Why I decided to run for PFFM Information Officer

My journey for information began in December 2021. Chelmsford established a newly commissioned committee, the Fire Station Study Committee. The mission statement for this committee was quite intricate. We were tasked with evaluating available data to determine the best approach for upgrading and/or rebuilding our aging fire stations to meet the needs of both citizens and fire personnel. We needed to assess and identify the requirements of both fire personnel and fire station structures to fulfill the safety standards of a modern fire department while also address community needs.

Our goal was to provide the Town of Chelmsford with future recommendations to ensure their fire department meets the safety standards of a modern fire department while evaluating the aging fire stations and offering a viable plan of action.

Thus, obtaining information became crucial. This information needed to be not only accurate and current but also timely.

Identifying the right contacts for various information requests became a task in itself. Without a dedicated liaison to direct questions, tasks took more time.

Nonetheless, with dedication and perseverance, along with support from the PFFM and IAFF, Chelmsford successfully passed a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion at the ballot box in November 2024. This ensured that two fire stations in Chelmsford would be rebuilt. This achieved two major objectives for our local. It provided safe working environments for our members and also allowed the town the capability to expand their minimum staffing at these two outlying stations.

Following the success of the ballot initiative, I considered ways to enhance the efficiency of disseminating information for other locals to use. That's when I decided to give back to the organization that supported our local. This is one of the reasons I am running for the position of Information Officer of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts.

We were privileged to have the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) cover our story, highlighting our notable victory and emphasizing the continuous efforts to improve safety for our members. Full Story