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Give Some of Your Time on July 31 to Learn About NH Fire Dept. Referendum
To the Editor:
I would like to discuss for a moment a topic that is very important to me and to the safety of both life and property in our area: the North Highlands Fire Department (NHFD).
I have proudly served as a volunteer for 25 years at NHFD and held every position including Chief (2002-2003). Presently I hold the office as one of your five publicly elected Fire Commissioners.
As most of you know, on August 14, the Fire District is once again putting a referendum to the voters for reconstruction of the fire headquarters on Fishkill Road. The current metal butler style building has already outlived its life expectancy, is in great disrepair and has many code violations. Many of these violations expose the District to serious risk and liability.
When I first began as a Commissioner, I thought the building could be repaired and restored, to limit an increase of burden on the taxpayer. The Board explored options of restoration and we found that it would be extremely costly and the building would still not meet the present needs of the department and would continue to violate a number of building and safety codes.
The residents of the North Highlands are very fortunate to have the service of the very professional and hard working group of firefighters that are presently here. It is a struggle to train and retain members and we are always looking for creative ways to recruit new members. At our June 12 Public Hearing, which was attended by ten members of the community, there was concern brought up about the need for an exercise room. The list of reasons are many and obvious to most; it's a small price to pay for the community to supply a room to properly house exercise equipment that was purchased by a FEMA Grant, that helps maintain the health of our firefighters. This small portion of the building is also a draw for new recruits to utilize the facility while being available for emergencies.
In closing, no one "owes" us (the firefighters) a "YES" vote, but I hope the public will come out to the firehouse on July 31 at 7:30pm to hear the facts about both the building and the financing that the District is proposing and then make your voting decision. The firefighters give endless amounts of their "volunteered" time, please respond by giving some of yours on July 31.
John Van Tassel Vice-Chairman Board of Commissioners
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