February 10, 2009
REP. GODFREY, DANBURY FIRE CHIEF
URGE REGIONAL FIRE SCHOOL DESIGNATION FOR TRAINING FACILITY
State Representative Bob Godfrey (D-Danbury) and Danbury Fire Chief Geoffrey Herald testified today before the General Assembly's Public Safety Committee in favor of legislation that would designate the Danbury fire training facility on Plumtrees Road as a Connecticut Regional Fire Training School in order to expand regional cooperation and contain costs.
"There are few fire departments that can fully meet all possible needs to protect their communities with today's limited fiscal and infrastructure capabilities," said Godfrey, who noted that there are no regional fire schools in the area. "As the Danbury area has grown, the need for a facility in our region has also grown significantly."
Chief Herald told lawmakers at the State Capitol that the fire school designation would have many benefits to the cities and towns of the region. "Having a regional school, where the many required programs can be presented locally, saves in travel, costs and reduces wear and tear on vehicles," he said. "Importantly, it will save time as the closest regional school is an hour away."
Other area fire departments in support of the proposal include Brookfield, Sherman, New Fairfield, Bethel, Ridgefield, Botsford, Sandy Hook, Stony Hill, Bridgewater, Georgetown, and Southbury.
Chief Herald worked with neighboring towns in the region for the past year and a half to gain support for the proposal. His advocacy led the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials to unanimously vote in favor of the petition on October 17, 2008. The Fairfield County Fire Chiefs Association is also supporting the proposal.
"Regionalizing these efforts will save much needed dollars while also maintaining the education and training firefighters need to protect our communities," remarked Godfrey, who introduced the legislation along with other area lawmakers. "I thank Chief Herald for his work on this proposal and I will continue to strongly push my legislative colleagues in Hartford so that our community can receive this designation."
The legislation is House Bill 5570, An Act Concerning the Danbury Fire Training Facility at Plumtrees Road.