On July 31st, Steve Buxton, Nashua Fire and Rescue Chief, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding Nashua Fire and Rescue. Chief Buxton has been with Nashua Fire and Rescue (NFR) since 1992. He became a Captain in 2013 and the Chief in 2022. He is an original member of Nashua dive team and Nashua hazard team. He also has a degree in fire science. Steve is a 5th generation firefighter and is also a member of the Lions club.
In 2022, NFR received 53,722 calls for service. 10336 were for fire emergency. Non-emergency responses also part of their duties. NFR is the host city for dive rescue and hazardous materials response team.
Recent deployments of NFR have been to Vermont to help with flooding related damage and repair.
NFR works in the city from 8 locations. The age of the stations ranges from 17 to 129 years old. As you might imagine, many of the stations need to be updated. The NFR is currently reviewing which stations need what and they have found that ideally, Nashua could use 3 additional stations to cover the city according to the response time standards they have. Substantial planning is needed as it takes time to get funding and for build time for new equipment. Current fire engines need repair/replacement on a regular basis. It now takes 32 months lead time to build a new engine.
Fire engines typically last 12 years and 15years for aerial apparatus. After that they serve 3-5 years in reserve. NFR also runs very lean on its administration staffing. Average admin staffing needs to be at 15% and NFT staffing currently is at 2%. There is a need for more assistant fire chiefs to deal with handling the many administrative duties.
Recruitment and retention is another issue looming large. They need to hire and recruit. Compared to 20 years ago, applications are down and many fire stations are using sign-on bonuses, advance seniority and other benefits to compete. Some members have been poached by other employers. NFR now advertises nationally via internet for possible talent. They hire for attitude over skill. The have also increased their benefits package.
City growth and increased density means more work for NFR. Homeless population adds to challenges. Nashua has good communication between all the city departments so that they are well coordinated. This is fairly unique and is why Nashua Fire and Rescue and the Nashua Police Department are so well integrated into the community and are well respected.
Another challenge is the aging population who to stay in their homes despite an age related decrease in mobility and self-sufficiency. This is a challenge that requires more support from non-emergency services.
NFR is charged to protect the community from fire. Technological advancements have made their work and response times more efficient. NFR also supports many community activities and fund drives. Sometimes these involve competition with NPD which leads to increasing the success of the fund drive.