I must admit that 2003 was anything but a slow year. To begin, we responded
to 72 calls for assistance. These calls tallied up as follows:
Hazardous Materials Calls 5 Automatic Alarms, False 9 Automobile Fires 4 assist
other agencies 6 Structure Fires 10 Vegetation Fires 7 Mutual Aid to others
6 motor vehicle Accidents 9 Utility Lines 4 Other Calls 8 Rescue Calls 4
Once again, The Southwest Harbor Fire Association, through their aggressive fundraising efforts, donated to the Town almost $10,000 worth of Personal protective and other equipment that the department desperately needed. This private organization is staffed entirely by volunteers and annually provides thousands of dollars to both the Fire department and other charitable causes such as Scholarships, needy families and other non-profit programs entirely by fundraising activities. I ask you to join me in applauding their superlative efforts.
During this year, the Board of Selectmen contracted with Mr. Neil Courtney,
a professional consultant for Fire Service’s with Southern Maine Technical
College. Mr. Courtney conducted a thorough examination of the Towns Fire Protection
and rescue services and developed a comprehensive set of recommendations for
consolidating and improving these services. Following his recommendations, we
will be streamlining and focusing our training, equipment purchases and other
programs with an eye on providing the very best emergency services possible
while operating an efficient and cost effective department.
If you have not had the chance to see Mr. Courtney’s Report, a copy of
is available at the Town office and I urge you to review it, as it will be used
as the cornerstone for the future of your Fire Department
I am proud to report that with the Dedicated efforts of Patty and Jim Murphy, Beth Gaiser and Matt Heel, The Fire Department was awarded a Federal grant for the purchase of Personal protective equipment and Water Supply equipment. This grant, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, totaled Almost $90,000 and will significantly relieve our tax burden. On behalf of the Town, I thank these people for the countless hours they put in along with their expertise and experience without which, this grant may not have happened.
During our first visit with Mr. Courtney, Neil commented that it was unconscionable that the Volunteer Firefighters for our town have their lives placed in danger even before they leave the station on a call. He was making reference to the deplorable conditions that your Fire Department has had to work from for these past many years. I am extremely pleased to announce that after investing countless hours of research and planning in this project, the Public Facilities committee, comprised of Residents John Carr, David Underwood and Joe Marshall as well as representatives from each of the Towns departments, have developed a proposal for the Towns consideration that will address this issue. It is t he Committees hopes that the Selectmen will be bringing a plan that combines functionality and cost consciousness to you for your blessing.
On a final note, 7 members of the Fire Department have recently completed training as Emergency Medical Service First Responders. With the expert guidance of the Southwest Harbor-Tremont Ambulance Service, we will be able to respond with the Ambulance, at their request, to provide a level of Emergency Medical Care during those times when a major medical emergency requires trained personnel sooner than can be obtained from other communities.
I again remind all that your emergency service providers always need more help. Both the Ambulance and the Fire Department rely on volunteers to provide what they do. There will always be something that any citizen can do to help.
On behalf of the Towns people and the visitors, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to the Officers and Firefighters of the Fire Department and the Members of the Fire Association and the members of the Southwest Harbor-Tremont Ambulance Service for their time and talents. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed nor unappreciated.
Respectfully Submitted
Samuel T. Chisholm, Chief