Thank you for your support!

The Deep River Fire Department needs your support during the November voting session. 

On Tuesday September 3, the Deep River Board of Selectmen voted to put two appropriations on the ballot.  One is to fund design and construction of a new fire headquarters and the second is to fund the purchase of one fire engine and one brush truck. These purchases are in line with the Town Needs assessment that was completed early last year that can be found here:

A New Firehouse

Why does DRFD need a new firehouse? Quite simply, the existing station is 63 years old and the structure/utilities have aged beyond repair/rehabilitation. Additionally, the current building is far undersized for today’s needs and has been for quite some time. Below is a quote taken from the independent Town Needs Assessment:

“The Headquarters station, built in 1961, is having issues. The roof has begun to leak, and the building is showing its age. Generally, parts of the building do not meet today’s codes. There is no fire separation between the apparatus bays and the Chief’s Office. In addition, the opposite side of the apparatus floor has the same condition as what has been identified as the lounge/storage area. Storage space is inadequate which has led to the loss of the lounge. In addition, there is limited security for storage. Fortunately, the members are trustworthy. The stairs to the areas above the apparatus floor do not appear to meet NFPA 101 or CT Fire Code standards.”

Fire Engine & Brush Truck Replacement

Why does DRFD need a new fire engine and brush truck? Our second engine from fire headquarters is 35 years old, has an open cab concept meaning the passenger firefighters ride out in the open all year round, and is a concern from a reliability, maintenance, and safety perspective. Below is a quote taken from the independent Town Needs Assessment:

“In the last 10 to 15 years, much progress has been made in upgrading functional capabilities and improving the safety features of fire apparatus. Apparatus more than 15 years old might include only a few of the safety upgrades required by the recent editions of the NFPA fire department apparatus standards.”

  • Town Needs Assessment:

    "While the station does make it possible to store the apparatus, any other established activities require apparatus to be moved or relocated. From meetings and training to community service opportunities, there is no available space. In addition, if the need arises for personnel to stay overnight in the station, there is no suitable space protected from apparatus exhaust exposure.

    The Men’s and Women’s rooms are not ADA compliant. There does not appear to be a place for contaminated members to decontaminate before returning to their homes and families. While these issues were not typical 61 years ago, these and many more to come will continue to challenge the existing building as it stands. Most importantly, it is not possible for all the apparatus to respond without having to move other vehicles."

  • Town Needs Assessment:

    "Given the topography, road and highway systems and structures diversity, operating out of two stations is appropriate. The present locations are adequate. The largest concern is the Headquarters station, and it should be focused upon."

  • Town Needs Assessment:

    "To maximize fire fighter capabilities and minimize risk of injuries, it is important that fire apparatus be equipped with the latest safety features and operating capabilities..."

  • Town Needs Assessment:

    There is a general hope to get to a point where the life expectancy of fire apparatus is to provide 15 years of front line service and 10 years of reserve or lighter duty service.

The need for these two appropriations are important for the Deep River Fire Department as we seek to continue to meet our mission: serving and protecting the lives and property of residents, businesses, and visitors in Deep River.