WCFD
Chief’s Report
07/21/10
Fires: We responded to 6 fires in June for a total of 155 fires from March 1-June 30.
*See additional spreadsheets
Rescues: We responded to 16 rescues in June for a total of 93 rescues from March 1-June 30.
*See additional spreadsheets
Trainings: There were five (4) trainings in June
1. Driver/Pump Operator Class
2. Driver/Pump Operator Class
3. Driver/Pump Operator Class
4. Medication Administration Review/Practice Draw & Injection
Year-to-date comparison: March 1, 2009 – April 30, 2009 – 135 calls
March 1, 2010 – April 30, 2010 – 248 calls
Difference in calls: +113
Percentage Increase/Decrease +84%
First and foremost let me apologize for not attending my first board meeting as your interim Chief. Circumstances beyond my control prevent me from attending. Captain Mann has graciously agreed to stand in for me. However should you need my input on any subject, I can be reached by cell phone.
Activity
Members took great pride in attending the annual July 4th parade in Chepachet. The crew informed me they received several complements.
The department continues to answer calls for fire, rescue, and assistance – both in district and calls for mutual aid. All 22 responses were handled by this department.
Apparatus
See Captain Mann’s Report - Engine 9 has been returned to the station from repairs. The total cost for repair was $7,087.03. We have received a check from VFIS for $6,587.03 which is less our deductible of $500.00. After speaking with all involved with the accident, it is my opinion that the damage to Engine 9 was a result of driver/operator error.
Engine 18’s auxiliary brake has been disconnected for several years. E.J. Boughton Co. attempted to troubleshoot the problem. He advised us to take the truck to a authorized diesel repair facility.
Old Engine 9 – See Captain Mann’s Report.
All apparatus went out for preventative maintenance work as requested by VFIS. See Captain Guastini’s Report. Rescue 8 went out for a few days with an A/C problem. It has been resolved and returned to service. Hopkins Hill let us borrow their reserve rescue vehicle while our unit was down. A new locking/keypad for the narcotics carried on our truck has been ordered – See Captain Guastini’s Report.
We received a complaint from the Department of Labor & Training regarding Steve Autieri. He made a claim for back pay owed to him and others regarding minimum wages dating back to May 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010. I spoke with Lt. Autieri when this first came to light. I advised him this took place before most of the present board or myself had come on board. He was assured by me that the board was aware of his concerns and as soon as the next board meeting he and the others involved would be issued checks. At that time (end of June), it was my understanding that Lt. Autieri was okay with that, and would not be sending this off to the State.
After several times that the town garage fuel pump have gone down with fuel/gas problems, we contacted Wright Express Universal Fleet Program. This company’s fuel card allows us to fuel/gas up at several fuel stations. The cost per gallon is at or slightly less than we are paying now. The other three departments in town have stopped getting fuel at our DPW and gone with the above company.
We had a problem with the carbon monoxide sensor in the station bays. See Captain Guastini’s report for an update.
We have a request from Deputy Chief Hall for reimbursement for attending the New England Fire Chief’s Conference in Springfield, MA. The total is $703.45. *This request was not authorized or approved by myself. Chairman Mann also states he didn’t authorize this. At the bottom of the request form, under approved by: The word chairperson is circled. After checking with Captain Guastini, she reported that the District reimbursed him for last year’s conference for the sum of $317.00. It appears to me that the District paid for his conference fee and mileage.
This year the request is for the following:
Mileage 196 x .55/mile $107.80
Conf. Pkg $180.00
Hotel x 3 nights & parking $415.65
$703.45
With this year’s budget being so lean and the question of who authorized this expense, I would recommend that it be tabled until Deputy Hall can explain the details of this request.
Lastly, I would like to take time to express my thanks to the Board of Directors for appointing me to lead this department during these trying times, to Chairman Mann for his assistance in helping me through this transition, and to the loyal officers and members who have welcomed me here.
Respectfully Submitted,
Chief Russell Lacaillade