Residents Support North Branford Fire Department at Public Hearing

North Branford residents had the chance to speak out on the 2013-14 proposed budget at a public hearing on April 2 and they turned out in force. So many residents showed up, in fact, that the hearing had to be moved to the cafeteria at North Branford Intermediate School as North Branford Town Hall was over capacity.

More than 20 residents stood up to voice their opinions and while many views differed, there was one department that most residents voiced their support of – the fire department, which has 124 active members as of 2012. 

A brochure members of the NBFD handed out states that "The  cost of providing fire suppression, inspection & investigation, fire prevention, emergency medical service at the paramedic level, rescue operations and hazardous materials response for FY 2013-14 is $66.48 per capita or $185.97 per household." 

Steve Torino, a volunteer firefighter, spoke asking the Town Council to approve the fire department's budget as proposed by Fire Chief William Seward, discussing the need for new equipment, tires and a requested for the replacement of a Thermal Imaging Cameras; a $40,000 item that was removed by the Town Manager.

"If something happens to us because our apparatus is put off for another year, are you going to liable? Are you going to be able to sleep at night knowing you could’ve prevented this?" said Torino. "We invite all of you to come down on a Monday night, put on some gear, see what we do and see if it’s as easy as we make it seem."

Cliff Potter reminded those in attendance that the Town Council "promised them [NBFD] more tires this year" as the Council approved $10,000 for half of the tires in the 2012-13 budget. 
Ken Neubig, a 30-year member of the NBFD, agreed, noting "We have to keep the budget as low as we can but keep the public safe and the department safe."
 
Several residents spoke out in favor of funding the fire department's requested budget with Sara Querfeld thanking both the fire and police departments for "saving my dad’s life last year."

Moya Pantani also spoke of her positive experience with the NBFD saying, "They were there pronto," and that these are "volunteers who are giving their time and firemen should have the equipment that they need."
  
Gary Cuozzo, a business owner who said the Town Council will have some hard decisions to make as the "private sector is decimated and the taxes are killing us," but he supported the NBFD, thanking them for delivering his son at his house years ago. 

"I'm grateful to them," said Cuozzo. "They were there in minutes and maybe if they weren't, my son wouldn't be here today. Give them the money they need."

The Town Council could approve the 2013-14 budget at any of the upcoming budget workshops.

A story detailing other concerns brought forth at the public hearing to follow.