DALTON, Mass. — The Fire District is seeking two residents to join its Building Needs Committee. 

 

The cramped condition of the Fire Department has been discussed for years but efforts to address it have fallen flat. 

 

In October, the board established a Building Needs Committee to review the needs of the department and community, develop solutions to address its space limitations and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance issues.

 

The committee is charged with evaluating community needs and expectations, staffing and facility requirements, and developing short- and long-term plans to address these needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

 

During a tour of the station last Oct. 21, ideas were tossed around, including building an addition, clearing outdated and unused equipment, reorganizing the space, and renting space next to the station. 

 

However, it was highlighted during the meeting that it is unclear whether these ideas are feasible and compatible with the current building's condition. 

 

Serving on the committee is interim Fire Chief Chris Cachat, Charlotte Crane, a fire prevention officer and emergency medical technician, Prudential Committee member Dennis Croughwell, Commissioner Camillus Cachat, and full-time Fire Lt. Tyler Colby. 

 

Since its establishment, committee members have been networking with firms, reviewing approaches other departments underwent, and formalized a Request for Proposal for a needs assessment that was sent out on Friday, Crane said. 

 

Five years ago, the department moved to 24/7 shifts which required the department to create bunk space, resulting in a loss of some office space, she said. 

 

The bay is also restrictive with the apparatus and equipment being squeezed into four garage bays. 

 

The committee is examining the community's future needs for emergency medical services and fire response, along with the corresponding space requirements. This includes evaluating necessary apparatus and determining the personnel and office space needed to support these services.

 

The committee is at the phase where it is going to be looking at proposals from firms to conduct a space needs assessment, Crane said. 

 

“We want to make sure that the community feels seen and heard and represented as we look at how we can best meet the needs of the fire department as we age and grow while being as transparent and also fiscally responsible as we can,” she said. 

 

The district hopes to get responses for the RFP by the end of March. 

 

"March 31 is the next commissioners meeting, so hopefully we will be able to review and suggest one of those proposals to the commissioners … hopefully [the committee] will be able to complete their assessment and produce a report, which they'll ideally present at the June 30 commissioners meeting," Crane said. 

 

The district is seeking Dalton residents with an interest in public service, community development, local government, construction, planning, and/or public safety to join the committee.

 

No prior experience is required; the district values commitment, curiosity, and a willingness to get involved.

 

Interested candidates should submit a brief letter of interest outlining their background and motivation, either by email or in person at the Fire Department, by 3 p.m., March 13.

 

For questions or additional information, contact the Fire Department at 413-684-6118, Option 2, or visit the website.