The Hudson Board of Selectmen approved two Fire Department requests during its most recent meeting, including the purchase of new particulate hoods funded through the Hudson Logistics Center Public Safety allocation and an authorization related to the regional hazardous materials district.
Fire Chief Scott Tice presented a proposal to use a portion of the Hudson Logistics Center Public Safety Money to purchase 52 particulate hoods, specialized protective gear designed to shield firefighters from soot, smoke residue, and other airborne contaminants encountered during fire suppression.
In a memo to the Board, Tice explained that the department currently does not have particulate hoods in its inventory. “The department is seeking funding to acquire fifty two particulate hoods to augment our personal protective gear,” he wrote.
“Particulate hoods are specialized firefighting gear crafted to shield against harmful soot and airborne particles encountered during firefighting activities.”
Tice noted that particulate hoods are now considered a standard component of modern turnout gear. “These hoods are an essential component of NFPA 1970 compliant turnout gear, providing substantial benefits in terms of health, performance, and operational efficiency,” he said.
The funding request draws from the Public Safety allocation included in the Hudson Logistics Center Amended Site Plan between Target Corporation and the Town of Hudson. Under the agreement, Target is required to provide just over $1,000,000 for Fire and Police Department training and equipment. The two departments previously agreed to an 80/20 split, with Fire receiving $840,000 and Police receiving $210,000.
As of the meeting, the Fire Department had already allocated $257,487.60 of its share.
During the discussion, Selectmen asked about the expected life span of the hoods. Tice said they typically last about 10-years, depending on usage and exposure.
The Board unanimously approved releasing an amount not to exceed $5,980 from the Hudson Logistics Center Public Safety Money for the purchase.
In another agenda item, the Board considered a request related to the Southeastern New Hampshire Hazardous Materials Mutual Aid District (SNHHMMAD). Tice explained that the district is governed by both an Operations Committee and a Board of Directors. Each community’s Fire Chief serves on the Operations Committee, while an elected official or Town Manager/Administrator represents the community on the Board of Directors.
“The District holds an annual meeting each year in June to conduct the business of the District,” Tice said. He noted that when the Town’s designated representative is unable to attend, the Town may authorize the Fire Chief to vote on its behalf.
The Board unanimously approved authorizing the Fire Chief to act as the Town of Hudson’s proxy and vote on any matters before the SNHHMMAD Board of Directors at any meeting where an elected official or the Town Manager/Administrator is unavailable.