Bolton Fire Chief reports 72 calls in month; new engine ET134 expected in September

Fire Chief Bruce Dixon told the Bolton Fire Commission on Jan. 23 that the department handled about 72 calls in the past month, including four cover assignments, 10 motor vehicle accidents, a fire on Cider Mill Road and a fire on Keeney Street. “It was a busy month with 72 calls including 4 cover assignments, 10 motor vehicle accidents, a fire on Cider Mill Road and Keeney Street,” he said.

Chief Dixon described a multi‑vehicle accident that involved 13 vehicles and said personnel divided the scene operationally; he praised firefighters and EMS personnel for their response. He also reported an unsuccessful CPR attempt on Lynnwood Drive and said there was no property damage in the Christmas Day furnace misfire on Keeney Drive.

Regarding apparatus, the truck committee reported a potential build schedule for ET134: the truck is scheduled to be built in July, have a factory delivery by the end of August and should be in Bolton in September, which the commission said aligns with town financing. The committee plans a pre‑conference meeting with the factory by Zoom to save travel costs.

Chief Dixon also said he would present next month a list identifying who is eligible to vote for chief officers at the annual meeting, based on attendance at calls, drills and monthly meetings in the preceding 12‑month period. Commissioners are reviewing the fire chief job description and the approved department budget, which will appear at the Board of Selectmen budget workshop.