The Onset Fire Department will add another full-time captain to its payroll on July 1, a proposal approved by voters at the Onset Fire District's annual meeting on Monday, May 21.

The addition to the ranks came as an amendment to a routine article that earmarks funds for firefighter salaries.

Citing what he said was a decline in response from call firefighters --firefighters who respond to emergencies on a per-diem basis as calls come in -- Onset firefighter Paul Ingeno argued that another full-time captain is necessary for Onset Fire.

"It seems more and more in daytime hours that not all [apparati are] being manned adequately," Ingeno told the voters during his proposal. "I'm a call firefighter. ... I also have a full-time job elsewhere. ... I can be there some days when other people can't. It's becoming more evident that nobody works in town anymore. Everybody works somewhere else because they have to."

Onset Fire Chief Howard Andersen agreed.

"We know that there's a manpower issue. We also know that times are tough," he said. "One of these days we're going to be faced with a situation," he added, explaining that firefighters may have to ignore the department's "two in, two out" rule, under which firefighters do not enter a building unless two can enter and two firefighters remain outside.

If not enough firefighters respond to a blaze, the firefighters would either have to decide to break the rule -- putting themselves in danger -- or fight the fire from the outside only -- increasing damage and the decreasing likelihood of rescuing victims, Andersen explained.

Firefighter Earl Fowler put the situation succinctly.

"We're really shorthanded," he said. "When it comes to a house fire or somebody's life, we need all the help we can get."

The proposal was overwhelmingly approved, with the new position at the same salary rate as the current "captain/shift commander" position -- $23.75 per hour.

In other Onser Fire Department business, district voters earmarked $6,333 -- money received from a grant -- for the purchase of technical rescue equipment. Trench rescues and building collaspses are examples of "technical rescues." Firefighters undergo training to respond to such calls.

Voters also approved the use of $40,800 for the purchase of three thermal imaging cameras for the fire department and accepted a donation of a Lancier 28" hydraulic rescue spreader -- also known as a "Jaws of Life" tool.

Voters also OK'd several routine spending articles for both the fire and water departments that essentially keep the district running.

Elsewhere in the Water Department, voters recinded a vote taken at last year's annual meeting that allowed the use of $85,000 for replacing the roof and siding on the district's office building, located on Sand Pond Road off of Cranberry Highway.

Voters then approved the spending of $85,000 for replacing the roof, siding, and windows on the building. Prudential Committee member Marcine Fernandes explained that after receiving quotes for the original project, the district was informed that the work would be difficult to do without also replacing the windows. The price of the project did not increase, however, once the windows were taken into consideration. Voters just had to approve the new scope of the work.

Election on Tuesday!

The district's annual election will take place on Tuesday, May 22, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dudley L. Brown VFW, located on Gibbs Ball Park Road off of Onset Avenue in Onset.

On the election ballot will be one three-year seat on the Prudential Committee, a three-year term on the Board of Water Commissioners, and a one-year term for moderator.

Prudential Committee member Robert Maxim retired in December, leaving a vacant seat on that board. Charles Klueber of Onset Avenue and Dianne Vance of Pleasant Avenue have thrown their hats into the ring for the position.

Charles Klueber, who retired after spending 36 years on the Bourne Fire Department -- the last seven years as chief -- said he is hoping to bring his expertise in managing budgets and knowledge of water-department workings to the Prudential Committee.

"It's kind of a perfect fit," said Klueber, who has lived in Onset for more than 40 years. "I certainly have some experience in the types of activities that the water district and the fire departments get involved in."

It is Klueber's first run for elected office. He currently serves on the town's Planning Board and Capital Planning Committee.

Dianne Vance, who has lived in Onset for nine years, is also running for her first seat in elected office.

"I just want to bring some new blood to Onset and do some things to make changes," Vance said. She said she wants to "work with the Prudential Committee, make the water system better and try to get some things rolling in the right direction."

Vance is involved with the Onset Bay Association and currently chairs the OBA's Blues Festival Committee. She also volunteers with the Boys & Girls Club.

Incumbent James Moran is running uncontested for the Water Commissioners seat. Moran currently chairs the board.

There is no one running for the position of moderator.