By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer
(Nov. 7, 2019) Representatives from the Berlin Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services presented a quarterly report to Berlin’s Town Council last Monday evening.
Dave Fitzgerald, president of the Berlin Fire Company, said there were 44 in town fire rescue calls from July 1 to Sept. 30. The busiest times were from 3-4 p.m. and 8-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. He added that the town’s fire company saw the greatest number of calls between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Fitzgerald referred to several areas of funding that resulted in budget revenues including county, state and town funding. He added that a donation drive was mailed in July 2019.
As for expenses, Fitzgerald highlighted several areas of financial interest, including fire equipment, uniforms for new cadets, building improvements to the lounge and dayroom, and pager purchases.
On for the emergency medical services side, Capt. John Holloway said there were 270 calls between July 1 and Sept. 30. Of those calls, he specified that 185 people were taken to area hospitals while 85 were not transported.
The busiest times were reportedly 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturday, according to Holloway’s presentation.
Councilman Zack Tyndall said he appreciated the inclusion of Gull Creek and the Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in the report.
To account for revenues, Holloway said donation pamphlets were expected to be mailed this month. He added that emergency medical services received funding from Worcester County and the Town of Berlin.
Office supplies as well as medical supplies and equipment contributed to expenses for this quarter, Holloway said in his presentation. Holloway added the department had to buy a new ambulance.
The fire company and emergency medical services also reporter higher costs for fuel than expected.
Fitzgerald said he would assemble a “progress report” for the Town Council by Dec. 31 per the agreement between the Town of Berlin and the Berlin Fire Company.