The Board of Selectmen meeting in Charlton, Worcester County, on February 12, 2025, focused on enhancing firefighter safety through the adoption of new technology. The primary discussion centered around the implementation of a transponder system designed to alert drivers of emergency vehicles on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

The Fire Chief presented the initiative, highlighting the dangers faced by first responders when vehicles fail to slow down in emergency situations. He noted that despite existing laws requiring drivers to reduce speed near emergency scenes, incidents of high-speed vehicles passing emergency responders remain a significant concern. To address this, the department has acquired five transponders that will be installed on three ambulances and two primary fire engines. These devices will automatically send signals to navigation apps like Waze when emergency lights are activated, notifying drivers of the presence of emergency vehicles ahead.

The Chief explained that while the total cost to equip all vehicles would be approximately $16,000 annually, the decision was made to initially equip only those vehicles most likely to be on the highway. He emphasized that as long as one equipped vehicle is present, the system will function effectively, providing alerts to commuters using navigation apps.

The Fire Chief also mentioned that data from the local hospital would help assess the effectiveness of the system by tracking how many vehicles receive the alerts. If the technology proves beneficial, there may be potential for expanding the system to additional vehicles in the future.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of investing in this technology to enhance the safety of first responders and reduce the risk of accidents on the road. The Board plans to monitor the system's performance and evaluate its impact on emergency response safety in the coming months.