Rowley selectmen, firefighters in standoff over contract

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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