Adams Fire Approves 'Support Person' Policy
ADAMS, Mass. — The Fire District has established the role of "support person" in its policies to allow firefighters age 65 and older to continue service, but with restrictions.
The Prudential Committee has discussed this topic over the course of several meetings after four Dalton firefighters, including the interim chief, had to retire because of the state mandate.
The policy is one of the steps the committee has pursued to address the situation previously described as "devastating to the department."
If enforced, it would have immediately dismissed five of the company's members, a trend that would continue upwards over the course of five to seven years, officials previously said.
After correspondence with the district's attorney and several revisions, the committee approved the policy at its meeting last week.
The policy dictates that any member of the Fire Department who is 65 or older will be considered a "support member," permitted to perform ground-level exterior duties, emergency medical service duties, vehicle operations, communications and air supply.
Upon reaching the age of 65, they will be required to turn in all fire gear and will respond to calls wearing the department-issued raincoat or vest. The chief engineer may issue other non-firefighter equipment.
Provided that they are in a "safe environment," support members are permitted to assist with water supply, fill air bottles, provide first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary, perform administrative duties assigned by the chief engineer, and offer ground-level assistance within policy limitations.
Additionally, they are allowed to drive the apparatus provided they pass a required annual evaluation conducted by the chief engineer. The chief will document the evaluation and provide a copy to the support member.
Some committee members questioned whether the drivers would be covered by the district's insurance.
Committee member John Pansecchi said their lawyer did not respond to this inquiry. However, the district's insurance says they are covered aside from heart circulation after 70.
The policy also outlines limitations to the role including:
- never entering a structure that is on fire,
- remaining outside the collapse zone of any burning structure,
- exiting any building that is determined to be hazardous
- remaining a safe distance from vehicle fires, brush fires, or other types of fires.
In addition to the policy, voters will decide on Article 19 at the annual district meeting to authorize the district to petition the Legislature to enact special legislation for firefighters 65 and older to continue service.
The district's annual meeting is on Wednesday, May 27, at 6 p.m. in the fire station.
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