Hot problems at local fire stations

By David Taber

With reports of leaky roofs, crumbling walls and unreasonably cramped quarter, the Board of Aldermen’s Public Health and Safety Committee recently toured city’s fire stations.

Aldermen-At-Large Bill White and Dennis M. Sullivan, and Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero, who sit on the committee, were already aware of the many issues affecting the Somerville Fire Department. They were aware inadequacy of the trailer Union Square’s Engine 3 has been operating out of since Christmas Eve 1998, said White who is chairman of the health and safety committee.

Firefighters assigned to Engine 3 were stationed in the basement of the Public Safety Building on Washington Street until it flooded and became uninhabitable more than eight years ago. 

“Someone can tell you there is a crack in the wall, but when you go out and actually see the things it allows people to focus on the things more concretely,” White said.   
Highland Avenue Fire Station has a large crack in the wall. Leaky roofs and dated equipment are a department-wide issue.

Some of the problems the committee heard about from Firefighter’s Union Local 76 president Jay Colbert when he testified at a meeting in early March. Following Colbert’s testimony, aldermen decided it was necessary to see the problems and conditions for themselves.

A few problems were corrected by the time officials took a tour last week. A leaking steam pipe in the floor of the Highland Avenue fire station, which had repeatedly shorted out the station’s circuit board was fixed three weeks ago, said Deputy Fire Chief Peter St. Clair said.

But many more troubles remain in Somerville’s fire stations, despite the efforts of fire personnel to do what they can with upkeep and cleanliness, said White.“The walk through showed us that fire department personnel are willing to devote a lot of energy to the upkeep of their facilities,” White said.

Aldermen plan to keep up the efforts to uncover and resolve building issues.
Fire Chief  Kevin  Kelleher said he is pleased the aldermen are taking steps to support the department. “I am always looking for any assistance we can get, if it turns out to be fruitful that would be fantastic,” he said.            

Comments

[Smoky The Bear]

more "smoke" and mirrors, more empty promises. Its nice to see the Aldermen pose for the cameras, see you all in a few years for your next station tour....things will be the same.

[kev27]

The really sad thing is that if these buildings were businesses, the City would condemn them. Instead, they are perfectly fine with letting the firefighters live in them while the buildings are in terrible condition. Hopefully the City will make the repairs that need to be made.

[Kate]

I expect this type of thing in a third world country, but not here in Somerville. What a disgrace. If these were the conditions at City Hall, they would have been repaired years ago.

[it *is* funny]

Notice how the Fire Chief said "if it turns out to be fruitful...." If these Aldermen were aware of the problems for 8 years, I'd say don't hold your breath man.

[Smoky The Bear]

The Fire Chief???? Now there is a topic that would start some chatter !!