Board of Firewards — July 7, 2026
Emergency service contracts and lack of formal policies raise safety concerns
The meeting was professional and constructive, with the board engaging directly with public inquiries regarding recruitment and policy structure.
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During the July 7 Board of Firewards meeting, several issues were raised that directly impact the long-term safety and stability of Sunapee’s emergency services.
Of particular concern is the lack of departmental oversight regarding ambulance and dispatch services. Board members noted that the town currently has very little input into these contracts, raising questions about how much notice the town would receive if these essential services were to be discontinued or changed. Additionally, the board acknowledged that many current operating procedures (SOPs) are unwritten or outdated, creating potential legal and safety risks for both the town and its personnel.
Recruitment is also at a crossroads. As the town prepares to hire a new Fire Chief, board members warned that Sunapee’s high cost of living may prevent qualified candidates from applying. Without addressing housing barriers or compensation, the town risks being unable to secure the leadership necessary for a professional department.
As budget season approaches in mid-August, residents should stay informed on how the town plans to formalize these policies and secure essential service contracts.
Public impact
High; the selection of a new chief impacts long-term departmental leadership and safety operations.
The board approved the proposed hiring process and plan.
The board will request weekly updates from FSTEMS and draft a public announcement.
High; potential for service discontinuation or changes in response levels.
The board identified a need to obtain more details regarding service level agreements and contract notice requirements.
Obtain more information on the specific requirements and notice periods in the ambulance and dispatch contracts.
Topics discussed
The board reviewed a proposed hiring outline from the NH Division of Fire Standards and Training and EMS.
The board approved moving forward with the proposed hiring process and plan.
The board will request weekly updates from FSTEMS and will draft a public announcement regarding the start of the search.
The board addressed the difficulty of attracting qualified candidates due to high local housing costs.
The board decided to monitor the recruitment process and gather feedback from FSTEMS on candidate hesitation related to housing.
If recruitment trends show housing as a barrier, the board will re-evaluate compensation or housing assistance.
An update was provided on new recruit onboarding and the need for equipment replacement.
The department will proceed with onboarding the new recruits and will look into budgeting for helmets.
The officers will meet to determine the specific amount of funding needed for equipment upgrades.
The board discussed aligning departmental budgets with the Select Board's long-term vision.
The board agreed to participate in the upcoming budget season starting in mid-August.
The budget season is set to kick off around August 17th.
The board discussed the status of recent job candidates and the importance of maintaining communication during the hiring process.
The board confirmed that communication with candidates is being maintained to ensure they remain interested while the department works on organizational structure.
A board member raised concerns regarding the specifics and service levels of existing contracts with the hospital ambulance and New London Dispatch.
The board identified a need to obtain more details regarding service level agreements and contract notice requirements.
Obtain more information on the specific requirements and notice periods in the ambulance and dispatch contracts.
The board provided updates on vehicle repairs, including Boat 2, Engine 2, and Car 1.
The board plans to retrieve the vehicle from the current upfitter and move the work to a more reliable company.
The board discussed the risks and benefits of using per diem staff to supplement coverage.
The board recognized the need to formalize policies and documentation to protect the town and staff. The board agreed to research existing policies from neighboring departments (such as Meredith) to use as a framework rather than writing new ones from scratch.
The department needs to develop or refine SOPs and formalize the per diem onboarding process. Board members will review the proposed policy materials and provide feedback at the next meeting.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Recruitment Barriers and Housing Costs
Lack of Formal Departmental Policies (SOPs)
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-non-reasoning, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-08-01.
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