Middletown Fire Chief outlines Q1 call data, requests equipment purchases funded by grants

Middletown Township's fire leadership presented first-quarter activity data and sought approval for equipment purchases at the May 15 board meeting.

Chief Mark Antzaszewski (presenting a report compiled with career and volunteer staff) said the department recorded 404 incidents in the quarter and 627 apparatus dispatches, with about 77% of responses inside the township. He noted a high proportion of alarm-system calls, a sizable share of inspections and re-inspections, and described ongoing community-education efforts (including 264 people trained so far this year).

Antzaszewski explained two grants that enabled the equipment purchases: a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) awarded in early 2023 and a $15,000 state grant. Using those funds alongside this year's budgeted amounts, the chief requested replacement turnout gear and new breathing-air apparatus for career staff. The board moved and approved purchases: turnout gear from Continental Fire and Safety (not to exceed $55,240) and breathing apparatus from Mid Atlantic Fire and Air (not to exceed $89,510).

The chief also discussed shift coverage and a move to 12-hour career shifts to improve daytime coverage when volunteer staffing is limited. He offered to provide quarterly updates and to break out mutual-aid give/receive data in future reports.