MEXICO – Selectmen on Wednesday unanimously agreed to allow use of the Mexico Fire Department’s ladder truck whenever a structure fire tone out is signaled for the town of Rumford.

They also granted tentative approval for an Eagle Scout candidate to build a bridge at the Mexico Memorial Greens.

Rumford Fire Chief John Woulfe requested the MFD’s ladder truck whenever a report of a structure fire or smoke around a building tone out is heard. Rumford’s ladder truck was benched as of Wednesday because it could not pass the ladder certification or motor vehicle inspection.

Use of the Mexico truck with one full-time Mexico firefighter will likely last until mid- or late-August, which is the time Rumford’s new ladder truck will be delivered and the RFD crew trained to use it.

Mexico Fire Chief Gary Wentzell said his department’s truck will only be toned out for structure fires or reports of structure fires. It will not answer calls for medical emergencies, car fires or brush fires.

Firefighter Jack Arsenault said the RFD provided the same service a few years ago when Mexico’s ladder truck was not able to respond to structure fires.

“They covered for us,” he said.

Wentzell estimated that the ladder truck may be toned out an average of two or three times a week for Rumford.

Once the Mexico ladder truck and firefighter arrive at the Rumford scene and its services are deemed necessary, the two towns’ mutual aid agreement would kick in. If the call doesn’t warrant a ladder truck, then it would return to the Mexico fire station.

The board tentatively approved a plan to build an arched foot bridge that is handicapped accessible over a drainage gully at the Mexico Memorial Greens. The Eagle Scout candidate will present a detailed plan for the project that would satisfy requirements to become an Eagle Scout at a later selectmen’s meeting.

The town will pay for the materials. Costs have not yet been submitted.

Selectman Reginald Arsenault said other Eagle Scouts have completed a variety of projects on town-owned property over the years, including a similar bridge at the Mexico Recreation Park.

Following a short public hearing, the board also approved the designation of one 30-minute parking space in front of Radio Shack on Main Street. The 30-minute limit, which will be located among two-hour limit parking spaces, will be in effect during regular business hours.

eadams@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link