Kaitlin Hennessy

The organizational meeting commenced with the election of a Temporary Chairperson, followed by the unanimous election of Commissioner Vincenzo Vacchiano as Chairman and the appointment of Joseph Arcuri as Vice Chairman. Key actions included the unanimous appointment of department personnel, such as William Allen as Chief of the Department, and other officers. The Board appointed various officers, including the District Secretary, Treasurer, and Deputy Treasurer, followed by administering the Oath of Office to several Commissioners and officers. Financial actions included setting salaries for District employees, establishing treasurers to be bonded, and appointing the District Counsellor and External Auditors. The Board re-adopted numerous existing policies and adopted the 2026 Holiday schedule. Additionally, they appointed Island Occupational Medical Resources as Medical Director and authorized them to conduct random drug screenings. The Board named official publications for legal notices, adopted the Standard Work Day Reporting resolution, and appointed Exposure Control Officers and Fire District Public Information Officers. Stipulations were set for compensation for non-permanent part-time non-EMS workers and for the Junior Firefighters Program regarding apparatus maintenance and meeting room cleaning fees. The renewal of acceptance for specified out-of-District members was approved. Discussion items included the need for a streetlight survey, coordination of meeting dates for the upcoming year, review of personnel policies, and the request for an AMEX card for the 1st Assistant Chief. The Board approved funding for significant equipment purchases, including Crisis Mode Air Packs and a hose bed divider. Following an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, the Board voted to pay on-call per diem employees a set rate excluding them from the annual increase, and unanimously approved a 180-day suspension for a member for a specified violation. The meeting concluded with the payment of all approved vouchers and adjournment.