According to the the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), firefighters are 9% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer then the general public.
Lt. Cody Vaillancourt, who oversees new equipment for the New Ipswich Fire Department, researched new protective hoods for the firefighters after studies revealed the current hoods, “which are basically cotton,” he said, “don’t protect the firefighters from cancer-causing carcinogens.”
The new hoods have a protective layer inside to help block carcinogens firefighters face during fire service.
“The way they are woven and manufactured helps filter the junk we are exposed to,” said Vaillancourt. “The fire service is always doing testing, and they have found that the permeable areas around the neck and jaw line are absorbing smoke and soot at an alarming rate.”
“[Vaillancourt] is always looking at new things like that,” said Fire Chief Meredith Lund at a recent New Ipswich Select Board meeting. “Some of the things he wants he doesn’t get,” but she said the new hoods are $110 apiece and worth it.
Vaillancourt said the NFPA is working on new standards for the fire service. They are still in discussion but there are talks within that committee to make these hoods mandatory for all interior firefighters.
“Although we won’t see these standards until probably next year, we as a department are again trying to stay ahead of the curve with protecting our firefighters,” she said.
In presenting her budget, Lund said, “Our two biggest costs are going to be vehicle maintenance.” She said a valve wasn’t placed on the front suction of Engine One when the pump was installed. If something happens to the suction on the pump, the department will not be able to use the truck for emergencies.
“We are looking to keep that truck for a lifetime of 25 to 30 years,” she said. Fixing the front suction line will help her achieve that goal, at an estimated one-time expense of $10,000.
The other large expense this year is $6,000 for six new tires for Engine Four. The NPFA recommends replacing tires every seven years, and the Department of Transportation recommends 10 years. Engine Four’s tires are 10 years old.
Lund also budgeted for $12,000 to replace radios they received in 2002 through the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The current radios are so old that they no longer meet Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines, and therefore won’t be able to be repaired. She hopes to use the AFG fund to replace six or seven mobile radios, at $2,280 a piece, as well as the base station.
If they get that grant, the $9,000 they put into the budget this year to buy a few radios will be used to pay a required 5% match to replace all the radios. They won’t hear back about the grant until midsummer or early fall of 2022. She hopes the grant will help offset costs so she doesn’t need to put a warrant article into the budget for the radios.
“Times are tough for households,” said Lund. “Let’s put in a long-range goal, and not burden the taxpayers.”
A few trailer classrooms were handed down to the department when the Central School closed in 2012, but the selectmen have yet to approve necessary improvements on the buildings. Selectman Bert Hamill said they have discussed the buildings but need to evaluate the cost further.
Town custodian Mark Hopkins estimated $10,000 to fix the building, which Lund said seems low.
“I think if it’s structurally sound it’s worth putting ($10,000) into it,” she said. “We want to use it.”
The portable classroom behind the fire station has a new roof but according to Lund needs new ceiling tiles, carpet, windows, doorjamb and doors. It also doesn’t have a staircase and has heat but needs some electrical wiring.
“But it has good potential,” she said.
“How many more Band-Aids on bullet holes?” asked Selectman Jason Somero after the chief finished her budget presentation.
“Nope,” Lund responded, “this year we are going to use an actual tourniquet!”