The Plympton Fire Department received a grant award of $16,079.74 from Kathy Crosby Bell, the founder of the Last Call Foundation. The grant was presented at the Plympton Selectmen’s meeting on Monday, July 31, 2017.
This grant gives the fire department the ability to purchase air compressors, as well as extractors for cleaning gear. According to Fire Chief Warren Borsari, the new compressors replace a 40-year-old piece of equipment. He said “It’s the oldest in Plymouth County.”
In addition to equipment, the grant Plympton received funds a pilot program that promotes safety and proper use of equipment. There’s a small cost after the pilot is up if the town would like to continue with it.
Kathy Crosby Bell founded the Last Call Foundation three years ago after her son, Firefighter Michael Kennedy lost his life when a Beacon Street brownstone caught fire in Boston. Kennedy was only 33-years-old.
Since this tragedy, Bell said she’s channeled her grief in ways that make a positive difference for firefighters. She’s used her organization to improve safety conditions for firefighters and works to pass legislation to help fund the needed equipment. Crosby said, “I want to know if there’s a firefighter without gear.”
Katy Crosby Bell spoke of some of the dire safety situations firefighters are often put in when trying to extinguish flames and save lives. “Fires burn at 1,200 degrees,” said Crosby, “Some hoses burn at 900 degrees. That’s not acceptable.”
Besides on-site hazards, Crosby said firefighters face more health risks than the average person. According to Kathy, “63 percent of firefighters have a cancer diagnosis in their life.”
“When we need the support is when firefighters are alive,” said Crosby “Every fire fighter is a hero every day.”
Most of the fire department attended the grant presentation and were moved by Crosby’s efforts. Chief Borsari said, “She’s a very courageous woman.”
Selectmen all said that this is great news for the Fire Department and praised Chief Borsari for his efforts working within a tight budget.
Selectman John Traynor said Borsari is actively hiring and working hard. He’s been able to keep the town’s advanced life support status because of his efforts. Traynor added that the results from the Fire Department study that was approved at Town meeting should add some clarity.
Town Employment Update
According to Traynor, the opening for a part time clerical position to the Fire Department has been narrowed down to two candidates.
There are also five applicants for the open administrative assistant position in the Assessor’s office.
Board of Health Update on Vendors
Board of Health Chairman Art Morin informed the Board of Selectmen about a horse show at Wilfrock Farm on Center St. without the proper food permits needed to serve at the event.
Morin told the Board the owner of the property appeared before the Board of Health on Tuesday, July 25, and was told she needed to get the proper permit. If she does not get the permit, The Board of Health said it has the right to remove the vendor from the property at the event.
There are also other permits needed if alcohol is served or if more than 200 people are attending an event. Morin said, “People can’t just flaunt the law and do what they want in the town.”
Morin and the Board of Selectmen also discussed the possibility of raising permit fees. The two boards want to explore this since their fees are much lower when compared to other towns.
Other News
There is a Bylaw Review Meeting on Wednesday, August 9. A memo is being sent out to all departments with details.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) is holding an essay contest for 8th graders and a picture contest for 3rd graders with the theme, “If I lead my community, I would (blank).” The Board of Selectmen approved allowing MMA to contact the schools.
The next selectmen’s meeting is Monday, August 7, 2017. Open session starts at 6 p.m.