Monson Fire Department

UPDATE: The fire has been extinguished. All companies are clearing.

Monson Fire is currently operating at a structure fire in Wales. Initially a tanker and engine were called for. We were able to clear our tanker a few minutes ago. Our engine is relay pumping and 14 Chief 1 and 2 are assisting as needed.

Over the past several days a few important milestones took place. Career firefighters Samantha Shrewsbury and Kaleb Metcalfe were both tested on and cleared as pump operators.

Also on-call firefighter Anthony Camerota successfully finished our regional recruit program and has been cleared to respond to calls.

At 4:07pm the Monson fire department was called to 44 sunset ridge road, Stafford CT for a structure fire. Our duty crew of 3 and the Chief responded to assist. While on-scene the crew performed overhaul operations and wet down smoldering parts of the structure. Monson was cleared around 5:15pm and returned to the station. We are glad to lend a helping hand to our neighbors as they do for us.

The members of the Monson Fire Department extend their sincere condolences to the friends and family of Jim Haynes. Jim was a 36-year member of the Monson Fire Department and left a lasting impact on our organization and community. Jim's contributions to the department are immeasurable and he will be missed by all.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/james-haynes-obituary?id=61682889

We often have a difficult time finding some street numbers because they are poorly marked or not at all. At the time of an emergency is not the time to search for house numbers. For only 20 dollars you can obtain a high visibility red reflective street number sign installed by the fire department (Monson residents only). Call Celeste at 267-3132 for more information.

We have recently received a question asking what my 50-dollar dumpster permit fee gets me. We feel this is a good opportunity to explain what all permit fees for the fire department are applied to with the exception of open burning permits.

First off, we want to be clear all permits issued by the Monson Fire Department are required under MGL 148 or 527 CMR 1. All permit fees with the exception of open burning permits are turned over to the town general fund which ultimately helps offset the town budget. Open burning permit funds are put into a receipt reserved for reappropriation account. We use these funds to purchase equipment relative to combating wild land fires.

When determining a fee for a permit we look at several things such as how much time do we anticipate each permit to use of our staff. Each permit requires our administrative assistant to process paperwork and set up inspection times and coordinate those with our staff and property owners. A member of the fire department then goes and performs the inspection at the established time. This requires time including travel and inspection time to complete the process, fuel and wear and tear on vehicles. Once the inspection is complete it goes back to our administrative assistant to complete the paperwork, if an inspection fails it requires a re-inspection requiring additional time for everyone. Remember not all permits are coming from town residents.

By charging permit fees it puts the costs of these services on the people using them rather than all of the tax paying citizens of the town.

“God almighty, in a few short hours we will be in battle with the enemy. We do not join battle afraid. We do not ask favours or indulgence but ask that, if you will, use us as your instrument for the right and an aid in returning peace to the world.” – Lt Col Robert L Wolverton, commanding officer of 3rd battalion, 506th PIR

Today on the 82nd anniversary of D Day we remember those brave souls who laid down their lives for our freedom. 🇺🇸