Popp move out of line, say Groton councilors

[Geppetto 31]

The Day

09/09/2010

Groton - The City Council voted unanimously Monday night to move forward on a study of the city's fire department, which says it is understaffed. But Mayor Dennis Popp argued he had the right to vote on the resolution and declared the result a tie....

http://www.theday.com/article/20100909/NWS01/309099424/-1/zip06&town=Groton&template=zip06art

[nfd2004 750]

The Day

09/09/2010

http://www.theday.com/article/20100909/NWS01/309099424/-1/zip06&town=Groton&template=zip06art

As far as I know, the only staffing in Groton is 3-4 Firefighters assigned to what is called Groton City F.D working out of two stations, and Pequonock Bridge F.D. also working out of two stations. I think they operate with 5-6 on duty guys. Then there is about 9 Volunteer stations, a Federal F.D. at the Sub Base, and a Private Industrial Dept at General Dynmanics.

If "Izzy's" on the air, he might know a little more about it. But I'd say that their present staffing certainly is an issue.

[IzzyEng4 427]

The Town of Groton (pronounced Grah-ton)is very unique as it has 9 separate fire taxation districts and they either contract or host a local fire department. They also have two industrial departments, the US Naval Sub Base Fire Department and Groton-New London Airport ARFF within the town boarder.

The City of Groton is a autonomous municipality located along the Thames River in the Town of Groton, just south of the Sub Base. They operate as a combination department from two stations ("G-1" & "G-2") with two engines, a ladder truck, a rescue (I beleive its still in service) and a reserve pumper. They only have 4 career person on a shift who can drop down to three on a shift. With the drop in the number of volunteers in the department, the career staff has been wanting a study concering their staffing, needless to say the mayor has been against any study. The CGFD covers the City of Groton and the West Pleasant Valley Fire District which boarders the Sub Base.

Poquonnock Bridge Fire District("G-3") operates a career department from two stations covering the majority of the township.

Noank Fire Department (Noank Fire District) (G-4) is a volunteer fire department located in Noank village located between Mystic and Groton Long Point.

The Mystic Fire Department (Mystic Fire District)(G-5) is a separate fire district that covers the southern area around the Mystic river in both the towns of Groton and Stonington. There one station on either side of the river.

The Old Mystic Fire District (G-6) operates from two stations covering the northern Mystic River area in both townsd of Groton and Stonington. OMFD has a paid chief, deputy, fire marshal and inspectors.

Center Groton Fire District (G-7) covers the northern portion of the town along boardering the G-3 district and the Town of Ledyard.

Groton Long Point Fire Department(G-8) operates out of one station in the Groton Long Point section of the township. They cover the Groton Long Point Association and the Mumford Cove Fire District.

Pfizer has its own fire department / brigades and is desginated "G-9" whihc covers the Pfizer industrial cetner in Groton City. They will respond to fires in the city when requested.

Electic Boat (aka "EB") where a majority of the USNs subs are made has its own fire department and has the county designation "D". Their firehouse is litterally across the street for City of Groton Station and they will respond upon request into the City of Groton.

The US Naval Sub Base Fire Department (C-1 & C-2) covers the northern section of the town of Groton, the base and off base housing areas. They have one station on the base and a second on Route 12 near the off base housing. Sub Base is also a regional mutual aid hazmat and fast unit for the area as well.

There are aso three separate police departments as well: City of Groton, Town of Groton and Groton Long Point. Plus Sub base police and security for EB and Pfizer.

Now before anyone starts on the who band-wagon about consolidation, do not mention it in this town and the residents, not the fire departments, will have a fit and fight you tooth and nail about it!!! Each taxation district under CT's "Home Rule" laws is considered a minicipal government.

All the Groton Fire Departments are dispatched by Groton Fire Alarm while teh SUb Base and the two industrial departments have thier own dispatch.