Two of the biggest issues facing the Danville Fire Department right now involve its four-story training tower and the radio system that is used.
Fire Chief Don McMasters told members of the city’s Public Services Committee on Tuesday night that city engineers have determined that the top two floors of the 40-year-old training structure are not safe to use.
McMasters says a firm will be called in to determine what the expense will be for the building to be fixed so that it can be used for trainings once again.
One of the other projects the department is looking into is replacing its radio system. McMasters says that the current system, which was grant-funded is out-of-date and antiquated. He says that replacement parts have had to be found on eBay because they are no longer available. Officials will be meeting with the city to discuss what to do about the system.
A couple of firefighters could be retiring by the end of this year, and some new firefighters could be added. Around 30 people applied during the recent hiring period, and McMasters says testing will begin soon.
