The Public Safety & Transportation Committee met on Thursday, May 7. See the report and meeting video.
Approved
- Appropriation of $75,000 from June 30, 2025, Certified Free Cash for Jaws of Life (#148-26) (6–0). The Fire Department carries four sets of battery-operated hydraulic rescue tools on frontline vehicles and uses them frequently, particularly on Route 9, the Mass Pike, and Route 95. The existing set being replaced is near the end of its useful life.
- Appropriation of $1,000,000 from June 30, 2025, Certified Free Cash for SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) Harnesses (#149-26) ( 6–0) The funds will purchase approximately 50 harnesses to replace all units at once — essential because firefighters must be immediately familiar with the locations of every switch and button on their life-safety equipment. The new harnesses have been independently verified to be PFAS-free.
Present: Councilors Lucas (Chair), Wright, Block, Golden, Roche, and Silber.
Absent: Councilors Irish and Greenberg.
Also present: Councilors Albright, Farrell, Oliver, and Malakie.
City Staff: Chief Gregory Gentile and Assistant Chief Michael Bianchi, Newton Fire Department;
Josh Morse, Chief Operating Officer, and Mary O’Neill, Senior Human Resources Partner
