Joint Press Release from the First Selectman and Fire Chief on 24/7 Coverage and the Hiring of 2 Additional Firefighters/EMT.

Please see the Joint Press Release from the First Selectman and Fire Chief on moving forward with the hiring of 2 additional firefighters/EMT. It is attached below.

Please also read the statement from our Fire Chief:

Good Evening All,

       Just for a point of clarification, the process for hiring career firefighter/EMTs does not happen overnight. The additional coverage we are looking to institute requires negotiations with the Union based on working condition changes since it affects their schedule. The Union has made mention of some items they are looking for, which could result in further document development and ultimate approval by the BOS. At the very least, an MOU would need to be approved for the aggregable terms with the Union by the BOS. I have spoken with the FS and we are starting this process now in order to be ready to go when the town makes a final determination on the path forward. In the interim, we continue to provide the needed coverage on overtime, which ultimately will result in continued increased overtime costs. Any questions feel free to contact me.

Respectfully,

Steven Hoffmann
Fire Chief
Colchester Fire & EMS