Chief R. Scott
		In the past few years Fire Department's nation wide have been asked to assume more responsibility for public safety. Fire Department's have long been fire responder firefighters, but with the constant reminders of present day life in this country, the Mattapoisett Call Fire Department has become very involved in more than traditional firefighting.          We have received current training for chemical and biological incidents as well as advanced training in rescue techniques for entrapment in fire and structural collapse incidents. Many of these types of incidents require mutual aide assistance because we are usually below minimum manning during the day for such situations.          Also society has become very technical and liability focused. Because of this new focus Fire Departments must be ever vigilant of increasing pressures and responsibilities that come with these risks and greater demands on public safety.          As a result of a major construction boom in town with schools, golf course, condos, homes, commercial properties, etc. reviewing and inspecting these facilities has been extremely demanding. This of course is in addition to the increased calls for assistance, which makes it difficult for an all call fire department to function.          Many of our firefighters are leaving the town because of unaffordable housing. With the price of housing going skyward homes for our younger firefighters have become out of the question. With many of our firefighters living outside the town, response time is becoming a problem.          We are in need of replacing the departments rescue truck. Our present rescue truck was converted from the town's retired ambulance. At the time it was thought to be a quick fix for two to three years. Well time has moved on and it is now seven years later. This piece of equipment has become very unreliable and needs replacement. This truck  carries our Jaws-Of-Life and related rescue equipment. We are also fast approaching the twenty-year mark for the replacement of Engine One with Engine Two a few years behind.          The SAFE program is one of the Departments fire prevention goals. This yearly program teaches the children of the town the importance of fire safety. Again this year the kindergarden children of Center School attended a fire saftey program. Each child was introduced to a mobile home that replicates a miniture home. This unit has a kitchen, living room and bedroom. With the use of props we can simulate many home hazards, escape routes, smoke detector use in a home setting. Our staff of SAFE instructors spend many hours, which is an all-volunteer effort, educating the youth of the town of the dangers of smoking and fire play.          The Department was very busy with training this year. We have begun a very challenging training with surrounding towns. With this added training we are now better prepared to provide a more advanced approach to firefighter safety and better assistance to the public. Many of the department's firefighters attended the National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg, Maryland, the Firehouse Magazine Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, the Massachusetts Fire Academy and the Barnstable County Fire Academy. Our Firefighter One / Two program ran for its eleventh year with two department members Steven Mills and James Oliviera in the graduating class. Firefighters Steve Mills and James Oliviera also attended a thirty two-hour advanced class on firefighter safety and survival.          A federal grant made it possible for the towns of Mattapoisett, Fairhaven and Acushnet to participate in rapid intervention training. This four-day training held at Center School, involved area towns that share mutual aide on any given emergency to work together.          The Fire Department continues to be a partner in town events. We take an active role in the Selectmen's annual Santa Parade, assist the Lions club in their Christmas programs, Harbor Days, triathlon, the schools with SAFE programs, drills and assistance. The department has become involved with the annual "Fill the Boot for Jerry's Kids" and holds a car wash fundraiser for the Shriners. Also we continue to assist the citizens with numerous public assists.          The Town of Mattapoisett has become a fast changing community. Many new challenges lay ahead for the Fire Department as well as the citizens we protect. It is the commitment of the men and women of this department to stay ahead of the changes and be prepared.          In closing I would like to thank the towns people, all other departments and the fire station building committee for their continued support. Ronald E. Scott Fire Chief