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caption, page 12:
Tight Quarters
U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, left, checks out the tight quarters at the 1955 East Putnam Fire Station, along with E. Putnam Fire District president Doug Cutler and John Smith, Putnam selectman. Linda Lemmon photo.
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM --- More searching for funding to build the proposed East Putnam fire station is underway as U.S. Congressman Joseph Courtney visited the ancient and cramped quarters of the East Putnam Fire Department May 11.
Scott Belleville, chairman of the East Putnam Fire District Fire Station Building Committee and the town's deputy fire marshal, said the proposed 13,000 square foot fire station and community building will take East Putnam into the next century. The cost of the building, according to Douglas Cutler, president of the East Putnam Fire District, would be between $3.2 and $3.7 million. The district, using money saved for the past 11 years, has already bought 21 acres of land closer to downtown. The purchase price was $415,000.
Cutler told Courtney, "We are virtually shovel ready now. We own the property and the plans are being drawn up." He, too, told Courtney that the proposed fire station will bring suit the needs of the district and town for the next 100 years. "This is not extravagant," he said.
After his visit, Courtney said, “Seeing firsthand the cramped, out-of-date East Putnam station was an eye opener. The lack of space prevents safe ventilation, speedy egress and adequate meeting areas. Despite these challenges the department’s leadership has done a miraculous job of keeping staff levels full. Despite that achievement they need a facility that matches their mission."
State senator Donald E. Williams Jr. and Mayor Pete Place have already pledged to try to find funding for the project. Town Administrator Douglas M. Cutler said he believes Small Town Economic Assistance Program funding might help and he is continuing his search for more funding.
Courtney added, “My office will work with (East Putnam Fire) Chief Abe Walker to maximize federal resources available through the Department of Homeland Security for equipment and Department of Agriculture Rural Department program. Friday’s meeting is the beginning of that collaboration, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with chief Walker and his remarkable team.”