By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — The Claremont City Council approved the acceptance of a brand-new truck for the fire department’s fleet, as well as a $20,000 grant for the department to purchase and install smoke detectors throughout the city.
The department successfully secured a $20,000 Assistance to Firefighters grant, which allows for the purchase and installation of up to 400 additional fire detectors. This year there have been 267 fire detectors installed in residences. The next neighborhood of focus is Disnard and Elm Street.
Chief Jim Chamberlain said that the grant requires the city to contribute $952.39, which he will allocate out of the operating budget. There is zero increase to the tax rate.
This grant coincides with the fire department’s focus on community outreach and community engagement, with Chamberlain saying smoke detectors are a pivotal aspect in that engagement.
Chamberlain recognized Lt. Kyle Lizotte for his work in taking the lead in the program and helping secure the grant. It was approved 8-0 by the city council.
The council also unanimously approved a donation by Ford of Claremont of a 2024 F-150 special service model with an approximate value of $60,000.
Chamberlain explained that the department had been dealing with ongoing mechanical issues with “Car 2,” which is a 2010 Chevy Tahoe. It had to be put out of service due to rust and the transmission being gone. Going through the budget process, Chamberlain was originally creating it to include a replacement for the vehicle.
However, he received an unexpected call from Ford of Claremont owner Christian Gomes who offered to donate the truck to replace the failing vehicle. Chamberlain kept this quiet, but was ready to let the council and the public know so it could be accepted.
Gomes offered to cover installing emergency lighting, a truck cap and lettering for the vehicle. It will be delivered by the end of the month.
“Mr. Gomes has a long history of supporting our community,” Chamberlain said.
He added, “I cannot thank Mr. Gomes and his team enough for their continuous support.”
