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The New Bedford Fire Department Is in Sad Shape [OPINION]
The New Bedford Fire Department s new quint apparatus is in the shop for unspecified reasons and is not ready to be pressed into service any time soon, according to New Bedford Firefighters IAFF Local 841 President Billy Sylvia. The $250,000 truck is supposed to replace Engine 8 when it is eventually taken out of service. The Mitchell Administration has delayed the mothballing of Engine 8 several times and has even asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a SAFER grant to keep the piece operational.
Sylvia told me the 15-year-old quint, purchased by the city earlier this year, must still have a radio system installed once it leaves the shop. He said the firefighters who will eventually operate the quint have yet to be trained on it. At best, the quint is weeks away from replacing Engine 8.
New Bedford Mayor Dancing With the Devil Over Engine 8 [OPINION]
Another large fire sent New Bedford firefighters scrambling on Thursday. All city fire apparatus, including Engine 8, were sent to battle the two-alarm blaze at the Harborview Towers at 60 South Second Street. The six-story building has 72 apartment units, many of which are occupied by elderly or challenged residents.
Three surrounding towns responded to a request for assistance, placing additional stress on already strained relationships. Firefighters in Dartmouth and Fairhaven have expressed frustration over what they say is New Bedford s over-reliance on the mutual aid agreement the city has with the towns. Mayor Jon Mitchell says the firefighters are only trying to help their counterparts in New Bedford to negotiate a new contract.