CHARLESTOWN — After the Selectboard narrowly adopted the proposed budget of Charlestown Fire Chief Mark LaFlam, the Wednesday’s board meeting turned contentious over a letter signed by department members claiming that they have faced “ridicule and condescension” from the board trying to a gap in emergency services after the ambulance service was disbanded.

The December 19 letter, signed by 13 members, but not the chief, demanded the Selectboard fairly compensate the firefighters and rescuers, some of whom fill the role of Emergency Medical Technicians, and also give full decision-making power over “management, direction and operation” of the rescue service to the fire chief.

“We will not be dictated to about the make-up of our crews or how emergencies are handled,” the letter states.

If the demands are not met, the letter said the fire department will cease its rescue squad operations at year’s end.

LaFlam said Thursday morning that the proposed budget, which is up about 14% from the current year, should put to rest the controversy over the department’s rescue squad role because everyone will see a pay increase. All members will receive a $2 per hour raise and the chief, assistant chief and captain will receive increases of $10, $5 and $3 per hour respectively. The proposed fire department budget will now go to the town finance committee for review. If it is adopted as proposed, it would become part of the proposed town budget that will go to voters at the March town meeting.

“It shows give and take on both sides,” LaFlam said.

The town has contracted with Golden Cross Ambulance since it disbanded the ambulance department about 18 months ago. But the fire department also started a rescue squad to respond to the most serious calls. Last year, the squad answered about 200 calls, LaFlam said.

The letter said the loss of the ambulance department put townspeople at risk and the fire department worked to fill the void, with no support from the Selectboard.

“This service has saved multiple lives this year alone; never mind the others that have been positively affected by the rapid response and care that has been provided,” the letter states.

Department members told the Selectboard they have the equipment and training and can respond more quickly than Golden Cross in many instances

“If we get there five minutes before Golden Cross, the person might live,” LaFlam said.

One member said the reason for the letter was because he and others believe the board is disrespecting their efforts as a rescue squad.

“Why are you telling us how to treat patients,” department Lieutenant Jason McMahon said.

Selectboard member William Rescsanski said he “felt sorry for the way the board treated the department” but nevertheless found the letter “reprehensible.” As for the letter demanding no selectboard involvement in the make-up of crews, Rescsanski said, “we have that right.”

The board said it asks questions to all departments about staffing and the fire department is no different.

“We have to ask questions,” said board member Shelly Andrus, who supported the budget proposal with Jeff Lessels and Jeremy Wood. “We need the data so we ultimately have to ask those questions not just sit here.”

When the discussion on the letter began, board member Lessels called it a “serious violation” of the town social media policy because it was written on fire department letterhead and posted on Facebook so it is not a free speech issue.

LaFlam, who said he supports the letter in concept, said it was not even considered until there were board “accusations” that the fire department was breaking the law by performing CPR.

“We are trained for that,” LaFlam said.

Lessels said the letter puts the board in a “dilemma” because the board has to take action when there is a violation of established policies.

“I don’t know how the board feels but it put us in a bind,” Lessels said. “We are not exercising our authority by not enforcing the policy.”

No other board members commented on Lessels’ claim and no action was taken.

Patrick O’Grady can be reached pogclmt@gmail.com

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