The Village of Orleans plans to submit a proposal for its fire department to temporarily cover fire service for the Town of Westmore, according to discussion at the trustees meeting on June 24.
Village Trustee Chair John Morley said Westmore asked both Orleans and Charleston fire departments to submit proposals for approximately two months of coverage while Westmore evaluates its own fire department.
As part of the process, Morley completed paperwork documenting the department's Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications, training, and equipment inventory.
Westmore also inquired about a substance abuse policy for volunteer firefighters. While the village had policies for employees, none existed for volunteers. Trustees approved a new policy at the meeting.
Morley said he intends to include the policy in the proposal package. He noted that Orleans firefighters can still respond to Westmore emergencies under existing mutual aid agreements, but without a formal contract they would not receive compensation.
Any costs for substance testing will be included in the fire department's annual budget.
Originally reported by Newport Daily Express.
Photo: Sam via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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