Fire Garage, New Truck Advance

By Avice Meehan

The Firehouse Committee held a special meeting on Oct. 26 to approve foundation work for the planned three-bay garage that will be located adjacent to the firehouse now under construction. The estimated cost is under $125,000, lower than the amount approved at a special town meeting.

First Selectman Henry Tirrell said the committee also agreed to move forward with a so-called Morton Building for the garage because it represented a savings of more than $100,000 over a conventional steel garage. The estimates were $325,531 for the Morton Building versus $464,865 for the alternative. Morton Buildings got their name from the Illinois-based company (still in business) that pioneered a cost-effective approach to the construction of farm and other commercial buildings.

Tirrell said the final decision on whether to proceed with construction of the full garage will be made in the coming months, factoring in the total cost of the firehouse itself and the success of an additional fundraising campaign. “With fundraising and no major issues, we would hope that the Morton Building would fit within the current budget…and [could] result in a reduction of the amount needed to borrow,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tirrell signed a contract in September with Massachusetts-based Greenwood Emergency Vehicles LLC for a new truck that the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department plans to call Engine 60. Fire Chief Brian Hutchins said the Fire Truck Committee, chaired by Steven Hutchins, spent two years meeting with vendors to develop a truck that “fits Norfolk” with its small roads and hilly terrain. In addition to seating for five firefighters, he said it will have a fire pump capable of delivering 2,000 gallons a minute; a 1,250 gallon water tank; and enough hose to create a temporary water main at a fire.

“The dual role of the new engine will help to take some work load off the 2009 Seagrave pumper, helping to reduce wear and tear,” said Hutchins, adding that it would become the town’s “rescue” vehicle for responding to an array of incidents.

Voters approved an appropriation of up to $1,252,490 to buy the new truck at a September special town meeting. Tirrell has secured the support of both of Connecticut’s U.S. senators for $885,000 toward the purchase.