Mont Vernon firefighters May, 1999

Fire Department Organization

The Mont Vernon Fire Department is a paid-on-call town department. Firefighters do not stay at the station. Whenever there is an emergency call, they are notified by radio, and they respond in accordance with established policies and procedures. While they are responding to, working at, and returning from an emergency they are paid an hourly wage, by the town, dependent on their level of responsibility.

Members of the department have been drawn from the community. They volunteer their time to attend training and meetings. Members who have achieved advanced levels of responsibility also volunteer their time to perform maintenance tasks to ensure the department and equipment are always ready to respond to calls for assistance.

To join the department contact the fire station (673-1383) or Chief Kevin Pomeroy. No previous training or experience is required, and successful candidates will receive all necessary training. The application process requires completion of the application, an interview with the Board of Fire Wards, a criminal background check, and a motor vehicle record check. Successful candidates are appointed by the Board of Fire Wards.

Board of Fire Wards

The Mont Vernon Board of Fire Wards is an elected body of the Town of Mont Vernon. Their responsibility is to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Mont Vernon Fire Department. The members of the board are elected by the town at the annual Town Meeting in March. There are three members of the board, and each is elected for a three year term on a rotating basis.

The funds to operate the Mont Vernon Fire Department are appropriated as a line item in the town budget. The department budget is prepared by the Board of Fire Wards. The board then submits the department budget to the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee for review, ammendment, and inclusion in the town budget voted on at the Town Meeting.

The operation of the department, including rules, regulations, policies, and procedures are set by the Board of Fire Wards. The board is answerable to the voters of the town.

Pursuant to the vote of the Town of Mont Vernon at the Town Meeting in March 1995, in accordance with NH RSA 154, the Fire Chief is elected by the membership of the department by secret ballot. The Fire Chief is selected from the Board of Fire Wards. This election is held on an annual basis in April. All other officers of the department are appointed by the Board of Fire Wards.