Reporter’s Notebook: New firefighters graduate; do you want to join FinCom?

Max Cleveland and Logan Donohue are Grafton’s two newest on-call firefighters, the first of what the town hopes will be many. 

The pair graduated Tuesday from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Call/ Volunteer Recruit Training Program. They will be assigned to Engine Company 2. 

Town Administrator Evan Brassard said the fire department has increased their recruitment efforts and will soon release a video promoting the department.

Applicants must pass the Massachusetts Fire Academy Call/Volunteer Training Program. Call Firefighters receive training in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, EMS First Responder, Basic Firefighting Skills, Hazardous Material Incident Response and Driver Training. Grafton’s firefighters are paid between $21.41-24.40 per hour for fire calls and training.

“Service as a Grafton Call Firefighter is a challenging and rewarding way to serve your community in a time of need and learn new skills,” the advertisement for the positions reads. “As a member of the fire department, you will be responding along with other emergency responders to a wide variety of emergency and non-emergency incidents within our community and throughout Worcester County. Along with fire of all types, you will be expected to respond to vehicle and industrial accidents, hazardous material spills, public service assists and a variety of medical aid calls. Responding to such an array of incidents necessitates an appropriate level of training encompassing many different disciplines.

“JOB REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license, be at least 18 years of age and have received a high school or general education degree (GED) at time of application. Applicants must also successfully pass a physical, drug screening and background check. All applicants must be Grafton residents and will be assigned to a Grafton Fire Station in the initial response area of where they reside.” 

Letters of interest, resume and application will be received at the Grafton Fire Department, 26 Upton Street, Grafton, MA 01519 or by email to firedepartment@grafton-ma.gov Applications are available online at https://www.grafton-ma.gov/…/employment-opportunities…

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Attention town budget watchers: with the recent resignation of Barry Smith, the town now has a vacancy on the Finance Committee.

The Finance Committee typically meets once a month; however, the number of monthly meetings increases during Town Meeting preparation when the committee typically meets three Saturdays per month during budget preparation.

Interested individuals must be a registered voter in Grafton, Precinct 2 and possess a basic understanding or knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of the subject multimember body.  A financial background is helpful but not necessary.

If interested, forward a letter of interest outlining qualifications and background to the Office of the Town Administrator, Grafton Municipal Center, 30 Providence Rd., Grafton, MA  01519, or by email taoffice@grafton-ma.gov before close of business March 17, 2022.

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Congratulations to Town Clerk Kandy Lavallee, who is now officially certified as a Certified Massachusetts Municipal Clerk. The certification remains in place for the next five years.

Lavallee recently returned her nomination papers for the May 17 Town Election. It may be her final time on the ballot — the town has sought to make the position appointed rather than election, given the complexities of the job and required certifications.

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