Richard F. Hutchings was reappointed as Chief of the town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department this week.

Hutchings, commonly known as “Hutch,” was appointed to a 4-year-term and was the only one who applied for the position, which pays a yearly stipend of $5,000.

“I still enjoy doing this,” he told the Board of Selectmen Wednesday night. “I still have some learning to do.”

He has held the position in consecutive years since 2004 but, according to his resume, was also chief from July of 1997 to July of 2000 and from January of 1996 to July of 1997, when the town moved from three separate departments to one.

The Board of Selectmen unanimously appointed Hutchings Wednesday night and he briefly discussed issues with members.

One of the challenges facing the department is manpower, especially during weekdays since so many volunteers have out-of-town jobs.

For example, the town currently uses Vintech Management Services of Torrington to provide ambulance personnel from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The town is also embarking on a study of EMS services to see if further changes are needed.  

Hutchings said fire coverage has been adequate so far but daytime personnel is an increasing challenge. A regional task force and cooperation among area towns, however, has worked well, he added.

“We’ll be calling each other more and more,” he said.

First Selectmen Richard Barlow said he would be in favor of allowing any town employees who are fire volunteers to respond to calls when possible. The public works department now employs on department volunteer and at least one worker who is a firefighter in another town.

Hutchings said the department is also in the midst of a few initiatives, such as selected equipment and technology upgrades.

Numbers of volunteers fluctuate but between EMTS, firefighters and fire police, the department has about 50 members, Hutchings said.

Hutchings is a 1977 graduate of Canton High School and a registered nurse.

He first joined the town’s fire service in January of 1977.