Putney suspends fire department operations after volunteers quit [Video]

The Putney Selectboard has decided to indefinitely suspend operations of its fire department following the retirement of the longtime chief and the departure of a dozen volunteers. The board voted unanimously in favor of the suspension last week, under advisement from the state.Mike Cosco owns the general store in town, and said he believes the people in charge are doing their best to handle a difficult situation.“That seemed like a very sudden, very dramatic action for a half the department to walk away,” Cosco said. “They recovered a little bit and put some temporary people in place, and they covered the town with surrounding area services. So, they’re taking steps.”Right now, there’s a plan in place to make sure the town has immediate fire and EMS coverage. Dummerston and Westminster will provide mutual aid for fires and issues on Interstate 91. Brattleboro will also help manage calls that come from …