Board OKs interim chief as ambulance license falters
Hatfield Select Board grapples with an ambulance licensing crisis that could cost up to $450,000 a year.
Select Board · Meeting of May 26, 2026
Hatfield Select Board grapples with an ambulance licensing crisis that could cost up to $450,000 a year. Fire Chief Robert Flaherty, who is departing for another town, told the board Hatfield's advanced life support license could lapse within roughly eight business days without signed mutual aid deals with South County EMS and Northampton Fire Rescue, warning "a lot of these things are literally talking about life and death." The board approved a 10-hour administrative role for Flaherty during the transition and accepted Police Chief Michael Dekoschak's retirement after 38 years. Members also created a Deficit Reduction Task Force after Town Administrator Andrew cited a projected $325,000 deficit, and raised the treasurer/collector's demand fee from $10 to $20.
The board reorganized, electing Luke Longstreeth chair, and welcomed new member Julia Frisby.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 1,134 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of May 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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