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Date: 9/28/2022
CHICOPEE – The City Council approved orders that will provide the Fire Department new equipment and add an additional captain to their complement during the council’s Sept. 20 meeting.
Mayor John Vieau presented the items during his mayor’s orders. The mayor shared that he is appropriating $179,282 from the city’s stabilization fund to the Fire Department for the purchasing of PowerPro Ambulance Stretchers. Out of the expenses, $162,984 will be covered from a fiscal year 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant – which leaves the city’s total expense for the stretchers at $16,928.
Fire Chief Daniel Stamborski explained the necessity of the department’s upgrade request. He shared that the PowerPro’s utilization of automated technology reduces risk of back injuries and other physical ailments for the firefighters.
“That’s one of the reasons that the federal government has put a lot of money into this particular project, because all of the studies shown that they are saving quite a bit in back injuries and worker’s [compensation] claims,” said Stamborski.
The Fire Department’s current fleet of stretchers are battery operated, while the PowerPro’s run off the ambulances as their power source. Stamborski shared that the funds will allow the department to incorporate three new PowerPro’s into their ambulances along with one existing PowerPro unit.
At-large City Councilor James Tillotson applauded the Fire Department for securing a grant to cover most of the expenses.
“I’ve seen the stretchers in operation several times and the electric ones they are looking for are better than the old-fashioned ones. … I am glad we are able to get them all for $16,000, it’s a good deal,” said Tillotson.
The council approved the appropriation and the grant funding in unanimous votes.
Vieau and Stamborski also presented a change to the city’s Chapter 34, Section 1 ordinance. The amendment increases the Fire Department’s captain total from 14 to 15. The mayor explained that an additional captain is needed by the department to operate Station 7 on Gratton Street. Additionally, the new captain will aid in fire prevention enforcement due to increased demand.
“We feel more comfortable having an extra captain on board,” said Vieau.
Stamborski shared that Station 7 originally opened three years ago under the Mayor Richard Kos administration. The department acquired two extra positions for each station group at that time, in part due to the regionalization of the city’s emergency dispatch.
Stamborski noted that despite the station becoming operational, it still lacked the leadership of a fire captain. Stamborski said the added captain will take on that role while also playing an instrumental role in fire prevention.
The fire chief stressed that “countless duties that have been bestowed” on the department’s fire prevention team as they account for new enterprises opening throughout Chicopee.
“Over the years, with the increased businesses, restaurants and all the inspections that come along with this, that’s the reason we are seeking the additional position of fire prevention,” said Stamborski.
Ward 9 City Councilor Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello expressed gratitude to Stamborski for his efforts.
“I’d like to thank the fire chief in regards to his creative thinking … to make sure that all the fire stations are covered” said Pniak-Costello.
The City Council approved the amendment in a unanimous vote. The item will be referred to the Ordinance Subcommittee for a public hearing before a final authorization from the council.
The City Council will meet again on Oct. 4.