Chief Coleman, the Charlton fire chief, told the Select Board during the open forum that the department has signed a contract to pilot an in-vehicle alert system that sends automatic notifications to drivers using navigation apps when emergency lights are activated.

“The technology…when our emergency lights are activated, it sends out a signal, an automatic signal… and motors that are using a Waze app or some other navigation app… get a notification automatically into their cars that there's an emergency vehicle operating up ahead,” Chief Coleman said.

The department purchased five transponders that, according to the chief, “are gonna go on all three of our ambulances and our two primary engines that go up on the Massachusetts [Turnpike].” The devices activate automatically when emergency lights are on, producing an on-screen alert and a brief audible tone on compatible navigation apps, the chief said.

Chief Coleman told the board the town receives reimbursements for providing services on the Massachusetts Turnpike and that the department plans to use those payments to offset the transponders’ cost. He also said the department received a DFS grant of about $13,000 for traffic-control equipment and related supplies.

Board members expressed support for the pilot and suggested the Select Board consider funding additional units in future budgets if the initial trial proves effective. One member noted the cost to outfit every town vehicle was quoted at $600 per vehicle and estimated at about $16,000 annually to cover all vehicles; the chief said the department intentionally purchased a smaller number for vehicles that routinely work on the highway.

The pilot will include monitoring how many vehicles and apps receive the alerts so the town can assess whether to expand the program, Chief Coleman said. There was no formal vote on procurement or funding during the meeting; the board discussed possible budgetary consideration later in the fiscal process.