The Smithfield Fire Department presented their first public presentation for the new fire station bond on Monday, October 1st. at the Smithfield Senior Center. Members of the public were presented with the research that was put together by the Fire department Study Implementation Task Force and their final recommendations concerning the need for a new fire station in the north-end of Smithfield.
Of significant importance, the following facts were emphasized.
- Response times in the north-end of Smithfield for fire & rescue apparatus to respond range from 8 to 14 minutes. With the addition of a new fire station, response times will be reduced to 4 to 6 minutes, similar to response times in the remaining parts of town that have a fire station.
- The Public Protection Classification (PPC) which is issued by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) for Smithfield is currently a PPC = 4. With the construction of a new fire station in the north-end of town, the PPC classification will become PPC=3. What does this mean? It means that homeowners and business across town will see a reduction in their property insurance rates.
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While Greenville and Esmond/Georgiaville apparatus are answering alarms in the north-end of town, those areas are no longer protected. If an incident occurs in Greenville or Esmond while trucks are well north on route 116, then it takes 12 minutes to get back to the south end of town. The response time issue now flips to the south-end of town.
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By adding the new fire station, south-end apparatus will not have to cover the north-end because apparatus will already be in place to respond.
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The new fire station allows fire & rescue resources to be located throughout town in such a way that all parts of town maintain appropriate response times and appropriate available resources.
The new fire station will fill the gap in fire & emergency medical services in the Town of Smithfield.
This investment will provide appropriate public safety infrastructure for years to come.
To see the complete Powerpoint presentation, you may click on the link below.
[CLICK ON LINK BELOW]
