During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the future of the local fire department and potential relocation of its facilities. The conversation highlighted concerns regarding the current fire equipment's visibility and accessibility, particularly for emergency response vehicles. Participants noted that while the fire equipment is equipped with flashing lights, the location of the fire station may still pose challenges for visibility on the road.

Several potential sites for a new fire station were considered, including properties near the post office and Nick's restaurant, as well as options for expanding town hall facilities. However, many of these locations were deemed unsuitable due to ownership issues or flooding risks. Notably, properties owned by Ken Grapevatch and others were also mentioned, but their locations in flood zones raised concerns about their viability.

The meeting also addressed the evolving role of the fire department, with a significant increase in medical calls compared to fire-related incidents. This trend has prompted discussions about whether the new fire station should focus on fire services or if it should also accommodate medical response capabilities, given the proximity of Cheshire County's emergency medical services.

Concerns about response times were raised, particularly for residents living across the bridge, where access to emergency services could be delayed. The committee emphasized the need to define the fire department's future role and the adequacy of current equipment, which includes a 3,000-gallon tanker truck and a brush truck.

As the meeting concluded, participants considered innovative ideas for the fire station's location, including the possibility of utilizing the former Ferguson property for town hall functions, which could free up space for a new fire station. The discussions underscored the importance of strategic planning to ensure effective emergency response in the community.