HAMPDEN – The Board of Selectmen was asked to consider options for improving the Fire Department’s services at its Jan. 15 meeting.

Fire Chief Mike Gorski came before the board seeking guidance on how to proceed with efforts to update aging equipment and facilities in a cost-effective manner for the town.

Gorski explained the town was down to one tanker truck and could purchase another for approximately $300,000, but due to the size of newer trucks, an addition to the station would have to be built. Gorski indicated the department had already used approved funding to develop a plan for the station’s expansion and the construction would be at a cost of roughly $500,000.

Gorski offered another option, which would involve purchasing a new truck to replace the current Tanker 1, which he said was purchased in 1991 and is currently showing signs of its age. Replacing Tanker 1 would put off the need for expansion for a while, but the issue of only having one tanker in service would remain.

Board of Selectmen Chair Vincent Villamaino voiced strong support for making investments in a new truck and the expansion.

“Why would we get rid of a truck that still has some useful life in it? It doesn’t make any sense,” he said. Selectman Norm Charest agreed.

Town Administrator Mary McNally advised Gorski that because the design for the expansion already exists, the town could put out a request for proposals for the construction in order to get a clearer picture of the actual costs of the project.

Gorski also noted there was additional work needed on the fire station, namely the ventilation system, in order to come in compliance with OSHA regulations. In 2018, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill that requires municipalities to adhere to federal workplace safety standards for town employees.

Gorski also noted there are rumors that American Medical Response ambulance service may cease operations in the area, something the town should keep an eye on. He noted neighboring towns such as East Longmeadow have prepared firefighters with EMT training.

He also requested the ability to alter schedules for career firefighters. Under the current employment rules, as non-union employees, the town’s career firefighters have Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve off. Gorski asked the board if he could have permission to offer those firefighters a floating holiday instead in order to maintain adequate staffing levels. Selectman John Flynn said such a move may require developing a new class of employee in the town’s bylaws.