Internal Study to Look at CT City's Fire Apparatus Needs

NORWICH — The chiefs for the city's six fire departments will be sitting down with the city manager to review the need for firefighting apparatus in Norwich.

The Norwich City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize a needs analysis to be performed by the city manager, in cooperation with the chiefs from the city's five volunteer and one paid fire department, to create an inventory of firefighting apparatus that is in need of replacement.

Initially, the agenda for the meeting called for a vote on a resolution that would have authorized City Manager John Salomone to solicit requests for proposals from qualified consultants to begin a needs analysis of Norwich's fire service, including the number, deployment and the replacement schedule of existing fire apparatus.

A comprehensive fire suppression capability analysis of Norwich's fire risk and the ability of the fire services to combat fires was last undertaken in 1989.

The resolution was amended at the meeting, calling for, instead of an external study of the apparatus used by the fire departments and an internal report involving the city manager working with the six fire chiefs.

Several residents spoke for and against the resolution.

Michael Dziavit, president of the Local 892 firefighter union, spoke out against the needs analysis, calling it "disappointing."

He said the fact that the city is considering a study after having bought several new pieces of apparatus demonstrates that leaders have no idea how to address the issue.

President Pro Tempore Bill Nash explained that there was no need for a study when equipment was purchased in 2017 through a $3.2 million bond, as the equipment being replaced was 35 years old and had become obsolete.

Norwich resident Linda Theodoro said while an independent study will cost money, an outside perspective would yield better results and could be a cost-saving measure in the long run.

"It doesn't hurt to put a new set of eyes onto an old problem," Theodoro said.

Alderwoman Joanne Philbrick said she prefers an outside study and wants to take the decision away from the six departments.

"Often times in Norwich, we confuse our wants with our needs," Philbrick said.

Alderman Joseph DeLucia said it is both responsible and prudent to conduct an internal study.

DeLucia said before spending any taxpayer dollars on an external study on firefighting equipment, he wants the fire chiefs, as subject matter experts, to take the first stab at it.

The resolution calls for the internal needs analysis to be completed and delivered to the council no later than Sept. 3.

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