Cornwall to bid on new firetruck

Cornwall to bid on new firetruck

The new truck will be able to fit inside the firehouse.

cornwallfire.org

CORNWALL — Due to the aging fleet in Cornwall Bridge Firehouse, the town is now in the market for a new truck.

Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department’s truck committee put together a 67-page list of specifications for its desired truck — one that will meet the needs of the town while still able to fit within the old firehouse garage.

Fire Chief John LaPorta attended a regular Board of Selectmen’s (BOS) meeting Tuesday, March 5, to review the spec list.

“The committee went through literally page by page, item by item to make sure that those specifications were what they had wanted,” said LaPorta. “There’s a lot of work that’s been done just to get the thing wrapped up so that it can go out to bid.”

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway said BOS intends to start the bidding process within the next month. The estimated cost was reported to be at least $650,000.

Ridgway added that used trucks would be considered if applicable.

“Apparently it takes several years to build these, so the delivery date is again up in the air,” said Ridgway. “Unless we find somebody that has one sitting around exactly like we’d like.”

More information will be released from Town Hall as it becomes available.

Retaining wall

In West Cornwall, three separate engineering firms have approved proposals to reconstruct retaining walls. The existing walls were damaged due to heavy rains in the summer of 2023.

For River Road, the new concrete wall is being pre-cast in sections. Installation is expected to begin in “early April or end of March,” Ridgway said.

Nearby residents will be given a two-week advance notice before work begins and road closures go into effect.

Latest News

Racecars roar in NASCAR’s return to Lime Rock Park

High-speed action made for a weekend of excitement at Lime Rock Park Friday and Saturday, June 27-28.

Photo by Simon Markow

LAKEVILLE — For the first time since 2011, Lime Rock Park hosted National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing events June 27 and 28.

It was billed as the largest event in modern track history with an estimated 20,000 fans attending.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joseph Robert Meehan

SALISBURY — Joseph Robert Meehan the 2nd,photographer, college professor and nearly 50 year resident of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at Noble Horizon on June 17, 2025. He was 83.

He was the son of Joseph Meehan the 1st and his mother, Anna Burawa of Levittown, New York, and sister Joanne, of Montgomery, New York.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Olive Zutter Murphy

STANFORDVILLE, New York — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florence Olive Zutter Murphy, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2025, at the age of 99.

She was born in Sharon, Connecticut on Nov. 20, 1925, and was a long time resident of the Dutchess County area.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chore Service hosts annual garden party fundraiser

Chore Service hosted 250 supporters at it’s annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Bob Ellwood

On Saturday, June 21, Mort Klaus, longtime Sharon resident, hosted 250 enthusiastic supporters of Northwest Corner’s beloved nonprofit, Chore Service at his stunning 175-acre property. Chore Service provides essential non-medical support to help older adults and those with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Jane MacLaren, Executive Director, and Dolores Perotti, Board President, personally welcomed arriving attendees. The well-stocked bar and enticing hors d’oeuvres table were popular destinations as the crowd waited for the afternoon’s presentations.

Keep ReadingShow less