Municipal Spotlight:

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Staff Writer

Change so often is inevitable, and that’s what Bellingham’s Fire Department is experiencing and likely will see more of in the future. The department has promoted Robbie Provost to Deputy Chief after Chris Milot retired in June and has added six new paramedics. The addition of the non-suppression paramedics (no firefighting duties) is the result of last June’s election that approved a Proposition 2½ override for $750,000.

More changes could be coming after recommendations of a feasibility study are announced. Tecton Architects of Connecticut currently is conducting the study that will focus on upgrades at the central and south stations and the possibility of staffing a station in north Bellingham. 

The 34-year-old Provost, a 15-year veteran firefighter, began his career as a private, then became a lieutenant and a captain before his appointment as Deputy Chief. His primary duties will include supporting Chief Bill Miller in the department’s day-to-day operations and overseeing the functioning of each shift.

“I’m excited and eager to see what the future will bring to our department,’’ Provost said. “And, I’m pleased to be in a position where I can help the department progress.’’

Miller was effusive in his praise of both Provost and Milot, who now is residing in Florida. “Chris provided great effort and served the department admirably during his 27 years,’’ Miller emphasized. “Robbie is the face of Bellingham’s Fire Department. He’s been here for 15 years and has earned the respect of the staff and the community.’’

The added paramedics have increased the size of shift personnel from six to eight. The department, whose staff now totals 34, has four groups that work 24-hour shifts. The eight include a captain, lieutenant, four firefighters/paramedics and two non-suppression paramedics assigned to ambulances.

“We now have one dedicated paramedic ambulance that functions strictly for emergency medical care,’’ Miller noted. “The $750,000 annual cost for the six paramedics covers salaries, insurance, retirement, protective equipment and required state training.’’

The feasibility study, which was passed at last November’s Town Meeting for $100,000, will offer options on whatever recommendations are made. 

“The study will investigate current conditions and outline the potential for growth at all three sites,’’ Miller said. “The findings will be presented to the Select Board.’’

When completed, the study very likely will suggest some form of coverage in the north. Miller and Provost offer salient points on the lack of any presence in north Bellingham.

“We need a modernized staffed operation in the north,’’ Miller emphasized. “Currently, there is no personnel on staff at the north station. If, for example, someone on Farm Street needs help, and the ambulance at the central location is tied up on a call, then that forces personnel from the south station to travel to Farm Street. Depending on the time of day and the traffic, that trip will take 11-15 minutes when six minutes should be the arrival time for assistance. Mutual aid from Medway isn’t always available.’’

Provost said that “all residents in Bellingham deserve the same coverage whether they’re in the north, south or central part of town.’’

Miller has opinions on what could be improved at the central and south sites.

“Living conditions at the central location need to be upgraded,’’ he said. “Our personnel eat and sleep in the building. Improvements are desperately needed. At the south station, there are only two firefighters on duty for a 24-hour shift. We could use more staff.’’

Whatever recommendations are offered, decisions will need to be made on potential changes. And, if changes at the fire department are part of Bellingham’s future, then costs will have to be addressed. That raises two questions. Is another Proposition 2½ override needed or can costs be dealt with in the budgetary process?

“There is likely to be added costs so we can approach upgrades in a structured manner,’’ Provost said. Miller agrees and says, “We’ll have to prioritize what’s needed.’’

Upgrades at the fire department are a prime topic now, and no doubt are linked to the incredible growth the town has undergone and is still experiencing. 

Here’s an interesting quote with a sobering statistic from Miller that should not go unnoticed: “The last 10 years has caused the fire department to re-evaluate the level of service that we are providing to residents and visitors in the community. Demand for services is up 35 percent since 2013.’’