City Council Hearing Set For Thursday on DCFD Readiness

 

The drama continues in our nation’s capitol as City Councilmember Tommy Wells prepares to hold a special hearing into ongoing issues the department’s readiness.

 

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Not surprisingly, officials have been quick to blame the current lack of readiness on the previous administration that ended December 31, 2010.

For those interested, here is a copy of the transition plan from the former  administration.

2011 Fire and EMS Department Transition Plan-1

Among the points it discusses are a new fleet maintenance program (which would appear to have been scrapped) along with 2010 apparatus purchases that were awaiting delivery including 6 new engines, 2 new ladders, 2 refurbed ladders, 16 F450 EMS units and 2 heavy duty EMS units.

The plan recommends the purchase of 5-6 more engines in 2011, 1 tower ladder and 18 to 20 EMS units…. So much for “the past administration didn’t tell us”  or “the past administration left us high and dry”…. 

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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