Norwood Fire Chief Thomas J. Barry Jr. Seeks Funding for Three “Firefighter-Mechanic” Positions-August 8, 1979

New Department Roles Aim to Improve Equipment Maintenance Standards Through Specialized Training and Tool Allocations

Fire Chief Thomas J. Barry Jr. requested $5,800 from selectmen last night to establish three specialized “firefighter-mechanic” positions within the department, citing an urgent need for enhanced apparatus maintenance.

Under the proposal, current members of the department would fill the roles, with the mechanical duties operating outside Civil Service provisions. Chief Barry outlined the projected costs per man, which include $1,000 in salary adjustments, $45 for clothing allowances, $300 for uniform cleaning, and a $2,500 outlay for professional tools.

Following assurances that the new positions could be implemented on a trial basis, selectmen agreed to support Chief Barry in petitioning the finance commission for a $3,000 reserve fund transfer. The remaining $2,500 required for specialized tools would be drawn directly from the department’s existing repairs account.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger