Westport Launches Survey to Improve Fire Department

WESTPORT, CT — The town's Fire Department Strategic Planning Steering Committee has launched a survey to study the Westport Fire Department in order to make improvements and plan for the department's future.

The survey can be viewed by clicking here, and it will remain open until 5 p.m. on Oct. 9.

"The Town of Westport is conducting a strategic study of our Fire Department," wrote First Selectman Jim Marpe in a statement about the 5-to-10 minute-long survey. "As part of the study, we are asking residents to participate in a brief, on line community survey related to the services provided by the Department. Your input is important and appreciated."

Among the topics the survey looks at include the department's performance and prospects for possible regionalization of services.

From the survey:

Westport maintains a professional, paid Fire Department. The current operating budget of the Fire Department is $9.16 million, which is 10 percent of the total Town operating budget of $91.43 million. Currently staffing of the Fire Department consists of 73 full time positions, of which, 67 positions are sworn fire fighting personnel including the Fire Marshals and Department Management. Fire Department personnel accounts for 25 percent of the Town workforce of 287. The Town currently staffs and operates 4 fire stations on a 24 hour / 7 day basis:

• Central Fire Headquarters (515 Post Road East)
  
• Greens Farms (66 Center Street)
  
• Coleytown (61 Easton Road)
  
• Saugatuck (555 Riverside Avenue)

For more information, visit the fire department's webpage on the Town of Westport website.

Photo credit: Westport Fire Department