Judge Orders Return of CCFD Ladder Truck

In Providence Superior Court Tuesday morning, Central Coventry Fire District Special Master Richard Land, went before Judge Brian Stern to request authorization to return the district's 2009 Pierce Aerial (ladder) Truck as a cost-saving measure for the cash-strapped fire district. 

The newly elected CCFD Board of Directors voted unanimously to return the truck earlier this month stating that it will save the tax payers approximately $97,000 a year. According to Vice President Marie Baker, the decision was made "with much regret", but was based on both the current financial status of the district, as well as recommendations from Chief Andy Baynes, who reluctantly pulled the truck from service due to the district's failure to make the annual payment.

Despite ongoing arguments from the firefighters' Union President Dave Gorman on behalf of Local 3372, as well as an objection submitted to the court by former CCFD board candidate Ray Angell III - all stating that the apparatus is a valuable and necessary resource, Judge Stern Tuesday ordered its return to Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin. 

Those opposed to the ladder truck's return have voiced concerns that fire service throughout all of Coventry will suffer and safety will be threatened, as Central Coventry was the only district in the town to have such a vehicle. In Angell's objection (attached), he states that because a new budget has not been finalized by the new board, it has yet to be determined if funds are or are not available to keep the truck in service. 

In addition to the return, Judge Stern also approved an agreement between Pierce Manufacturing and Land, relieving the fire district of any and all liability, both financially and legally, to Pierce on the condition that the truck be returned and its title transfered accordingly.

"The Special Master is directed to assist and make arrangements for the return of the Ladder to Peirce," read Judge Stern's order on Tuesday.