carriage Pines Country Club. Doug was honored with a retirement badge, an engraved speaking trumpet, a few gag gifts, and a cake in the likeness of Engine 3.

Georgetown firefighters covered the Rowley station during the event.

Squad 1 returns!

2009-10-13T19:19:00.005-04:00

After almost a decade out of service, Squad 1 will be returning to the RFD this month.

The new Squad 1 is a 2010 Ford F250 4x4 crew cab pickup. It will be used initially by the Chief, but it will be available for operational support and crew transportation as needed.

The new squad was purchased with penalty fees assessed on the late delivery of Ladder 1. (The contract price was substantially reduced due to the delays, leaving excess money in the budget line.) The RFD was able to augment its fleet with no further impact to the taxpayers.

Pictures and more information, will be posted at RowleyFire.org as they become available. Look for history of the original Squad 1 as well.

RowleyFire social networking

2009-09-22T17:08:00.004-04:00

RowleyFire.org is taking the next step in social networking. Look for our Fan Page on Facebook; follow us on Twitter @RowleyFire; check the home page for recent Twitter updates.

Updates will include new newsblog posts, upcoming training and events, and important information for citizens.

Let's hope it all works as designed.

--Webmaster

We work our Chaplains hard in these parts

2009-09-20T21:19:00.002-04:00

Unlike many fire departments, our Chaplain is an active member of the suppression forces. Here's Reverend Bob at a car fire this afternoon.

Fill the Boot

2009-09-08T14:59:00.006-04:00

Over the Labor Day weekend, eight Rowley firefighters participated in the annual Fill the Boot drive to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Our latest effort in this long-standing tradition netted $3000.11 for the charity. Thanks to all who participated!

Brave New World

2009-06-30T14:51:00.002-04:00

At 12:01 AM on July 1, 2009, emergency services in Rowley will undergo two major changes.

First, the Rowley Volunteer Fire Protection Association will end 82 years of dedicated service to the community. Under a reorganization plan forced by the Board of Selectmen, the volunteers will be replaced by call firefighters employed directly by the Town. The RFD will continue to use the equipment and station owned by the RVFPA under a month-by-month agreement until permanent arrangements are finalized. Many of the current volunteers have agreed to stay on under the new management, although some have taken this as the proper moment to retire.

Second, the Town of Rowley will end a 30+ year association with American Medical Response and its predecessor companies in the provision of emergency medical services. Rowley signed its first paid contract with Peter Poor Ambulance in 1975; subsequent mergers and buyouts brought Amcare Ambulance, Chaulk Ambulance, and eventually AMR into the community. Starting tonight, EMS will be provided by Action Ambulance of Wilmington, MA with paramedic units responding from Linebrook Station and Cable Medical in Ipswich as well as Graf Rd in Newburyport.

Engine 1 delivered!

2009-06-11T10:51:00.001-04:00

Engine 1 was delivered on Friday, 6/5. It will enter service after all of the equipment has been mounted and training has been completed.

Photos should be forthcoming soon.

Engine 1 arrives at the dealer

2009-05-30T18:21:00.003-04:00

Rowley Engine 1 from James Chadbourne on Vimeo.

Engine 1 has arrived at Greenwood Emergency Vehicles. It still needs graphics and some dealer-installed items prior to delivery.

Call Firefighters

2009-05-20T09:22:00.004-04:00

The Town of Rowley is advertising for call firefighters. Please see the job posting and application at TownofRowley.net.

Engine 1 progress

2009-05-01T11:18:00.003-04:00

Engine 1 is 99% complete and due to ship from the factory in Ocala sometime next week. Final prep, graphics, and lettering will be done at the Greenwood facility in North Attleboro, MA. Click the slideshow for more images.

Thanks to Ron Arnow, aka FLRon on Firepics.net, for the photos and permission to use them.

Phoenix Rising. . .

2009-04-08T10:10:00.005-04:00

Fresh in from a Florida vacation (at his own expense,) Deputy Chief Roger Merry sends photos of Engine 1 on the E-One production line. Delivery is still expected in mid-May. More photos on the Engine 1 page.

Robert "Bobby Bear" Whitehead

2009-03-26T22:05:00.002-04:00

The Rowley Fire Department regrets to announce the passing of life-member Robert A. "Bobby Bear" Whitehead.

Robert died Thursday, March 26, 2009 in the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington following a brief illness.

Born in Lynn on December 21, 1946, he was the son of Maria C. (Gagnon) Whitehead of Beverly and the late Ernest B. Whitehead. He had resided in Beverly for most of his life and was a graduate of Beverly High School. He was also a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.

Bob was employed as a forest firefighter at the Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield for many years. He also was a volunteer firefighter for the towns of Rowley and Rockport for several years. He was an active member of the Cardinal Alumni Association as well as the Legend's Drum Corps and the St. Kevin's Emerald Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. He was also a member of the Franco-American Club in Beverly.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by two daughters, Christina L. and her husband, Joseph Fasano of Stoughton and Renee J. Whitehead and her companion, Samuel Correa of Beverly, for grandchildren, Haley Carter and Nathaniel Correa both of Beverly and Benjamin and Jacob Fasano both of Stoughton, a brother, Mark Whitehead of Salem, Bob's longtime friend Sheila Blais of Beverly, his former spouse and her husband, Rita G. and Frank Ball of Beverly and many cousins.

His funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 30th in the St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Cabot St., Beverly at 11 AM. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday in the Gronding Funeral Home, 376 Cabot Street, Beverly, from 1-4 PM. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Cardinal Alumni Scholarship Fund, PO Box 5054, Beverly Farms, MA 01915. Interment will be held in the North Beverly Cemetery.

--
A moment of silence and brief prayer were held for Bob at tonight's department meeting. Rest in peace, Bobby Bear. We'll miss you and your sense of humor.

March Training

2009-03-09T10:35:00.001-04:00

On Thursday March 12, 2009 at 1900 hrs there will be Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training. All members of the department are strongly encouraged to attend this important training. If there any questions please contact C1 or FF John McCarron.

Rowley Fire Department Graduates 3 from MFA class 026

2009-03-08T08:16:00.003-04:00

Congatulations to Dave, Hannah and Ron for successfully finishing the Mass Fire Academy Call/Volounter Fire Fighter Training program. They have spent the last 7 months in very intense training. May they all have successful careers in the department.

EMS con ed credits

2009-03-06T15:14:00.003-05:00

The Essex County Fire Chiefs Association through its training and ems division have obtained a grant for on line training through target Safety.com. This grant is valid until July 31, 2009 and all member communities can access this training for free.

Currently there are 5 OEMS approved courses for con ed credits. Each class is for 1 cred hour. There is an easy registration and the classes take approximately 1 hour to complete. Once you past the test at the end you will recieve a certificate and oems approval #.

If you are interested you may follow this link www.targetsafety.com/essexcountyfirechiefs register yourself and start the courses.

If you have any questions please contact the chief.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

2009-02-18T08:27:00.003-05:00

It's winter, and times are tough. Please be careful with your heating sources.

Rowley selectmen, firefighters in standoff over contract

2009-01-11T08:38:00.004-05:00

The Daily News has reported on the impasse in contract negotiations between the Board of Selectmen and the Rowley Volunteer Fire Protection Association:

Rowley selectmen, firefighters in standoff over contract

As this is an official RFD website, the webmaster will keep his opinions to himself and offer three factual corrections:

First, the much-vaunted $40,000 surplus never existed. What did exist was a capital fund. $40,000 is merely the amount arbitrarily cut from the RVFPA budget request last spring. (It had been a level-funded budget request.) After the installation of a much-needed new roof on the firehouse, the RVFPA ended the year with approximately $3000 in town funds. In government this is a 'surplus' which must be reclaimed and immediately spent elsewhere; to the rest of us it is known as 'saving for a rainy day.' Without the funds in question, we would currently have a leaky roof over our multi-million dollar investment.

Secondly, the chief does have control over maintenance and over the firefighters. No item of maintenance is ever ignored when requested by the chief. Maintenance on the town-owned equipment is also performed under the Association's budget. All of the firefighters serve under a unified command system headed by the chief. He sets policy and gives the orders, as it should be. Chief Broderick receives his authority from the Office of the State Fire Marshall and in turn delegates to the firefighters to get the job done.

Thirdly, the town only has two full-time firefighters and a chief, not three. I'm not sure where the News got that 'fact' from.

Comments are encouraged below, please read them for my personal opinion.

Did you feel it?

2008-12-21T19:04:00.003-05:00

At around 1740 hours this evening, several Rowley residents (and firefighters) reported feeling a rumble. Various people described it as a tree falling, a plow passing (it is snowing, after all,) or a distant explosion. One resident called 911 to report he thought a building had collapsed.

Rowley police and firefighters were dispatched to check the area, but found nothing. At the same time, authorities in Groveland, West Newbury, and Newburyport were investigating similar reports.

Reports are now coming in that a seismograph in Amesbury registered a seismic event. So where were you for the Big Earthquake of Christmas 2008, and did you feel it?

Update: At 2020 hours we received word from the MA Emergency Management Agency confirming a 1.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Haverhill, MA. It's official.

Christmas and Holiday Safety

2008-12-11T13:39:00.007-05:00

The Rowley Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season! Please enjoy these tips on Christmas tree and decorating safety.

Inspect all lights before using. Discard or replace any that show signs of wear or damage.
Don't overload electrical circuits.
Keep natural Christmas trees properly watered, and keep all decorations away from heat or open flame.
Use extra caution with candles. Never allow a candle to burn unattended. Place all candles on firm, non- flammable surfaces away from other combustibles.
And remember, SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES. While you have the ladder out, why not change those batteries?

Holiday Decorating Safety

And for a final chuckle, please enjoy a bit of light-hearted education courtesy of the Fresno (CA) Fire Department:

Special Order 08-03, Hi-Vis apparel

2008-11-23T20:11:00.002-05:00

Due to a change in Federal highway safety law, the RFD has implemented a Special Order mandating the use of high-visibilty safety vests when operating on any roadway. The only exception to their use will be in situations involving fire or hazardous materials, where use of the vest may expose the wearer to further dangers. Vests have been placed on all apparatus.

RFD members are advised to consult their email, departmental mailboxes, or the bulletin board for further information. (For any members who did not receive today's email, please contact C9 to update your email address.)

Preconstruction Conference

2008-11-07T18:20:00.002-05:00

From E-One 2008

Today the Truck Committee completed the pre-construction conference for Engine 1 at the E-One plant in Ocala, FL. Every item was considered and reviewed in the day-long meeting, to ensure that the truck we get is the exact item we've ordered. This isn't exactly like building a pickup truck!

We've now reviewed and approved the plans, so the project can join the production schedule. Tentative delivery time is currently in the May/June 2009 area.

The day ended with a tour around the plant, both to observe the operation and to learn from some of the other apparatus present on the line.

Press Release - Seabrook Station Siren Test

2008-10-06T14:26:00.004-04:00

From the Rowley Office of Emergency Management:

PRESS RELEASE

The Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant will be testing the network of emergency sirens in Massachusetts and New Hampshire on Oct 25, 2008, at 1230 pm. During this test all sirens will be activated simultaneously.

While the Town of Rowley falls outside of the Emergency Protection Zone, and there are no sirens located in the Town of Rowley, some areas of the town may hear the audible sound of these sirens.

Please keep in mind that this is a test and a test only. If you hear these sirens you should listen to the Emergency Broadcast Network (local radio and TV stations) and if there is an emergency you will be given important information.

If you have any questions about this test please contact the Emergency Management Director at 978-948-3812. Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM

Sincerely,

James C. Broderick
Fire Chief/EMD
Town of Rowley

MDA

2008-09-02T20:36:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, August 30, RFD crews participated in the annual MDA Fill the Boot drive, raising $3401 for Jerry's Kids. Way to go, guys, and thank you to all who contributed!

--C9

Selectmen approve purchase of Engine 1

2008-07-31T13:24:00.003-04:00

On Monday, July 28 the Board of Selectmen accepted the Truck Committee's recommendation and voted to award the contract for the purchase of a new Engine 1 to Greenwood Emergency Vehicles of Attleboro, MA. Greenwood will supply a 2009 E-One Typhoon rescue pumper, similar in features to our current Engine 3. The new pumper will be slightly larger and feature foam capability for flammable liquid fires.

The final cost to Rowley's taxpayers will be approximately $427,000, which includes the purchase of some loose equipment to fully outfit the new engine. (The voters authorized an expenditure of up to $440,000.)

Delivery is expected in approximately 9 months.

Bid Opening

2008-07-22T23:39:00.003-04:00

Bids were opened for Engine 1 this morning.

Base prices:
Greenwood Emergency Vehicles, representing E-One, for a Typhoon custom pumper - $398,854
Ferrara Fire Apparatus, for an Igniter custom pumper - $409,667

Both bids included additional individual line-item prices for optional equipment. The Truck Committee chose to specify in this method to make sure the proposals would fit within the budgeted amount.

The Truck Committee is currently reviewing the proposals for compliance to the specification and for total cost including options. The committee will send a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen, who hope to award the contract at Monday's meeting.

Stay tuned.

Anticipation. . .

2008-07-20T22:34:00.001-04:00

Bid opening for Engine 1 is scheduled for 11:00 AM this Tuesday. We know that bid packages were taken out by E-One, Ferrara, Seagrave, HME, and KME.

We'll see what happens.

Firemen's Memorial Sunday

2008-07-01T14:02:00.000-04:00

On June 8, 2008 the RFD held its annual Memorial Sunday. Services focus around the Volunteer Firemen's Memorial, and the Honor Roll of deceased members is read. The morning is punctuated by the sounding of Chief's Call on the 'fire whistle' in their honor. It's a moving moment.

The service is led by Chaplain Hagopian, and this year he explained the significance of the Maltese Cross.

Engine 1 bid process

2008-06-21T22:07:00.004-04:00

Town of Rowley Board of Selectmen
Request for Bids for
1500 GPM RESCUE PUMPER

The Town of Rowley, Massachusetts is seeking sealed bids for the furnishing and delivery of a new 1500 GPM Rescue Pumper for the Rowley Fire Department. The Bid Documents and Specifications are available in the Office of the Rowley Board of Selectmen, Rowley Town Hall, 139 Main Street, Rowley, MA starting on Monday June 23, 2008. Bid documents may be picked up on: Mondays – Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., with the exception of Friday, July 4, 2008. A pre-bid conference will be held on Monday, June 30, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in the Office of the Rowley Board of Selectmen, 139 Main Street, Rowley, MA. Sealed bids are due no later than 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2008. Individual bids are to be in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Bid for 1500 GPM Rescue Pumper”. Bids are to be opened and publicly read on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Office of the Board of Selectmen by the Town Administrator and Fire Chief. The contract will be awarded by the Rowley Board of Selectmen to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. The Rowley Board of Selectmen reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids deemed in the best interest of the Town.

David C. Petersen
Chairman
Board of Selectmen

(notice courtesy of the Town of Rowley website)
Dates corrected above.

Cab Ride

2008-06-13T09:05:00.002-04:00

Just a little fun filmed from the jumpseat of Engine 4 after the Firefighters' Memorial Sunday services this week. Video of the ceremony will be coming soon; part of the service is already online at the Chaplain's Corner.

Engine 1 progress

2008-06-05T14:17:00.002-04:00

The Engine 1 spec has been completed and sent to the Board of Selectmen for legal review. Once Town Counsel has finished, it will be available for distribution to interested bidders.

I will post the date for the pre-bid conference and any other relevant information as soon as it becomes public.

--Webmaster

Thank You!

2008-05-20T16:12:00.001-04:00

The Rowley Fire Department, RowleyFire.org, and SupportRFDEngine1.org wish to thank the voters and taxpayers of Rowley for your support. Thanks to you, Question 1 and Article 15 passed with overwhelming support.

Look to this space for updates to the Engine 1 replacement process.

The Webmaster would also like to thank the members and friends who worked hard to encourage the passage of Question 1.

Two organizations----one purpose, one priority.

2008-05-12T20:44:00.002-04:00

guest column by FF Richard Gagnon

As you enter the fire station you step into a time capsule of sorts. The building itself is almost a hundred years old having been moved from its original site to the present location. Inside you will find historic reminders of the past, a small antique hand pumper, a plaque urging folks to donate S & H Green Stamps to help purchase a new fire truck, a 1953 Forestry fire truck lovingly maintained and still in use today. Upstairs is the original charter for a volunteer fire department signed in 1927. Indeed this is the home of the Rowley Volunteer Fire Protection Association, its 28 fire fighters and their trucks and equipment, dedicated to the safety and protection of the citizens of the Town of Rowley. But it is also the home of the Rowley Fire Department its three men and their equipment and they too are committed to the same purpose, the protection of the town and its people. Thirty-one firefighters, seven trucks, and all their equipment crammed into a six-bay century-old structure.
The town fire department came into existence because the changing demographics of the community was leaving the fire department with fewer volunteers present during the work day to respond to emergencies. Today the Rowley Fire Department (Town) is made up of three members, all town employees, and three fire trucks, all town owned. They respond from the station on Hammond Street and are on duty 5 days a week during the daylight hours.
The Rowley Fire Department (Association) is a non-profit organization made up of 28 firefighters, all call/volunteer, four trucks, the building and all related equipment (all owned by the Association) and residing also at the station. The call/volunteers respond 24 hours a day-7 days a week.

Two organizations----one purpose, one priority.

The town pays the Association under negotiated contract for its services much like it pays for services provided by AMR (ambulance response). Take note however, that while AMR is a for-profit company, the Association is a non-profit. Much has been made of so-called “overfunding” of the Association especially with the town’s current fiscal crisis and the need to trim the budget. The reality is the Association has been level-funded for the past three years and as a non-profit can, if it so chooses, manage its finances without the oversight of town management. This however has not been the case and in good faith the Association has worked closely with the town selectmen and the finance committee to educate them on how the money paid to the Association is spent. Much has been made of a $64,000.00 surplus. This is false. It does not exist. At the end of each year the Association may or may not have expended all its funds. If we wind up in the red, we must assume the responsibility. If we have funds left over it is transferred into an account that allows us to close the books on the year. The Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee have been educated on this process. Any ‘excess’ is then used for emergency purchases such as building renovations/repairs, equipment replacement, hose, equipment repair, and truck repair. If any vehicle suffers a major mechanical issue it is taken care of without going to the town for emergency funding-a costly and lengthy process, which would leave us without the protection supplied by that vehicle.
Much more can be said and as we approach the annual town meeting it is important for the citizens of Rowley to have a better understanding of how they are protected, what it is costing them, and how we are organized. In the coming weeks there will be more information distributed. But in the end we are two organizations----one purpose, one priority.

Chief Perley

2008-05-11T22:16:00.002-04:00

The Rowley Fire Department regrets to announce the passing of Chief Robert Perley, retired.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2008 from 17:00 to 20:00 at the FS Roberts & Son Funeral Home, Independent Street, Rowley. Funeral will be Thursday, May 15 at 10:00 at the First Congregational Church, Main Street, Rowley.

Burial will be in the Main Street Cemetery with fire department and military honors.

All available firefighters are requested to attend.

Bad day to drive a Buick

2008-05-11T21:37:00.005-04:00

Today was a busy day, and a poor one for General Motors. Three crashes resulted in two totalled Buicks and two damaged Chevy trucks. There were no serious injuries, thanks to airbags and seatbelts. The driver walked away from this one but was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Two Steps Behind: On Budget Cuts and Department Pride

2008-03-15T08:02:00.000-04:00

A recent fire buff photo show inspired the Webmaster to compose this presentation in tribute to Rowley firefighters.

After the events of the past week, however, the score seems appropriate in a different way.

On Monday, March 10 the Board of Selectmen notified the RFD that we will be subject to a 20% budget cut for FY2009. Regarding a projected $200,000 municipal budget shortfall, Selectmen Chair David Petersen stated, "We need desperately to come up with funding. What I'm looking for is about a $40,000 reduction for next year's budget." Selectmen stated they feel the RFD is ‘over-budgeted.’ Chairman Petersen also threatened possible layoffs if the money isn’t found within the budget.

In recent years the department has been able to end the budget year in the black through prudent spending. Our fiscal restraint has allowed us to save some money for much-needed capital projects. We would not have been able to repair the driveway without these funds, and this year’s ‘surplus’ is earmarked for a much needed new roof on the station. Saved funds were also used to rebuild Engine 4 to extend its useful life. Without them we would need to replace two engines instead of only one.

The RFD recognizes that financial times are tough, and there may be a municipal budget shortfall this year. We understand the need for belt-tightening. However, we strongly disagree with balancing the budget on the back of any one agency. Rowley’s selectmen are seeking to make up 20% of the budget shortfall from the fire department budget, while many other departments take smaller percentage cuts. This is unfair. If cuts are necessary, they should apply equally to all.

The Daily News agrees:
“A surplus is evidence that a department is planning for its future, and is prepared to deal with unexpected costs on its own, rather than running to the town demanding supplemental funding. That kind of fiscal prudence deserves praise, not punishment.”

The editorial goes on to emphasize that municipal department heads commonly overspend their budgets because they know they will lose the money otherwise. Selectmen should be giving departments incentives to save money, not punishing them.

Read the full editorial here: Budget cut sends wrong message to firefighters

In a related item, the RFD is still operating with one engine less than we need. Engine 1’s 1985 Ford was deemed unsafe two years ago. We urge the Selectmen and voters of Rowley to support its replacement. As always, funding would come from a Proposition 2 1/2 override and would have no bearing on the current budget crisis. For more information, please visit Support RFD Engine 1.org.

The taxpayers of Rowley may rest assured that regardless of the financial future of the town, Rowley’s firefighters will continue to respond to the best of their abilities. However, budget cuts and equipment shortages may soon leave us two steps behind.

Out with a Bang

2008-01-01T08:13:00.000-05:00

2007 ended with a working structure fire in Byfield, just before midnight New Year’s Eve.

While RFD crews were still at the fire, Engine 4 rung in 2008 with a cardiac arrest. Here’s hoping the year slows down a bit. . .

Happy New Year and stay safe out there!

EVOC

2007-11-17T08:14:00.000-05:00

Saturday dawned bright and crisp for the final day of the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course. RFD crews ran most of the apparatus through an obstacle course set up in the MBTA parking lot as the final phase of the course.

This training will enhance safety on the street for both RFD members and the general public.

Hose Testing

2007-06-01T08:16:00.001-04:00

Last evening RFD members completed annual testing of our 5” supply hose, as well as a small amount of attack hose. The detail provided an opportunity to test our new Roll’n’Rack hose management system, which really works quite well.

Engine 1 was retired from service after the detail, and its hose was placed into storage.

The detail also provided an opportunity for some updated photography. It may be hard, unglamorous work, but it sure can look good. Enjoy the slides.

The End of an Era

2007-05-31T15:09:00.002-04:00

Engine 1’s pump was retired from service after the hose testing detail this evening due to the need for extensive maintenance and repairs. This rig had been on loan from Georgetown after the failure of Engine 1’s 1985 Ford, and the failure of local government to replace it.

The saga has been well documented on this website.

This marks the first time in 80 YEARS that the RFD has been without an Engine 1, and it leaves us one engine short of what is required to fulfill our mission. The Board of Selectmen has promised to consider a replacement proposal in the spring of 2008, after refusing to consider one this year.

Given the status of local budgets in the Commonwealth in general, and the specific issues in Rowley, this webmaster is left wondering if tonight’s retirement may mark the permanent disbanding of Engine 1. I hope not.

Either way, goodbye old friend.

Engine 4 Returns

2007-04-25T15:17:00.001-04:00

Engine 4 has returned from Valley Fire Apparatus and will return to service within the week.

Recent work at Valley included removal of all the rust on the body, a full repaint, warning and scene light upgrades, aluminum hose-bed cover, pump maintenance, installation of OnSpot chains, and various safety upgrades. Engine 4 is expected to last another 8-10 years with these repairs and upgrades.

Engine 1’s borrowed Hahn is in need of extensive repairs and will most likely be removed from service and returned to Georgetown FD, with our thanks.

'Next year' is response to Chief's request

2007-03-06T15:21:00.000-05:00

The Newburyport Daily News, Monday, March 5, 2007

By Will Broaddus, correspondent

ROWLEY - “Two and one” is a standard dispatcher’s call, according to Fire Chief James Broderick, that summons two water-pumping engines and one ladder truck to a fire.

Right now, according to the chief’s testimony at last Monday’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting, if that call were issued, the Rowley Fire Department could respond, but with less than full confidence in its equipment.

In asking the board for a new engine, the chief pointed out that one of his original two is having body work done. At 20 years old, the age at which fire engines are normally replaced, removing extensive corrosion may extend its life by eight years, but only if it is returned to a reserve, rather than a lead response role.

Its absence leaves Broderick to depend on another 20-year-old truck, one from Georgetown Fire Department that ‘basically they threw out.’

The asking price for a new engine, $411,000, is $11,000 more than last year, when the chief first made his request. New requirements from the EPA on diesel emissions add to the cost for manufacturers and new FAA [sic] rules would force the chief to buy new radios instead of salvaging those from his current engine.

These additions occur in an economy with rising fuel prices that make processing raw materials increasingly expensive, escalating costs for a business in which just-in-time manufacturing produces only 600 or 700 new engines a year.

Every year that the town waits, the chief pointed out at the meeting, a new engine is going to be significantly more expensive. Meanwhile, if a fire were to break out at one of the buildings in town that estimates determine would take the full pumping capacity of two engines to control, the department would be left with no backup to handle any additional outbreaks, while relying on a truck that should have been at least partially retired.

The chief’s request comes in a year when town departments are “level funded,” allowing for no increases.

Citing the failure of all seven budget overrides attempted last year, Selectman David Petersen pointed out that this year, the board hoped to increase its chances of success by asking for only three.

Adding a fire engine to the list would increase the total amount requested to nearly a million dollars, Petersen added, and that might produce only voter resistance.

What he could offer was a commitment to make next year “the year of the Fire Department,” when Broderick’s requests would get priority. In the meantime, mutual aid, the system by which surrounding towns respond to each other’s emergency needs, would have to be “our fallback for another year.”

Selectman Richard Cummings added that for the present, “You can’t prioritize the priority list -- everything’s a priority.”

Broderick said that this was not what he had hoped to hear. “We’re continually in the same boat,” he said.

Webmaster’s note: The Board of Selectmen may be contacted at 978 948-2372 or via email at Selectmen@TownofRowley.org.