A national shortage of volunteers has spread to the Island’s fire departments, prompting some towns to offer more paid positions and rethink their staffing structure.
The West Tisbury fire department placed John Rose on indefinite suspension in mid-December, after a court granted a harassment prevention order against the former Oak Bluffs fire chief.
Eighteen graduates of the All-Island Firefighter I/II course received their certificates Tuesday night, having completed 145 hours of training since last October.
A state Department of Environmental Protection investigation found the West Tisbury fire station to be a contributor of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the area’s groundwater supply, affecting nearby wells.
Greg Pachico will be West Tisbury’s next fire chief, following a unanimous vote Wednesday by the town selectmen. “He both has a vision for the future and a respect for the traditions of the fire department, board chairman Cynthia Mitchell said.
After interviewing three finalists, the town board of selectmen will deliberate and make the final choice next Wednesday.