3 Questions for Fire Chief William Seward: August

North Branford Patch: What's new with the North Branford Fire Department?
Chief Bill Seward: The Fire Department expects to accept delivery of its remounted Medic 4 ambulance by mid August. The new chassis replaces the 2006 unit and allows the department to maintain effective EMS operations by reuse of the patient compartment on the new International chassis.  

North Branford Patch: What's something residents should know? 
Chief Bill Seward: As of August 1, 2013 the North Branford Fire Department has suspended the application process for taking on new members. Residents may ask why would the Fire Chief not accept new members? The answer is simple-available funding to support what it takes to bring new members into the department. Even though the NBFD is a volunteer firefighting force, the requirement each member must meet is parallel to career firefighters under OSHA law. Additionally, it requires the outfitting of new members in protective clothing that costs more than $2,000 per person and as approximately $200. Per member for medical examinations; these are also required annually. Since October 2012 the department has brought on more than 20 new firefighters some which have the necessary training to immediately begin orientation. With a minimal operating budget as set forth by the town, accepting new members is placed on hold. 

North Branford Patch: What's your best back-to-school advice? 
Chief Bill Seward: As the new school year is just around the corner, people need to keep in mind that school busses make many stops to pick up and drop off children each day. There is a great responsibility upon the hands of all bus drivers; making sure our kids reach their destinations. We should remember that when you see the red flashing lights on a stopping bus, every driver is required by law to stop and wait for the kids to load or unload before we proceed on our way.  Also, drivers are required to pull to the RIGHT side of the road and stop granting the right of way for all emergency vehicles responding with their lights and sirens operating.  

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