Letter to the editor: Fire Station Working Group completes its work, and extends thanks

Fire Station Working Group completes its work, and extends thanks

The Fire Station Working Group has recently completed its charge and submitted its recommendation to the Select Board. This report represents two years of comprehensive investigation and analysis by many people aligned around one goal – to recommend to the residents of Weston a long-term solution to address current deficiencies with our fire stations.

We encourage residents to read the report (or at least the executive summary) found at westonma.gov/firestations.

This report would not have been possible without the efforts of many people that we would like to acknowledge and thank. We extend our sincere gratitude to Tecton Architects (project consultants) and Vertex Consultants (owner’s project manager). They worked with the Town on the initial feasibility study of renovating the two existing stations, and subsequently with this expanded study. They brought deep expertise and technical excellence to this Working Group, ensuring that the solutions explored were not only functional, forward-looking and cost-effective, but also responsive to Weston’s unique needs and character. We also wish to acknowledge the commitment of Town staff, including Assistant Town Manager Lisa Yanakakis, Director of Facilities Gary Jarobski, Fire Chief Justin Woodside and Deputy Fire Chief Brian Hayes. Their expertise, institutional knowledge, and day-to-day perspective on the department’s operational realities were essential in shaping the recommendations and ensuring the report reflects the real needs of our community.

Finally – and most importantly – we want to recognize our fellow residents who volunteered their time and talent to serve on this Working Group with us: Stephen Laroque, John McDonald, Lise Revers, Carl Stjernfeldt, Kevin Sullivan, and Bharath Venkataraman. The investment of their time, experience, thoughtful questions, and unwavering engagement was at the heart of this process. Their service reflects what makes Weston special: a community where residents volunteer to make Weston better for current and future generations.

As co-chairs, we are deeply grateful for the time, collaboration, and good faith that defined this entire effort. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of professionals and community members.

Tom Palmer, Aberdeen Road

Jim Polando, Merriam Street

The letter writers are co-chairs of the Fire Station Working Group