Board of Firewards — June 18, 2026

The board addressed the first order of business to elect the nominated chairman. a speaker was nominated for the position.

a speaker was elected and accepted the position of Chairman.

a speaker detailed ongoing coordination with the Fire Academy to assist with recruitment, oral boards, and background screening. Discussion touched on potential edits to the job description, specifically regarding a seat waiver, and the importance of professional technical expertise during the interview process. The board also discussed the impact of the vacancy on upcoming budget season and the need for collaboration during the interim.

The board agreed to review recruitment documents and participate in an upcoming Teams call with the Academy.

a speaker will schedule a Teams call with the Fire Academy once Captain Burns provides availability.

a speaker reminded the board of RSA 91A (Right to Know law), noting that business cannot be conducted outside of formal meetings. There was also discussion regarding the process for taking and approving meeting minutes, including the potential use of AI software for transcription.

The board acknowledged the rules of engagement regarding public meetings.

The board will decide whether to delegate minute-taking duties in a future meeting.

The board discussed recent issues with the new truck, including a grounding problem that affected various components. They also addressed maintenance needs for Boat 1 (trim ram failure) and Boat 2 (engine tune-up). Members discussed the delay in the new vehicle delivery and its specific equipment needs. They debated whether to retire the old vehicle or designate it as the Chief's take-home to preserve primary response vehicles for active duty. Additionally, the board discussed the timing for a new command vehicle and whether to retain the old vehicle for the incoming Chief's use.

The board decided to hold on disposing of the old vehicle until a new Chief is hired.

Maintenance and towing for Boat 1 is scheduled for Monday. Re-evaluate the vehicle's status once the new hire is brought on board.

The department is seeing interest from local applicants, with four candidates currently in the pipeline. The board noted they have one candidate moving through paperwork and three more interviews scheduled. There was discussion about improving the structure of the probationary program to ensure new members learn basics like gear usage in a structured environment. They discussed the benefits of hiring a group of recruits simultaneously to build camaraderie and the structure of the new probationary program run by Joe. The department is focusing on a structured 6-month probationary period.

The department will continue the interview process for upcoming candidates. The department is focusing on a structured 6-month probationary period to teach basics like gear usage.

Conduct remaining interviews over the next two Tuesdays.

The board discussed a FEMA grant for 15 sets of gear and a Firehouse Subs Foundation grant for radio system upgrades. A $99,000 FEMA grant for 15 sets of gear was submitted. They also discussed a $6,000 grant for an internal radio system upgrade and the challenges of transitioning to PFAS-free gear, the lack of detailed inventory/inspection records, and the need to advocate for higher safety equipment budgets during the upcoming budget season. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the challenges of gear quality (specifically regarding PFAS-free requirements and durability).

The board recognized the need to improve record-keeping and inventory accuracy to support future grant applications and the need for more robust budgeting for safety equipment and better inventory tracking.

A full inventory of gear and equipment needs to be conducted to support grant writing and budget requests. Complete inventory to assist with future grant applications and budget planning.

The board discussed supporting the family of Dana during a funeral. They reviewed mutual aid arrangements, noting that two engines and two ambulances would be present, with New London's ladder available if necessary.

Coverage is confirmed via mutual aid; the department will provide support as planned.

Members noted a high volume of calls from a local assisted living facility where staff often call for minor issues (like lifting a resident) that do not constitute medical emergencies. They noted high staff turnover at the facility makes consistent communication difficult. Members noted this as a widespread issue with corporate-managed facilities.

The board acknowledged this as a widespread issue with corporate-managed facilities but no immediate action was taken.

Discuss the issue further with the Chief once he arrives.