By Elizabeth F. McNamara
Sometimes it takes a new set of eyes to see something … or in this case to not see something well enough. Fire Chief Bernie Patenaude, who’s been on the job for two months, said he noticed the “apparatus floor” (where the trucks are parked) at both stations wasn’t very well lit, which can be hazardous.
He decided to get a RISE energy audit for both of the stations, which found lights “in need of repair and beyond repair,” Patenaude said after the Town Council meeting Tuesday night. The council voted 4-0 to approve spending $48,000 on new lighting for the two stations (Councilor Mike Donegan was absent). The money, Patenaude said, was found in the current budget, under budget lines for staff that had not been filled.
The town will get about $8,000 in rebates on the project. According to Patenaude, the new LED lighting will decrease electricity costs enough that the lighting will pay for itself at Station 1 in less than five years and just under six years at Station 2.
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Chief:
I always tell people to keep “Their Eyes and Ears Open”, to make things better and improved. So, it is great to see that our new Fire Chief is keeping “His Eyes and Ears Open” to what needs to be done.
Maybe, one might think that the “lighting issue” is no big deal, but it sends a message to me that the Chief is on “Top of Things”. I am sure that he has “His Eyes and Ears Open” to other things as well.
On another note, I believe that all fire and rescue personnel are “The Best of The Best”!!!
Chief, “Keep on Doing What Your Are Doing”!!!!
Looks like East Greenwich has “turned the lights back on.”That a boy! Chief
This is wonderful news. Perhaps a Rise energy audit could be done for all town buildings, schools etc. It will save us tax payers money in the long run. We have saved money at our condo association by doing this and also my individual condo.