NECN Report
Sun, 14 Dec 2008
http://multimedia.boston.com/pub/m/21659027/door_to_door_checks_on_nh_s_elderly.htm?q=%22carbon+monoxide+poisoning%22
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
90 Percent Of Derry Without Power
DERRY, N.H. -- Some New Hampshire towns in the dark Saturday were in desperate need of aid.
Officials have opened shelters to offer a safe, warm place for residents among the hundreds of thousands who lost power.
Firefighters knocked on just about every door in town to make sure residents are safe. Fewer than 2,000 people have power in Derry out of the town's population of almost 35,000 people.
"It's like Katrina without the water," Derry Fire Chief George Klauber said. "We've been told to anticipate a number of days before power is restored. In some areas, up to two weeks."
Klauber and town officials held a news conference Saturday afternoon to explain the severity of the situation -- but because so many residents remain without power, unable to get the information, firefighters went door-to-door.
"Actually, we're not too bad. We have a generator. So, we do have heat and water," said Nancy Jervah, of Derry.
"We're here at our grandparents' because our power's out and the water's cold," said Maddie Gehrisch, who's staying with her grandmother.
Derry officials estimate about 200 roads blocked by strewn debris, fallen trees and downed wires. First responders have handled 400 emergency calls since Thursday night.
Many residents, like Dave Hastings, are doing their best to fend for themselves.
"Hopefully, they understand there's a substantial burden before they can catch up with us," he said.
Firefighters said the unprecedented extent of this power outage coupled with more cold weather settling in, means people should be ready to ask for help if they need it.
"We're tough New Hampshire people. They believe they can tough it out. This could be very long term," Klauber said.
Firefighters have asked WMUR News 9 to remind homeowners to really be thorough and thoughtful to avoid emergencies.
If you're leaving your home, make sure everything is off -- every appliance, every circuit breaker and, of course, the water.
Officials have opened shelters to offer a safe, warm place for residents among the hundreds of thousands who lost power.
Firefighters knocked on just about every door in town to make sure residents are safe. Fewer than 2,000 people have power in Derry out of the town's population of almost 35,000 people.
"It's like Katrina without the water," Derry Fire Chief George Klauber said. "We've been told to anticipate a number of days before power is restored. In some areas, up to two weeks."
Klauber and town officials held a news conference Saturday afternoon to explain the severity of the situation -- but because so many residents remain without power, unable to get the information, firefighters went door-to-door.
"Actually, we're not too bad. We have a generator. So, we do have heat and water," said Nancy Jervah, of Derry.
"We're here at our grandparents' because our power's out and the water's cold," said Maddie Gehrisch, who's staying with her grandmother.
Derry officials estimate about 200 roads blocked by strewn debris, fallen trees and downed wires. First responders have handled 400 emergency calls since Thursday night.
Many residents, like Dave Hastings, are doing their best to fend for themselves.
"Hopefully, they understand there's a substantial burden before they can catch up with us," he said.
Firefighters said the unprecedented extent of this power outage coupled with more cold weather settling in, means people should be ready to ask for help if they need it.
"We're tough New Hampshire people. They believe they can tough it out. This could be very long term," Klauber said.
Firefighters have asked WMUR News 9 to remind homeowners to really be thorough and thoughtful to avoid emergencies.
If you're leaving your home, make sure everything is off -- every appliance, every circuit breaker and, of course, the water.
Derry Fire Crews Respond To Slew Of Calls After Storm
DERRY, N.H. -- Emergency crews are working around the clock in communities hit hard by last week's ice storm.
WMUR News 9's Jean Mackin spent time with rescue workers in Derry, where people are still struggling to get 40 percent of the town back online.
"We want them to really take care and be safe," Derry fire Lt. Bill Gillis said.
Firefighters were called to a street near downtown Derry when a carbon monoxide call came in. They found that a concerned homeowner's carbon monoxide levels in his house were actually normal. Still, they decided to check on his neighbors as a courtesy.
At the first house, they discovered a generator running inside a garage. They opened the doors and told the homeowner to move it outside.
"It's funny because I came in here and got dizzy," said Paul Daniels, of Derry.
The night before, a house on Drew Road burned because a generator ignited while refueling was taking place close to the house.
Firefighters also delivered food to the emergency operations center, and distributed water from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
WMUR News 9's Jean Mackin spent time with rescue workers in Derry, where people are still struggling to get 40 percent of the town back online.
"We want them to really take care and be safe," Derry fire Lt. Bill Gillis said.
Firefighters were called to a street near downtown Derry when a carbon monoxide call came in. They found that a concerned homeowner's carbon monoxide levels in his house were actually normal. Still, they decided to check on his neighbors as a courtesy.
At the first house, they discovered a generator running inside a garage. They opened the doors and told the homeowner to move it outside.
"It's funny because I came in here and got dizzy," said Paul Daniels, of Derry.
The night before, a house on Drew Road burned because a generator ignited while refueling was taking place close to the house.
Firefighters also delivered food to the emergency operations center, and distributed water from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Focus on Fire Safety: Holiday Fire Safety
With the onset of the holiday season, it is important to focus on fire safety and prevention. The celebration of the season brings with it increased usage of electric lights, decorations, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree, all of which can be potential fire hazards. Additionally, cooking fires increase during the holidays as families and friends gather to celebrate. By following general fire safety precautions, potential holiday fires, deaths, and injuries remain preventable.
Christmas Trees
What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion – “Keep the tree watered.”
Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.
Selecting a Tree for the Holidays
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Christmas Trees
What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion – “Keep the tree watered.”
Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.
Selecting a Tree for the Holidays
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Fire-Based EMS ... The Right Choice for Public Safety
Time. It’s a precious commodity, and it waits for no one. When lives are on the line, seconds count. Fractions of seconds count.
Few individuals in our lives better understand the importance of time than the men and women of the fire service. Highly qualified public servants, trained to handle crises affecting both people and property – often simultaneously. The dedication and training of these professionals and their commitment to quality of care are just two of the many reasons why fire-based Emergency Medical Service is the clear choice for public officials and the communities they serve.
Higher Survival Rates
As communities evaluate their present emergency medical care needs, they may focus exclusively on patient transportation issues. Most research, however, has demonstrated that rapid, on-scene medical intervention produces the best patient outcomes. The fire service is best positioned to deliver this critical care, as well as rapid patient transport. Fire-based EMS provides a comprehensive approach to emergency care, with trained personnel capable of handling any complication. The bottom line – a better chance for survival, and patient survival is the true measure of quality for any prehospital emergency medical system.
Rapid Response Times
The fire service is known for its rapid mobilization. Fire fighters are the nation’s first responders and fire-based EMS get to the scene faster. A comprehensive response within time limits set by the emergency medical community should be the goal for other EMS providers. It is routine for the fire service.
Quality of Care
Unacceptably high workloads, stress and perceived lack of commitment to patient care by employers all take their toll on the single-role EMS provider. Unfortunately, the patients they serve also invariably suffer. The teamwork, efficient job performance, and continuous patient contact enjoyed by the fire service, on the other hand, affects patient care in a way that cannot be qualified by dollars. Nevertheless, these are critical areas of inquiry for those who are deciding between competing EMS systems for their communities.
Fire-Based EMS -- The Right Choice
Citizens need a system that works in the field, not only on paper. Decision makers, therefore, must look at what their community is getting for the price, particularly in the areas of response time, personnel capabilities and system efficiency. Only then can a community make an informed choice about a critical service, with the same confidence that they place in the rapid response and effective work of their fire department.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Great Boston Fire
It was on this date, November 9, in 1872 that Boston, Massachusetts, suffered their worst ever fire and what is still one of the most costly fire-related property losses in American history.The fire destroyed the entire financial district, causingthe deployment of milita to guard against looting.
It all started at 7:20 pm in the basement of a warehouse on Summer St. A quirk in the city’s tax laws exempted business stock that was stored in attics. So, as the fire spread from flying embers, they were landing on top of rooms stuffed with fire load.
The conflagration grew rapidly and the huge fire lit up the entire New England sky, prompting fire departments from every state around to load up pumpers and firefighters on railroad trains and converge on the city to aid. The railroads capitalized on the event by also carrying spectators on the rescue trains.
The city’s fire department was already suffering from a horse flu epidemic that had traveled across the country that year. Every horse in the fire department had been immobilized from the illness and the heavy, steam pumpers had to be pulled by the firefighters to the blazes.
Further complicating the efforts, the gas supply lines connected to street lamps and used for lighting in buildings could not be shut off promptly. Gas lines exploded and fed the flames.
The fire was finally contained 12 hours later, but not until it had leveled 65 acres of downtown property including 776 buildings. The dollar loss, converted to today’s equivalency, exceeded $3.5 Billion.
The fire was finally contained 12 hours later, but not until it had leveled 65 acres of downtown property including 776 buildings. The dollar loss, converted to today’s equivalency, exceeded $3.5 Billion.
October was Safety Month
Each year The Clubhouse Child Care Center in Derry, devotes the month of October to Safety. Several activities are planned through out the month including visits from the Derry Police Department and a trip to the Derry Fire Station for the Preschool and Kindergarten class. The Derry Fire Fighters also bring a fire truck to the school for the two and three year old children to enjoy.
At the fire station, the children sat together while the fire fighters discussed fire safety, fire drills and having a safety plan in place both at school and at home. Afterwards, the children toured the station. They were able to sit inside the ambulance and the fire truck. Since many children are afraid of the fire fighters when they are in their fire suits, Miss Bonnie and Miss Shawna dressed in the suits while the children watched. It was then stressed that it was only their teachers inside the suits and it wasn’t a monster. Therefore, if they are ever in a situation where a fire fighter was going in to rescue them, they shouldn’t be afraid of the suit because a fire fighter is inside the suit and is there to help them. All the children received a fire helmet to take with them.
Officer Daniel Komenda also visited the children at The Clubhouse to discuss Halloween Safety. He told the children that wearing face paint instead of a mask would allow them to see better. He told everyone to watch out for traffic and to always carry a flashlight. Officer Komenda also reminded children to use extra caution around animals as the pets may not recognize the child and become frightened. When he left everyone received written safety tips and reflective tabs.
The Clubhouse parents, children and staff are grateful to our community helpers for taking the time to teach the children such valuable lessons in life.
At the fire station, the children sat together while the fire fighters discussed fire safety, fire drills and having a safety plan in place both at school and at home. Afterwards, the children toured the station. They were able to sit inside the ambulance and the fire truck. Since many children are afraid of the fire fighters when they are in their fire suits, Miss Bonnie and Miss Shawna dressed in the suits while the children watched. It was then stressed that it was only their teachers inside the suits and it wasn’t a monster. Therefore, if they are ever in a situation where a fire fighter was going in to rescue them, they shouldn’t be afraid of the suit because a fire fighter is inside the suit and is there to help them. All the children received a fire helmet to take with them.
Officer Daniel Komenda also visited the children at The Clubhouse to discuss Halloween Safety. He told the children that wearing face paint instead of a mask would allow them to see better. He told everyone to watch out for traffic and to always carry a flashlight. Officer Komenda also reminded children to use extra caution around animals as the pets may not recognize the child and become frightened. When he left everyone received written safety tips and reflective tabs.
The Clubhouse parents, children and staff are grateful to our community helpers for taking the time to teach the children such valuable lessons in life.
Monika Farrington, Director
The Clubhouse Child Care Center
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Local 4392 fundraiser for Seattle Stair Climb
A fundraiser was held Sunday Night November 2nd at Jillian’s Billards in Manchester NH for “Mr. Ed” Gannon. “Mr. Ed” is participating in the Seattle Stair Climb to raise money for cancer. The fundraiser was billed as firefighter appreciation night and many firefighters went to support our Union brother. There was also an appearance from the one of the Patriots Cheerleaders who helped pass around “the boot” collecting money from all the patrons in the establishment. The event raised almost five hundred dollars. To date, “Mr. Ed” has raised over one thousand dollars for this just and noble cause.
“Mr. Ed” is the first firefighter from NH to compete in this event. He is traveling to Seattle, where he will climb 69 stories, each step raising money for those who suffer or suffered from cancer. “Mr. Ed” will be climbing those stairs wearing full firefighting gear and breathing air from his SCBA. When “Mr. Ed” reaches the top of the tower, instead of taking the elevator down like most, he has committed to climbing only stairs so not only will he climb the 69 stories up, he will also go down the 69 stories on foot as well.
“Mr. Ed” will be traveling to Seattle in March of 2009, plenty of time to raise a lot more money!All the members of Local 4392 want to wish “Mr. Ed” the best of luck!
“Mr. Ed” is the first firefighter from NH to compete in this event. He is traveling to Seattle, where he will climb 69 stories, each step raising money for those who suffer or suffered from cancer. “Mr. Ed” will be climbing those stairs wearing full firefighting gear and breathing air from his SCBA. When “Mr. Ed” reaches the top of the tower, instead of taking the elevator down like most, he has committed to climbing only stairs so not only will he climb the 69 stories up, he will also go down the 69 stories on foot as well.
“Mr. Ed” will be traveling to Seattle in March of 2009, plenty of time to raise a lot more money!All the members of Local 4392 want to wish “Mr. Ed” the best of luck!
Monday, October 27, 2008
New Hampshire Firefighters Trade Columbus Day for 9/11 Pay
With little fanfare or public outcry, firefighters in Derry, N.H., officially received Sept. 11 holiday pay in an Oct. 7 vote.
While Peabody police officers ratified their contract days earlier on Oct. 2, they still await City Council approval.
Derry's seven-member town council approved the firefighters' contract two weeks ago, certifying the holiday before their counterparts 40 miles south.
Details of Peabody's police contract were made public last week. Among the perks, officers received a 13 percent pay increase over four years and increased bonuses for longevity, while agreeing to pay a larger portion of their health care costs and submitting to random drug tests.
The most controversial aspect of the contract was approval of Sept. 11 as a holiday. The decision gave Peabody officers their 14th holiday.
Unlike Peabody, Derry firefighters gave up Columbus Day as a holiday in exchange for Sept. 11.
"It was explained to us up front that it was a swap," said Kevin Coyle, Derry's council chairman pro tem. "I don't really have a problem if they take one from the others."
The New Hampshire firefighters receive 10 holidays in all, according to Garry Williams, president of the United Professional Firefighters of Derry.
He said holiday pay equals 30 percent of a week's pay for firefighters who work a holiday and 20 percent for those who don't.
Coyle said he had problems with other areas of his firefighters' contract, but not holidays, since the number didn't change.
He thought the town council's approval of Sept. 11 would have been a bigger issue if Derry firefighters had added the day rather than exchanging it.
"In (Peabody's) case, money was an issue," he said. "For us, it was a wash, in effect."
Derry firefighters and the town negotiated their contract over 18 months, according to Williams. Union members ratified their contract Sept. 9.
He said the idea of giving up another holiday for Sept. 11 went over well with fellow union members.
"They were 100 percent in agreement," Williams said. "They thought it was great."
While their counterparts in New York City may not receive Sept. 11 as a holiday, he hoped they would eventually. He also thought the nation should commemorate the day.
"I think the nation should celebrate it," the 29-year veteran firefighter said.
STACIE N. GALANG The Salem News, Beverly, Mass.
While Peabody police officers ratified their contract days earlier on Oct. 2, they still await City Council approval.
Derry's seven-member town council approved the firefighters' contract two weeks ago, certifying the holiday before their counterparts 40 miles south.
Details of Peabody's police contract were made public last week. Among the perks, officers received a 13 percent pay increase over four years and increased bonuses for longevity, while agreeing to pay a larger portion of their health care costs and submitting to random drug tests.
The most controversial aspect of the contract was approval of Sept. 11 as a holiday. The decision gave Peabody officers their 14th holiday.
Unlike Peabody, Derry firefighters gave up Columbus Day as a holiday in exchange for Sept. 11.
"It was explained to us up front that it was a swap," said Kevin Coyle, Derry's council chairman pro tem. "I don't really have a problem if they take one from the others."
The New Hampshire firefighters receive 10 holidays in all, according to Garry Williams, president of the United Professional Firefighters of Derry.
He said holiday pay equals 30 percent of a week's pay for firefighters who work a holiday and 20 percent for those who don't.
Coyle said he had problems with other areas of his firefighters' contract, but not holidays, since the number didn't change.
He thought the town council's approval of Sept. 11 would have been a bigger issue if Derry firefighters had added the day rather than exchanging it.
"In (Peabody's) case, money was an issue," he said. "For us, it was a wash, in effect."
Derry firefighters and the town negotiated their contract over 18 months, according to Williams. Union members ratified their contract Sept. 9.
He said the idea of giving up another holiday for Sept. 11 went over well with fellow union members.
"They were 100 percent in agreement," Williams said. "They thought it was great."
While their counterparts in New York City may not receive Sept. 11 as a holiday, he hoped they would eventually. He also thought the nation should commemorate the day.
"I think the nation should celebrate it," the 29-year veteran firefighter said.
STACIE N. GALANG The Salem News, Beverly, Mass.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Exchange Students from China visit the Derry Fire Department, IAFF Local 4392
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The China Exchange program began at Pinkerton Academy in 2004. We believe that China is going to have a major impact on our students lives and that the best way to educate students is to have an exchange program.
Not only does the program affect the students who actually travel to China but also their families, the entire school and as you found out with their visit, the local area as well. We have a sister school arrangement with Tanggu No. 1 School in Tianjin China. Tianjin is a city of 11 million people and is the major port city near Beijing. The program has been a huge success and has grown every year.
We send a group of Pinkerton Academy students over to China each April and they attend school for a week at our sister school, staying with Chinese host families, then they tour Beijing seeing the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Ti ananmen Square, Summer palace, the Great Wall and other sites; they also visit the city of Xian and see the TerraCotta Warrior museum and sights there.
Each fall our sister school sends a group of students here to Pinkerton Academy for a week where they go to our school and live with host families here. This years group was the largest so far with 16 students and two administrators and two teachers. In fact this recent group was the fourth Chinese exchange group to visit your Firestation and it is always a big hit with the Chinese. They usually do not have the opportunity to visit their fire stations like we do in America.
Lieutenant Ryan Ridley, with his daughter Meredith was a host student and his family had a young lady by the name of Wei Yue stay with them.
While here they visited Pinkerton Academy, the Derry Fire Department and the Derry Village Rotary. They met the Governor and toured the State house in Concord, visited the White Mountains, took the Cannon Mountain Tram and they also toured Boston and visited Harvard and MIT. The exchange students saw and did a lot while in our community. After the finished in New England they left for a tour of NYC, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls and Washington DC.
Not only does the program affect the students who actually travel to China but also their families, the entire school and as you found out with their visit, the local area as well. We have a sister school arrangement with Tanggu No. 1 School in Tianjin China. Tianjin is a city of 11 million people and is the major port city near Beijing. The program has been a huge success and has grown every year.
We send a group of Pinkerton Academy students over to China each April and they attend school for a week at our sister school, staying with Chinese host families, then they tour Beijing seeing the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Ti ananmen Square, Summer palace, the Great Wall and other sites; they also visit the city of Xian and see the TerraCotta Warrior museum and sights there.
Each fall our sister school sends a group of students here to Pinkerton Academy for a week where they go to our school and live with host families here. This years group was the largest so far with 16 students and two administrators and two teachers. In fact this recent group was the fourth Chinese exchange group to visit your Firestation and it is always a big hit with the Chinese. They usually do not have the opportunity to visit their fire stations like we do in America.
Lieutenant Ryan Ridley, with his daughter Meredith was a host student and his family had a young lady by the name of Wei Yue stay with them.
While here they visited Pinkerton Academy, the Derry Fire Department and the Derry Village Rotary. They met the Governor and toured the State house in Concord, visited the White Mountains, took the Cannon Mountain Tram and they also toured Boston and visited Harvard and MIT. The exchange students saw and did a lot while in our community. After the finished in New England they left for a tour of NYC, Philadelphia, Niagara Falls and Washington DC.
Local 4392 in action, reported by the Eagle Tribune
DERRY — A crash on Hampstead Road during the afternoon rush-hour sent three people to the hospital and closed a section of the busy road for more than an hour and a half yesterday.The three people, a young boy and two women, were taken by ambulance to Parkland Medical Center, said Derry Fire Battalion Chief Jack Webb.
Although the victims' names were not available from police or fire officials last night, a Parkland nursing supervisor confirmed that Erin Manning, 30, of Danville was going to be transported to a Boston hospital for treatment of her injuries, including a broken leg.
She also said the boy was doing fine, and the second woman was treated and released. said the child's mother rode to the hospital with him.
Police closed a section of Hampstead Road, a busy shortcut road used by many motorists, near Warner Hill and Floyd roads for more than an hour and a half after the 4 p.m. crash. One vehicle, a blue sedan with heavy front-end damage, remained in the middle of the road while the other two had swerved off the road into the woods, a Volvo van flipping onto its side.
A sand-like mixture was spread across the roadway to soak up vehicle fluids. Car parts, including headlights and bumpers, were strewn across the road.
Kerry Vidnovic, 29, of Derry, a passenger in the white Hyundai driven by Manning, said her friend knew instantly she had broken her leg.
Both were wearing seat belts and their air bags deployed in the crash, Vidnovic said.
Vidnovic stood on the side of the road wiping a bloody nose as she waited for her boyfriend to pick her up.
"It was unbelievable," she said, describing the head-on accident between the other two vehicles that pushed the Volvo into their car. "There was no way we could avoid crashing into it.
No details were available from police on how the accident occurred.
"I'm counting my blessings that I wasn't seriously hurt," she said. "Thank God for the air bags and the seat belts we had on. But when the air bags opened up, it was like being punched in the face."
Anne Boule, 94 Hampstead Road, who lives near the corner where the crash took place, said accidents take place there often, especially during the winter when the road is slippery.
She said she and her husband heard a "loud boom" when the crash occurred.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Open Forum
IAFF Local 4392 are here to answer any questions the public may have. Please feel free to ask, we will try and answer any reasonable question with an open an honest answer.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Town Council approved two contracts with fire department employees after an hour-long debate where the majority of residents questioned whether taxpayers could afford the deal in the current economic climate.
The public hearing was the first on a union contract to come before the Town Council, spurred by what many councilors and residents have labeled as a lavish deal when it comes to benefits and vacation time.
"I don't see how you can approve a multi-year contract on today's situation," said resident Joseph Dichiaro.
Fire Chief George Klauber and Human Resources Director Larry Budreau, the town's negotiators in the deal, defended the proposal, saying it fell under the parameters set by the council in 2006.
Gary Williams, president of the two fire unions, said he was relieved to have the debate come to an end after months of negotiations and one failed contract that the council denied in February.
"I'm pleased they stood behind their negotiating team," Williams said.
Councilors Kevin Coyle and Janet Fairbanks voted against both contracts with Councilor Brent Carney voting against only the contract with the fire officers.
Carney said the firefighters contract is more in line with town employees in other departments than the officers contract, which he classified as the most expensive contract to Derry residents. He said he would never vote for a contract that protected an entire union from layoffs.
"We need to have more flexibility in our budgets and that can only happen when personnel becomes a smaller percentage of budget, Carney said.
Budreau, the town's lead negotiator, said he received directives from the Town Council in 2006 prior to negotiations that included limiting cost increases to 3.5 percent. The current contract met those goals, according to Budreau.
"Though not every town councilor will be happy with every phrase of these contracts, I believe they meet the goals of the entire Town Council," Budreau said.
The two councilors who voted against the contracts disagreed, saying Klauber and Budreau didn't accomplish all of the goals.
Coyle said other parameters were discussed and not met, such as decreasing the insurance buyback and offering similar benefits as town employees in other departments.
He criticized the contracts for not allowing the town to subcontract services without union approval, offering employees too much earned time and proficiency pay.
Fairbanks said she had tried to become a part of the negotiating team and was discouraged from participating.
Many residents criticized the proposal for including an insurance buyback, but Williams said that only 12 employees accept the deal and it saves the town $12,000.
Barry Philips, a retired firefighter who spent 17 years with the East Derry Fire Department, said a contested agreement that gives employees hired prior to July 1, 2005, the guarantee that they can't be laid off is left over from the consolidation of the two departments.
Only one person is still employed with the town who was hired under the now defunct East Derry Fire Department.
"That was a major component in the consolidation," said Philips, who emphasized that the agreement doesn't cost taxpayers a dime.
Chairman Rick Metts, who supported both contracts, said he understands that times are tough for people, but the town has a responsibility to bargain in good faith by the parameters agreed upon by the 2006 council. Metts, who said he can't even afford health insurance for himself, said the deal contained items he was unhappy with, but that he would support the contract because it was the right thing to do.
Councilor Neil Wetherbee cautioned that if the council didn't approve this contract, the next deal could be even worse.
"At some point, you have to go back to June 30, 2007 and renegotiate a new deal," he said.
The public hearing was the first on a union contract to come before the Town Council, spurred by what many councilors and residents have labeled as a lavish deal when it comes to benefits and vacation time.
"I don't see how you can approve a multi-year contract on today's situation," said resident Joseph Dichiaro.
Fire Chief George Klauber and Human Resources Director Larry Budreau, the town's negotiators in the deal, defended the proposal, saying it fell under the parameters set by the council in 2006.
Gary Williams, president of the two fire unions, said he was relieved to have the debate come to an end after months of negotiations and one failed contract that the council denied in February.
"I'm pleased they stood behind their negotiating team," Williams said.
Councilors Kevin Coyle and Janet Fairbanks voted against both contracts with Councilor Brent Carney voting against only the contract with the fire officers.
Carney said the firefighters contract is more in line with town employees in other departments than the officers contract, which he classified as the most expensive contract to Derry residents. He said he would never vote for a contract that protected an entire union from layoffs.
"We need to have more flexibility in our budgets and that can only happen when personnel becomes a smaller percentage of budget, Carney said.
Budreau, the town's lead negotiator, said he received directives from the Town Council in 2006 prior to negotiations that included limiting cost increases to 3.5 percent. The current contract met those goals, according to Budreau.
"Though not every town councilor will be happy with every phrase of these contracts, I believe they meet the goals of the entire Town Council," Budreau said.
The two councilors who voted against the contracts disagreed, saying Klauber and Budreau didn't accomplish all of the goals.
Coyle said other parameters were discussed and not met, such as decreasing the insurance buyback and offering similar benefits as town employees in other departments.
He criticized the contracts for not allowing the town to subcontract services without union approval, offering employees too much earned time and proficiency pay.
Fairbanks said she had tried to become a part of the negotiating team and was discouraged from participating.
Many residents criticized the proposal for including an insurance buyback, but Williams said that only 12 employees accept the deal and it saves the town $12,000.
Barry Philips, a retired firefighter who spent 17 years with the East Derry Fire Department, said a contested agreement that gives employees hired prior to July 1, 2005, the guarantee that they can't be laid off is left over from the consolidation of the two departments.
Only one person is still employed with the town who was hired under the now defunct East Derry Fire Department.
"That was a major component in the consolidation," said Philips, who emphasized that the agreement doesn't cost taxpayers a dime.
Chairman Rick Metts, who supported both contracts, said he understands that times are tough for people, but the town has a responsibility to bargain in good faith by the parameters agreed upon by the 2006 council. Metts, who said he can't even afford health insurance for himself, said the deal contained items he was unhappy with, but that he would support the contract because it was the right thing to do.
Councilor Neil Wetherbee cautioned that if the council didn't approve this contract, the next deal could be even worse.
"At some point, you have to go back to June 30, 2007 and renegotiate a new deal," he said.
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