3 Questions for Fire Chief Bill Seward: Aug. 31

Before our town officials were, well, town officials, they had other jobs. Think back to your first-ever job. Ever wonder where our town officials, like Chief , got their start in the working world?

North Branford Patch: What's new in your department?
Seward: After many months of planning, the Fire Department's VHF simulcast radio system upgrade is getting closer to reality. This week new antennas were installed on the cell tower on Commerce Drive and equipment is being installed on the roof of the that will add a new satellite receiver to the departments communications system. Connectivity to the main transmitter tower will be via a microwave link that the department was recently licensed to operate. 

North Branford Patch: What's something residents should know?
Seward: In compliance with State Regulations, spills and leaks of hazardous materials require notification to the fire department and, when necessary, notification to the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. As a point of information, spills involving elemental mercury can present a serious health risk. DEEP provides detailed instructions on their website on how to clean up household mercury releases. Residents should be cognizant that mercury releases invisible vapors that can present a inhalation and absorption hazard to those in the area; contamination of floors, carpeting, etc. may also occur. When in doubt, call 911.

North Branford Patch: What was your first job?
Seward: My first job was working at the well-known Yankee Doodle Shop on Elm Street in New Haven. 

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Stay tuned for more responses from other officials throughout the week. Want to check out more '3 Questions' topics and see what other officials had to say? Scroll down for more!