gorham fire department

 

 

 

 

 

2004 Annual Report

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Letter from Chief of Department                                                                               Page 1

Mission Statement                                                                                                     Page 3

Opening Statement                                                                                                    Page 4

Administrative Division                                                                                            Page 5

 

            Administrative Division Personnel                                                                    Page 6

Line Company Officers                                                                                      Page 7

 

Statistical Data                                                                                                          Page 8

 

            2004 Yearly Response Breakdown                                                                      Page 9

            2004 Yearly Call Reasons                                                                                  Page 10

            Apparatus Report                                                                                              Page 11

 

Station and Apparatus Reports

 

            Central Station                                                                                                 Page 12

            Engine 1                                                                                                           Page 15

            Engine 2                                                                                                           Page 16

Squad 1                                                                                                            Page 18

Squad 2                                                                                                            Page 20

            Ladder 1                                                                                                           Page 23

            Rescue 1 & 2                                                                                                    Page 25

            Tower 3                                                                                                             Page 28

            North Gorham/White Rock                                                                               Page 29

            Engine 4                                                                                                           Page 31

            Tank 2                                                                                                              Page 33

            Marine 4                                                                                                           Page 34

            Engine 5                                                                                                           Page 35

            Forestry 1                                                                                                         Page 36

            Snowmobile 1                                                                                                   Page 37

            West Gorham                                                                                                   Page 38

            Engine 6                                                                                                           Page 40

            Tank 3                                                                                                              Page 41

            Tank 1                                                                                                              Page 42

                       

Special Divisions Reports                                                                                          Page 43

 

            Training Division Report(s)                                                                                Page 44

Fire Prevention Report(s)                                                                                  Page 48

            Student Live–In Report                                                                                     Page 52

            Junior Firefighter Report                                                                                   Page 54

            Honor Guard Report                                                                                          Page 56

            Squad 1 Specification Committee Report                                                                       Page 58

            Fire Alarm Report                                                                                              Page 61

            Presumscott River Valley Haz – Mat Team                                                         Page 63

            Annual Awards Banquet Report                                                                         Page 66

            Gun ‘N’ Hoses’ Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament                                        Page 70

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

                         MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF

 

 

It is with great pride and appreciation that I write this letter on behalf of the men and women who serve with the Gorham Fire/Rescue Department. I would first like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the citizens, businesses, Town Council and Town Manager David Cole for their continued support of the Department and our programs. With out that support many of our programs would not be possible.

 

I would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to our Mutual Aid Departments, and especially their leadership Chief Charles Hammond of Windham, Chief Craig Butkus of Standish, Chief Gary Littlefield of Westbrook, and Chief Mike Thurlow of Scarborough. Through their continued cooperation, joint efforts, and leadership we have been able to provide a better level of protection to the Community of Gorham at a much reduced cost. The value of the continued cooperation was shown during two major fires in Gorham this year. The fire at Robert’s Welding and the fire at the Mosher Farm brought our mutual aid companies directly to the scene. We will continue to work with these communities in an effort to improve services, while reducing cost.

 

As Chief of the Department I consider it a true privilege to serve with the dedicated and caring men and women who make up the membership of the Fire/Rescue Department. The citizens of Gorham are very well served and protected by the highly trained and dedicated membership, who are ready to handle a wide variety of emergencies including emergency medical calls, fire calls, water rescues, hazardous materials incidents, extrication of victims of auto accidents, confined space rescues, and weapons of mass destruction.

 

Our Fire Prevention Division provides educational programs throughout the year in schools, daycares, as well as our elderly housing projects. They also provide a juvenile fire setter intervention program for children who have been found to have started or been involved with setting fires. The division offers a program of hosting birthday parties at the Fire Station. Children have their parties, which include fire prevention activities, as well as the birthday child getting their selection of truck to ride home on. The Fire Prevention division took delivery of two robots and a 38 foot fire prevention trailer this year. These items were purchased through a Federal Grant. These items have had a very positive impact on our program and we look forward to their continued use in future programs. I would like to also recognize the outstanding efforts of Firefighter Daleleen Leighton who is in charge of this program, as well as serving as our juvenile setter coordinator.

 

The commitment that is required for a person to remain an active member in the Department requires a great deal of sacrifice, dedication, and immense amount of time. Not only are members required to answer more and more calls each year, they are also required to put in many hours of training to maintain their knowledge and skill level. Many of our members well exceed over 300 hours of training a year, along with responding to calls.

 

Many citizens throughout the community do not realize that the vast majority of our fire and rescue force are volunteer/call members, who respond from their homes or work, and receive hourly pay only when they are responding to calls. During the daytime we have 2 fulltime staff members on duty, along with the Chief, and one per diem person 6 days a week. After 6pm we only have one fulltime staff member on duty, with all other functions being covered by our call personnel.

 

I would also like to recognize, and extend my thanks and appreciation to the families of our members. The sacrifices that family members give throughout the year are many, from missed birthdays, delayed Christmases, missed Thanksgivings, kid’s ballgames and many other family activities. Without the support of our families none of us would be able to make the commitment it takes to do this job.

 

I would also like to give my sincere thanks and appreciation to my Deputies, staff and Company Officers, who contribute so much to the efficient operation of this Department. Without your dedication and tireless efforts none of what we do would be possible. Your efforts have resulted in the citizens of Gorham having one of the best-trained and operated Departments in the State of Maine.

 

A special recognition is also given to Lt. Nathan Schools, who through his sole efforts is responsible for the production of this annual report. 

 

     As the Town continues to grow, and the demands for service continue to grow, the Department will continue to make the commitment to meet the challenges presented by an ever-changing community. I would encourage each and every person reading this report to review the Departments Mission Statement that is enclosed. This mission Statement is more then just a statement it is what every member of this Department lives by and pledges to you the citizens each and every day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mission Statement

 

 

Our Mission: The Gorham Fire/Rescue Department shall be a leader in the delivery of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services and to transform today’s Fire/Rescue Service into a progressive, proactive, professional and cost effective service.  A service that will exceed today’s, and meet tomorrows demands.

 

Our Values: The Gorham Fire/Rescue Department’s values are based upon the fact that: we care for our customers and each other with dignity, respect, honesty, compassion and kindness.  We encourage all department members to embark on a quest for personnel excellence be being responsible for their action, practicing the highest degree of ethical behavior, and to use their best judgment in making decisions.

 

Our Commitment: The Gorham Fire/Rescue Department Shall commit to the delivery of extraordinary customer services, including proactive public safety programs, code enforcement, and professional response to all calls for service.  We will not be satisfies with status quo, and will continually search for better and more cost effective ways to serve the customer and achieve our professional goals.  We will be innovative be constantly exploring new concepts and methods in order to increase our efficiency and/or effectiveness.  We will aggressively seek an accept partnerships to improve the quality of our organization and service.  We will further encourage personal growth through the offerings of numerous training opportunities in order to assure the highest degree of skills and safety available to out customers.

 

Or Mission: The Gorham Fire Rescue department’s mission will always remain: to protect and enhance the high quality of life of our residence, guests and neighboring communities through effective, safe and efficient delivery of emergency and non – emergency services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening Statement

 

 

I've seen the Angels Cry


I have always thought that angels wore halos and wings of white

but now I find they wear hard hats and black coats with yellow stripes.

 

And angels, in my mind, wore long flowing gowns of white

but now I see dark pants and shirts and badges shining bright

 

And angels always floated, with bare feet above the ground; not true!

for they wear steel-toed boots and go where death is found

 

 Not all angels have smooth hands that look like porcelain

some angels have torn gloves and cuts and burns upon their skin

 

And while I thought all angels glowed from heavens light

I see an angel cutting steel, his torch is shining bright

 

And while these earthly angels passed buckets of debris

the angels up in heaven looked down on bended knee

 

so while the smoke continued to rise into the sky,

I watched the rescue workers weep; I've seen the angels cry.

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

 

Administrative Division

 

 

 

 

Administrative Division

 

 

Administration Division

 

Robert S. Lefebvre                                                         Chief of Department

Kenneth A. Fickett                                               Deputy Fire Chief

James Poitras                                                       Deputy Fire Chief

Karen Paro                                                           Deputy EMS Chief

Michael Kuscma Jr.                                             Deputy Fire Chief

Sandra Berry                                                        Administrative Assistant

 

 

Support Personnel

 

Staff Officers

 

Michael Hoyt Sr.                                                  Safety Captain

Henry Hamblen Jr.                                              Safety Captain

Les Howard                                                          Safety Captain

Philip Shearman                                                  Fire Chaplin

Bruce Cyr                                                             Fire Inspector

Brent Libby                                                          Fire Inspector

 

Public Safety Dispatchers

 

Michael Nault                                                       Supervisor

          Michael Russell                                                    Dispatcher

          Trixi Morin                                                           Dispatcher

          Julie Poland                                                         Dispatcher

          Christine Shepard                                                         Dispatcher

          Kimberly Drowne                                                 Dispatcher

          Kate O’Gorman                                                    Dispatcher

          Nathan Schools                                                    Dispatcher

          Brent Libby                                                          Dispatcher

          Lori Thompson                                                     Dispatcher

 

* The Public Safety Dispatchers are under the direction of the Gorham Police Department.

 

 

 

 

 

Line Company Officers

 

Captains

 

Ken Thorpe                                                          Fire Captain

Michael P. Nault                                                   Fire Captain

Mark Theriault                                                     Fire Captain

Terry S. Deering                                                   Fire Captain

Brian Cousino                                                      Fire Captain

Sharen Deering                                                    EMS Captain

Peter Russo                                                          Fire Police Captain

Ken Kennedy                                                       Fire Captain

 

Lieutenants

 

Michael Hoyt Jr.                                                   Fire Lieutenant

Scott Mason                                                         Fire Lieutenant

Kathy Hodgkins                                                   EMS Lieutenant

Nathan Schools                                                    Fire Lieutenant

Lori Thompson                                                     EMS Lieutenant

James Rogers                                                       Fire Lieutenant

Sheldon Gregoire                                                 Fire Lieutenant

Tim Johnson                                                        Fire Lieutenant

Bruce Cyr                                                             Fire Lieutenant

Scott Krum                                                          Fire Lieutenant

Art Greene                                                           Fire Lieutenant

Tom Bahoon                                                         Fire Lieutenant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

 

Statistical Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

Yearly Response Breakdown

 

Apparatus

 

2002

2003

2004

 

 

 

 

 

Rescue 1

 

1,461

1,437

1,396

Rescue 2

 

273

336

331

Engine1

 

434

468

494

Engine 2

 

450

510

510

Engine 3

 

n/a

61

n/a

Standish Engine 4

200

170

247

Engine 5

 

113

89

139

Engine 6

 

152

169

225

Engine 7*

 

4

1

4

Scarborough Engine 5*

20

38

31

Windham Engine 1*

7

8

19

Ladder 1

 

214

234

205

Tower 3

 

n/a

n/a

152

Squad 1

 

349

346

421

Squad 2

 

n/a

n/a

2

Tank 1*

 

246

247

274

Tank 2*

 

57

32

75

Tank 3

 

27

32

46

Windham Unit 8*

59

57

79

Marine 4

 

7

11

3

Haz Mat 2

 

13

4

8

Forestry 1

 

7

5

12

Snowmobile

 

n/a

n/a

1

Fire Police

 

n/a

n/a

177

Canteen 1

 

1

1

2

Car 1

Lefebvre

189

166

156

Car 2

Fickett

166

140

103

Car 3

Kuscma

106

194

107

Car 4

Poitras

164

142

137

Car 5

Paro

0

6

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL(S)

4,719

4,904

5,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

Call Reasons

 

CallReasons

 

2002

2003

2004

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Emergencies

951

972

993

Motor Vehicle Crashed with PI*

225

221

168

Rescue Mutual Aid*

59

100

77

Fire Mutual Aid*

238

301

324

Paramedic Intercepts

208

137

67

Fire Alarms

 

147

141

124

Burning Permits*

N/A

2,113

 

Auto Fires

 

9

15

9

Lines Down (cable/power)

52

40

24

Confined Space Standby

N/A

48

30

Smoke in the Building

10

11

13

Smoke Investigation

27

37

25

Spills/Leaks

 

34

18

12

Water Problems

13

17

21

Reported Structure Fires

18

24

13

Arson

 

1

0

1

Assist to Citzen

 

2

11

6

Check the Well Being

 

31

31

15

Escort

 

1

1

2

Chimney Fire

 

17

12

12

CO Alarm

 

11

11

14

Dumpster Fire

 

1

1

1

Electrical Emergency Desk Box

9

7

10

Elevator Emergency

 

3

8

10

Woods/Grass Fire

 

28

12

22

Haz Mat Desk Box

 

2

1

4

Industrial Accident

 

1

0

0

Natural Gas Problem Outside

2

0

1

Gas Leak in Building

 

5

4

14

Water Rescue

 

4

1

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL(S)

2109

2,182

2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

Apparatus Report

Central Station

 

Engine 1     1997           Ferrara                           1500 GPM/1000 gallon tank

Engine 2     2000           Ferrara                           1500 GPM/1000 gallon tank

Squad 1      1986           Saulsbury/Ford             Walk in Heavy Rescue

Squad 2      1986           GMC                              Walk in Support Vehicle

Ladder 1     1988           Pierce Arrow                   107’ Heavy Duty Aerial

Service Trk  1973           GMC                              Crew Cab truck/flat bed

Rescue 1     2000           International                  Ambulance

Rescue 2     1998           International                  Ambulance

 

Little Falls Station

 

Tower 3       2003           Emergency One             Tower Ladder/Quint

 

North Gorham Station

 

Engine 4     1989           Ford/Emergency One    1000 GPM/750 gallon tank

Tank 2        1986           GMC/Murphy                1500 GPM/4000 gallon tank

Marine 4     1989           Chevrolet                       Marine truck with boat

 

White Rock Station

 

Engine 5     1983           GMC/Ward LaFrance     1000 GPM/1000 gallon tank

Engine 7     1978           Ford/Emergency One    1000 GPM/750 gallon tank

Forestry 1   1954           Army Surplus                6X6 off road vehicle

Snowmobile   1987           Ski - Doo                        Snowmobile/Rescue Sled

Canteen 1   1983           Chevrolet                       Box Truck

 

West Gorham Station

 

Engine 6     1986           GMC                              1000 GPM/1000 gallon tank

Tank 3        2000           International/Murphy   1500 GPM/3000 gallon tank

 

North Scarborough Station

 

Tank 1        1989           Pierce Arrow                   1000 GPM/1000 gallon tank

 

Administrative Vehicles

 

Car 1           2002           Chevrolet Tahoe             Command Post – Car 1 vehicle

Car 2           1999           Ford Crown Victoria       Command Post – Car 2 vehicle

Service Car 2 1998           Ford Crown Victoria       Fire Inspectors Vehicle

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

 

Central Station

 

Captain Terry S. Deering

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefevbre

Chief of Department

207 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

It is my pleasure to submit to you the 2004 annual report for Central Station.

Central station consists of 2 engines, 1 ladder, 2 squads (special rescues) and 2 ambulances.  The paramedics and day firefighters as well as the Chiefs office are all at central.  The day FF utilize the engines during there shifts and respond to all fire and EMS calls in districts 1 and2 as well as rescue 2 calls and start for all fire calls until returned by the district engine.

 

The ambulances are also housed at central.  One unit is manned 24-7 with one paramedic and supplemented with call personal.  The continuation of the over night rescue person has been a great success and has proven to be much needed.  This position is a midnight till 7am and assures at least two personal with the call company being responsible to cover second rescue and additional personal.

We are very fortunate to have 4 live in student who provide much need manpower for both fire and rescue.  This program has and continues to benefit both the department and the students in the program.

 

2004 was another busy year with the personal from central being involved in some major incidents both in and outside of town.  Two of the most notable were the Roberts Welding and Mosher’s Farm.  Both of these incidents put training and tactics to the max and although a huge property loss on both there was also incredible stops made on each one.

 

The fire service is constantly changing.  The services we deliver are becoming more specialized, from Haz-Mat to High Angle rescue.  The members must constantly train to maintain their skills.  Both squads being housed at central requires members to be familiar with each along with the engines, ladder and rescues.

 

Total runs for 2004 are as follows:

 

E-1    494 - - E-2    518 - - L-1     205 - - S-1    421 - - S-2 - - Total rescue 1773

 

Officers at central station in 2003 were, Terry Deering Station Captain, Brian Cusino Captain, Sharen Deering, Rescue Captain, Lt. Scott Mason S-1, Lt. Nate Schools E-2, and Lt. Mike Hoyt Jr E-1.

 

I would like to thank all the officers and members for their support and dedication in 2004 and look forward to 2005.Also the chief officers and the administrative staff for all they do for us during the year.  I take great pride in being a member of The Gorham Fire/Rescue Department; a very well respected department.

 

Respectfully,

 

Terry Deering

House Captain Central Station

 

 

Picture Shown above: 36 Water Street Building Fire 2 Alarms Struck Fire Loss

was stopped before any damage was done to second apartment

 

 

Picture Shown above: Long View Farm Building Fire 4 Alarms Struck Fire Loss was stopped

before any fire damage could be made to the farmhouse (barn was a total loss)

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Engine Company One

Central Station

 

Lieutenant Michael Hoyt Jr.

Safety Officer Henry Hamblen

Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Rines

Firefighter/Paramedic Dean Belanger

Firefighter Ross Larrabee

Firefighter Earnest Heavel

Probationary Firefighter Michael DeScenza

Probationary Firefighter Jeffery Ferland

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Engine Company Two

Central Station

 

Lieutenant Nathan Schools

Firefighter/EMT Matt Scott

Firefighter/EMT Mathew Hoyt

Firefighter/EMT Steven Rupard

Firefighter/EMT-I Patrick Underwood

Firefighter Robert Sherwood

Firefighter Emerson Boxill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Sir,

 

This year Engine 2 and company members responded to approximately 500 emergency calls.  The calls ranged from Structural Fires, Motor Vehicle Crashes, Hazardous Material Incidents and Medical Emergencies.  The company and crew have also been active in department training as well as outside department training.

 

Throughout 2004 Engine 2 was assigned too many structure fire responses the following is a short list of the fires that the crew of Engine 2 helped to bring under control: Gorham House of Pizza (apartment) – 1 Alarm assigned, Roberts Power Equipment (welding shop)– 3 Alarms assigned, 137 Narragansett Street (single family dwelling) – 2 Alarms assigned, 36 Water Street (2 family duplex) – 2 Alarms assigned, 431 Mosher Road “Long View Farm” (barn with attached house) – 4 Alarms assigned along with multiple mutual aid responses.  All personnel operating at these incidents worked hard to protect viable life and property.  Without the help of all persons involved the incidents would not have turned out as well as they did.

 

The members of the company have been involved in company level training throughout the year.  Each member is required to hold at least a level two (2) (basic firefighter) in order to participate in fire ground operations.  Over a three (3) year period each member must attend at least twenty-four (24) hours of level two (2) training.  The Central Station company goal is to have all members attain a minimum of a level three (3) training prior to the next three (3) year cycle.  Members are also encouraged to attend outside department training such as: Local Fire/Rescue Attack Schools, Local Delivery of specialized training (i.e. Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office, Southern Maine Community College) as well as attending the National Fire Academy courses in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

 

In closing I would like to thank all of the members of the Central Station Company for their commitment to our community.  The members of this company and of the station should be applauded for their unselfish donation of time.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Nathan Schools

Engine 2 Lieutenant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Ladder Company One

Central Station

 

 Captain Brian Cousino

Safety Officer Leslie Howard

Firefighter/EMT Daleen Leighton

Firefighter/EMT Wendell Howard

Firefighter/EMT Michael Gaul

Firefighter/EMT Lee Townsend

Firefighter/EMT Eric Beecher

Firefighter Scott Anastasoff

Firefighter Cressey Mollison

Firefighter Shannon Pawlowski

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

This year Ladder 1 responded on several fire calls.  The company has been very active in training and work around the station.  This year Ladder 1 went out of service for two months for scheduled maintenance.  Now it is back and in good shape to serve the town. 

 

This year has been a new learning experience with the arrival of Tower 3.  It has changed Ladder 1’s running assignment in and out of town. With the addition of the Tower it gives the town the operability of 2 aerial devices.

 

This year Gorham Fire department has strived to achieve excellence on every response by training hard on the latest techniques in Firefighting and rescue procedures.  The Gorham Fire Department is trained to handle; Fire and EMS calls along with, High and Low angle Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Vehicle Extrication, Water Rescue and Hazardous Materials Responded.  This takes a lot of time and training hours in and out of the classroom to stay proficient in these skills.  The Gorham Firefighters have the up most dedication and commitment to serve the town then any Full time firefighter in any state.  

 

Ladder 1 was out on maintenance to work on rust under the body of the truck this apparatus is a 1989 and has been a busy truck in the town of Gorham.  These adjustments where recommended by UL lab which tests and certifies the ladders every year.  Now ladder 1 is back in service at central station in good working order and is taking calls.

 

With the addition to a second Ladder truck in town the call area has been divided up.  As of now Tower 3 covers as a ladder on all calls in Districts 4 and 5.  It also responded to high life hazard areas like schools and the college as a second Ladder.  Tower 3 also has a pump on it as well, so it responds to call in district 3 as an engine.  Ladder 1 is a straight 105’ ladder with out a pump.

 

Ladder 1 company is working hard to maintain the best trained Firefighters around to handle all emergencies in and around the town of Gorham.

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Brian M. Cousino

Apparatus Captain

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Squad Company One

Central Station

 

Lieutenant Scott Mason

EMS Captain Sharen Deering

Firefighter/Paramedic Brent Libby

Firefighter Michael Lundin

Firefighter Edward Dombraskas

Firefighter Travis Lawrence

Probationary Firefighter Devon Bear

Probationary Firefighter Mark Tanguay

Probationary Firefighter Jason Douglas

Probationary Firefighter Joseph Farrell

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Sir:

 

This past year Squad 1 responded to 421 calls, these calls varied in type from alarm soundings, structure fires, to 168 motor vehicle crashes with personal injury.  The Squad also responded to many of the mutual aid calls to our neighboring cities and towns, playing a vital role in our community and to others.

 

This year the Squad has logged many miles on its motor, traveling to many calls in and outside the town including the fire at Mosher’s Farm, a structure fire of a duplex on Water Street, and a fire on Narragansett Street.  There has also been numerous unfortunate fatal car accidents in Gorham and a few assists to surrounding towns such as the double fatal in Standish.  One of the new additions to the Squad are the air struts for vehicle stabilization, with enough department training these struts may aid in the life safety process.

 

One of the Squad Companies many focuses this year was member growth and development.  The company has seen a few new faces this past year, and have been currently working on building level training hours throughout the company.

 

The Squad 1 Spec Committee is in the final stages of planning for a new squad truck in the near future.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Scott Mason

Squad 1 Lieutenant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Squad Company Two

Central Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

Technical Rescue Team Roster

 

 

 

Awareness Level Members              Operations Level Members

 

Chief Robert Lefebvre                       Deputy Chief Ken Fickett

Deputy Chief Karen Paro                  Deputy Chief Mike Kuscma

Captain Ken Kennedy                       Deputy Chief James Poitras

Lieutenant Bruce Cyr                       Captain Brian Cousino

Lieutenant Sheldon Gregoire           Captain Terry Deering

Lieutenant Art Greene                      Lieutenant Nathan Schools

Firefighter Rick Billian                      Lieutenant Scott Mason

Firefighter Steve Rupard                            Firefighter/EMT-P Timothy Cram

Firefighter Scott Mildrum                 Firefighter/EMT-P Steve Rines

Firefighter Tim Farwell                      Firefighter/EMT-P Chad Carroll

Firefighter Scott Anastasoff               Firefighter/EMT-P Dean Belanger

Firefighter Sandra Volkernik            Firefighter/EMT-P James Paul

Firefighter Paul MaConnell               Firefighter/EMT-P Hank Hamblen

Firefighter Bryan MaConnell            Firefighter Daleleen Leighton

Firefighter Mike Balzano                            Firefighter Virginia Price

Firefighter Ray Sampson                  Firefighter Wendell Howard

Firefighter Ian Cummings

Firefighter Robert Sherwood

Firefighter Kevin Brodie

Firefighter Evert Hussey

Firefighter Steven Bartlett

Firefighter Scott Dunn

Firefighter Charles Burrage

Firefighter Mathew Scott

Firefighter Ross Larrabbee

Firefighter Robert Burdick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

This is the second year of the confined space rescue team in the Gorham Fire Department.  As of this time we have not had to respond to a confined space emergency.  We have been on stand by for USM College several times this year.  This year the College contracted the Fire Department to stand by on the site while doing confined space entry.  This has been another great year for training and teamwork.

This year the Gorham Fire Department has used an old rescue to store the rescue equipment for confined rescue this is called Squad 2 it is dispatch to all confined space rescues or any high or low angle rescue if requested.  It has six class 3 harness and all the departments rope equipment.  This year the department is looking to replace Squad 1, which is our heavy Rescue truck.  This truck has Firefighting, extrication, water rescue, and an air compressor on board.  If a new Squad is purchased all the equipment on squad 2 will be able to be placed on the new Squad 1 saving the town money by eliminating the need for the second Squad truck on the road.

 

The team was contracted this year for a week to stand by at the college with a team of 4 and the Squad 2 to be there rescue team so they could make entry through the week.  This worked well, our team was able to work one on one with the college staff and get a better look at the colleges confined spaces and there equipment.  

 

The Confined Space Team is working hard to maintain the best trained Rescuers around to handle all Confined Space calls in the town of Gorham.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Brian M. Cousino

Apparatus Captain

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Rescue Company One & Two

Central Station

 

Deputy Chief Karen Paro

Captain Sharen Deering

Lieutenant Kathy Hodgkins

Lieutenant Lori Thompson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rescue Personnel

 

Name

Lic. Level

 

 

Name

Lic. Level

Eric Beecher

Driver/student

 

 

S/O Michael Hoyt Sr.

Basic

Dean Belanger

Paramedic

 

 

Brian Hubbell

Basic

Rick Billian

EMT/student

 

 

Fran Jensen

Basic

Emerson Boxill

Driver

 

 

Sarah Jensen

Basic

Kevin Brodie

Intermediate

 

 

D/C Michael Kucsma

Basic

Sharon Brooks

Basic

 

 

Ross Larrabee

Driver/student

Robert Burdick

Basic

 

 

Kandy Lefebvre

Paramedic

Casey Burrage

EMT/student

 

 

Daleleen Leighton

Basic

Chad Carroll

Paramedic

 

 

Brent Libby

Paramedic

Capt. John Cenate

Paramedic

 

 

Michael Lundin

Driver

Lt. Brian Cousino

Intermediate

 

 

Lt. Scott Mason

Basic

Tim Cram

Paramedic

 

 

Lorraine McLaughlin

Basic

Cindy Crowe

Basic

 

 

Christina Merrill

Driver

Lt. Bruce Cyr

Intermediate

 

 

Lt. Peter Merrow

Basic

Mike Davis

Intermediate

 

 

Scott Mildrum

EMT/student

George Deering

Driver

 

 

Brian Morrison

Basic

Capt. Sharen Deering

Basic

 

 

Capt. Michael Nault

Basic

Capt. Terry Deering

Basic

 

 

D/C Karen Paro

Basic

Ryan Dennett

EMT/student

 

 

James Paul

Paramedic

Glen Downes

Driver

 

 

Luke Pennington

Intermediate

Scott Dunn

Basic

 

 

Capt. Irene Perham

Basic

Kim Emery

EMT

 

 

Kate Peterson

Basic

Timothy Farwell

EMT

 

 

Kathy Reynolds

Paramedic

D/C Ken Fickett

Basic

 

 

Steve Rines

Paramedic

Adam Foster

Driver/student

 

 

Steve Rupard

Basic

Brandon Goding

Driver/student

 

 

Lt. Nathan Schools

EMT

Lt. Sheldon Gregoire

EMT/student

 

 

Matthew Scott

Basic

S/O Hank Hamblen

Paramedic

 

 

Robert Sherwood Jr.

Driver

Bill Haskell

Basic

 

 

Cyndi Slick

Basic

Lee Heavel

Driver

 

 

William Southworth

Basic

Jamie Heins

Driver

 

 

Capt. Mark Theriault

Basic

Lt. Kathy Hodgkins

Intermediate

 

 

Lt. Lori Thompson

Paramedic

Wendell Howard

Basic

 

 

Capt. Ken Thorpe

Intermediate

Matt Hoyt

Basic

 

 

Lee Townsend

Basic

Lt. Michael Hoyt Jr.

Basic

 

 

Becky Webster

Basic

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefevbre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine  04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

We are please to submit to you the 2004 annual report for the Rescue Call Company.

 

We have twenty-eight active Rescue Call Company members, nineteen of whom also serve as Firefighters.

 

We are equipped with two ambulances that respond from Central Station.  We cover fifty-four square miles in Gorham.  We respond mutual aid to several neighboring communities as well as requests for Advanced Life Support intercepts.  In 2004 we responded to 2,234 emergency calls.

 

We have fifty-six Firefighters who are licensed at the EMT-Basic level.  These members respond with an engine or in their own personal vehicle to provide basic care until the rescue unit arrives.

 

We purchased two Stryker stretchers and placed them in service on our existing ambulances.  These new stretchers have an increased weight capacity and have more safety features.

 

We purchased service contracts for our existing Life Pak 12 cardiac monitor/ defibrillators to ensure all available software updates are completed every year.  This contract also provides us with four new batteries each year to replace the existing batteries.

 

This year we continue the Overnight Coverage program approved by the council last year.   This program provides increased standby pay to personnel to staff our ambulances from midnight to six am. This program has been very successful.  Due to its success we are hoping to expand this coverage time to twenty-four hours a day seven days a week with an increase in pay. 

 

As we look to the future, we will commit to looking at new ways of reducing our operating costs by continuing our commitment to work with other communities, as well as, with other departments in our own town government.

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Little Falls Station

 

Captain Ken Thorpe

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Tower Company Three

Little Falls Station

 

Captain Ken Thorpe

Lieutenant James Rogers

Firefighter Anthony Favreau

Firefighter Brandon Goding

Firefighter Steve Hanrahan

Firefighter Scott Mildrum

Firefighter Julie Pierce

Firefighter Kathy Reynolds

Firefighter Robert Riley

Firefighter Christopher Theriault

Firefighter Phillip Rummery

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

 

North Gorham/White Rock Stations

 

Captain Michael Nault

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Sir,

 

It gives me great pleasure to submit this 2004 Annual Report as Captain of Districts Four and Five. 

 

This year presented us with a new challenge.  Due to administrative changes at District Four Station, the membership of District Four and Five were asked to combine and join forces.  This has opened up new partnerships and responsibilities for our members.  Not only are our members protecting and serving the citizens of Gorham, we have expanded to protecting and serving the citizens of Standish.  Our membership has embraced this opportunity and looks forward to the new road ahead.  By joining stations, our membership is now twelve members strong. Included in the twelve are two junior members and three student live-ins from surrounding colleges.

 

Throughout the year, we responded to a total of 390 calls for service and have spent over one hundred and eighty-three person hours at these calls.  In addition to calls for service, ninety-five percent of our company has attained Gorham Fire Department Level Five Training. 

 

The members of District Four and Five would like to recognize our families and friends, who unselfishly allow us to perform a job that we all love to do.

 

In closing, we would also like to thank the citizens and businesses of Gorham and Standish for their ongoing support.  It gives us great pleasure and pride to be a part of these extraordinary organizations.  We look forward to continued service of the Towns of Gorham and Standish.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Michael P. Nault

House Captain

White Rock/North Gorham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Engine Company Four

North Gorham Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

North Gorham Fire station is located at 2 Standish Neck Road in Gorham’s fire district 4.  The station is an automatic mutual aid station serving both the towns of Gorham and Standish.  The trucks that respond out of North Gorham are Gorham Tank 2, Standish Engine 4 and Gorham Marine 4.  Our company specializes in rural water supply, water rescue, and the station also responds on all EMS calls in district 4 and is equipped with an ALS jump kit. 

 

With the recent merger of North Gorham and White Rock Companies we have 10 call company members and 1-student live-in at North Gorham and 2 Junior Firefighters, which are trained on all the apparatus at the station.  This past year the company was called out to 268 calls; Engine 4 had 247 runs, Tank 2 responded to 75 runs, and marine 4 went in route to 3 water rescue calls. These numbers are up 100% from last year’s numbers.  Our largest call volume comes from EMS first response calls providing immediate assistance to the residence of the North Gorham area.  Along with responding to 268 calls our company has logged in over 200 hrs of training both individually and as a company. 

 

In a review of this past year the North Gorham Company has been working diligently with White Rock Company in the recent merger of manpower.  Along with this merger the company has also been working hard to reorganize and make minor changes to the station and the companies abilities.  This comes with a change in captains in the station.  All changes have been made to make operations on the fire ground and at the station more straightforward and more organized. 

 

The North Gorham fire station and company members are dedicated to the area and residence.  We will continue to train and serve the residence to the highest standards possible in the traditions of the Gorham and Standish Fire departments. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Sheldon Gregoire

Engine 4 Lieutenant

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Tank Company Two

North Gorham Station

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Marine Company 4

North Gorham Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Engine Company Five

White Rock Station

 

Captain Michael Nault

Lieutenant Timothy Johnson

Firefighter Ryan Dennett

Firefighter Glen Dunlap

Firefighter Brian Dunlap

Firefighter Nathan Gerrish

Firefighter Raymond Gerrish

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Forestry Company One

White Rock Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Snowmobile Company One

White Rock Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

West Gorham Station

 

Captain Mark Theriault

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert Lefebvre, Chief

Gorham Fire/Rescue Department

270 Main Street        

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

It is my pleasure to report to you the activity of Gorham Fire Department’s West End Station for the 2004 year.  As with each passing year, the Firefighters of Engine Co. 6 and Tank Co. 3 have strived for excellence in providing for their community.  The 2004 year being no exception; with zero firefighter injuries, consistent training, station remodeling and two new student live-ins, I would mark the year a success.

 

The end of the 2004-year has shown completion of the 3-year cycle of Curriculum Based Level Training.  The firefighters of West Gorham Station have shown great commitment and support for this more formal training venue.  On average, West Gorham Station trained with the Curriculum Based material 3 times per month, exceeding the minimum requirement.  Many of our members have received specialized training in Confined Space Rescue and Hazardous Materials Response, also.  I can assure you sir that this level of commitment will continue from the fine individuals that make up the companies of this station. 

 

As reported to you last year, the firefighters of West Gorham Station had begun a large remodeling project to improve the facility’s appearance and function.  After countless hours from our dedicated crew, the station’s facelift is becoming a reality.  In their valuable spare time, these firefighters used their talents to put this project in motion.

Although more work is necessary for the coming year, the hard work from these individuals and the much-appreciated support from your office will see it to its finish. I am quite positive that the public we serve would give a nod of approval for a job well done.

 

I am very well sure that you are aware of the fantastic individuals that make up each station and the department as a whole.  West Gorham Station is no exception.  The pride and dedication of these firefighters is second to none.  On behalf of myself and the firefighters of this station, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Gorham Fire/Rescue Department, our local mutual aid departments and the citizens of Gorham for their continued support.  It is our pledge and that of our flag that we shall remain “Loyal to our Duty”.

 

Respectfully Submitted, 

 

Mark P. Theriault,

House Captain West Station

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Engine Company Six

West Station

 

Captain Mark Theriault

Lieutenant Peter Merrow

Firefighter Stephen Bartlett

Firefighter Rick Billian

Firefighter Kevin Brodie

Firefighter Ian Cummings

Firefighter Tim Farwell

Firefighter Sarah Sturgis

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Tank Company Three

West Station

 

Lieutenant Bruce Cyr

Safety Officer John Murphy

Firefighter William Haskell

Firefighter Everet Hussey

Firefighter Bryan MacConnell

Firefighter Clifford MacConnell

Firefighter Paul MacConnell

Firefighter Brian Morrison

Firefighter Kate Peterson

Firefighter Kenneth Roberts

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Tank Company One

North Scarborough Station

 

Captain Ken Kennedy                             Lieutenant Tom Bahun

Lieutenant Art Greene                            Firefighter Geoff Mclean

Lieutenant Scott Krum                            Firefighter Jim Mcormick

Firefighter Cleon Nelson                         Firefighter Mike Balzano

Firefighter Mike Plummer                       Firefighter Dave Bell

Firefighter Bill Thomas                            Firefighter Bill Clark

Firefighter Marylin Nelson                      Firefighter Chris Desjardins

Firefighter Michael Volkernick                Firefighter Sandra Volkernick

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Special Division Reports

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Training Division

 

Deputy Chief Michael Kuscma Jr.

EMS Training Coordinator Chad Carroll

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

The Training division of the Gorham Fire Department had another excellent year in 2004. Technical Rescue and Management classes supplemented our core of recurrent basic firefighter training.

 

Records management improved in 2004. Our software now has the capability of tracking both credits and clock hours for each individual. In 2004, Gorham Firefighters took par in 3,138 courses, receiving 4,373 credits and spending 6,533 hours in classes. We also now have the ability to print out who has re-certified on the Apparatus in a given 6-month period.

 

Captain Brian Cousino presented a Rope Rescue Operations course that took place in February and March, utilizing both classroom and several hands on sessions at various locations around town. I would also like to thank the Captain for his continued commitment to the recurring training of the Confined Space Rescue Team.

 

As always many members of the Department were involved in the Cumberland County Fire Attack School as students, instructors or Staff. The month of May also brought the return of the Gorham Fire Department’s participation at the National Fire Academy’s Maine State Weekend.

 

Gorham’s 3 Safety Officers participated in the first part of the Incident Safety Officer program through Maine Fire Training & Education and the National Fire Academy. We look forward to getting them through the next sections.

 

Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction are two areas of training focus worldwide and the Gorham Fire Department was no exception. There were many trainings including, tabletops, metering and the use of new equipment. The highlight of the year for the Haz-Mat team was the drill at the University of Southern Maine in October.

 

There were many drills that the department held or participated in during 2004. Some of these were Shaw School, the Portland International Jetport’s Triennial Drill, University of Southern Maine (Haz-Mat & Confined Space), ATV drill in White Rock to name a few. Drills are valuable training tool in that all the individual skills are tied in to the big picture.

 

Plans for 2005 include utilizing the Jones and Bartlett “Fundamentals of Firefighting Skills” for Rookie School and to begin using the Shires Farm on Wood Road for training in the spring.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Michael C. Kucsma Jr.

Deputy Chief

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

This is my report reviewing the EMS Training for the Gorham Fire Department for the year 2004.  We held a number of trainings throughout the year, covering a wide variety of topics related to the Fire / EMS Service.  We documented over 40 hours of training in house alone, as well as sending personnel to trainings throughout the state, such as Maine Medical Center, Cumberland County Fire / Rescue Attack School, and the Mid Coast EMS Conference for additional classes.  We held trainings varying from a review of common response locations, to skills review and updates, to a mock ATV crash in White Rock.  We also completed our annual mandatory trainings in January reviewing Workplace Harassment, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen Protocols, and OSHA Updates. 

 

This year we were able to purchase some added training equipment including a full body advanced life support manikin allowing personnel to practice ALS skills, and a cardiac rhythm generator to assist in the recognition and treatment of cardiac rhythms.  This equipment should provide valuable training on skills and techniques that we were not able to practice previously.

 

We are looking forward to the upcoming year for a wide variety of trainings, and combining training efforts with both the Police and Fire Departments.  Our membership has brought us an assortment of topics they wish to train on in 2005, and we hope to make them as informative and fun as possible. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Chad Carroll

Firefighter/EMT-P

EMS Training Coordinator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

 

 

Fire Prevention Division

 

Deputy Chief Michael Kuscma Jr

 

Fire Prevention Officer Dale Leighton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department  

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

It was a busy year for fire inspections in the Gorham Fire Department. Plans review and site inspections are where most of our time was allocated. In total the Gorham Fire Department conducted 505 inspections noting 48 violations and requiring 88 corrective actions to be taken. Additionally, there were many responses to citizen requests for information and many Certificate of Occupancy inspections.

 

I would like to start by thanking Firefighter/Paramedic Brent Libby for his time and dedication to the Inspection program. Brent was able to put in a full workweek thanks to the Americorps Program. We wish him well in his career as a Lieutenant in the Standish Fire Department. Also, a welcome aboard and thank you is in order for Lieutenant Bruce Cyr. Bruce started as the inspector in September and the inspection program never skipped a beat.

 

Some of the major projects in the town this year the addition to the John Mitchell Technology Center at the University of Southern Maine, the Sports Center on Narragansett Street and many new business in the Gorham Industrial Park such as Qualnet, Plan-It Recycling and Pettingill Ross.

 

There was no slowing down the residential construction in 2004. There were dozens of subdivisions built, many of which are completely sprinkled. There are many subdivisions planned for 2005 including 2nd and 3rd phases of existing developments.

 

The Student Fire Marshal Program was in its 5th year in 2004 weekly fire safety inspections of all the Residence Halls were conducted. The Marshals also conducted on campus fire safety events. This program continues to provide great benefits to both the Gorham Fire Department and the University.

 

With the completion of the sprinkler system at Anderson Hall, all residential buildings except the Towers (Dickey-Wood Hall) are now sprinkled. Installation of the system in the Towers is scheduled to start in the spring of 2005.

 

The Portland Water District has color coded the hydrants in town. This will allow the incident commander and the pump operators to know at a glance, how much water should be available.

 

I thank all members of the department for their efforts in fire inspections/prevention. 2005 looks to be as busy a year as its predecessor and I am confident the Gorham Fire Department will continue to provide excellent service to the occupants of the Town of Gorham.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Michael C. Kucsma Jr.

Deputy Chief

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

Another year has quickly passed, and the fire prevention division has been quite busy. Our new additions to our program have been a hit, for most of you who have met our remote controlled Sparky dog; he has made appearances at the Gorham trade show, Gorham days and select classrooms this year. This has been a great teaching tool for younger children, someone they can not ask serious fire prevention questions with a bit of fun and animation as well.

 

Our combination sprinkler/smoke house was introduced at Gorham days and is slowly being worked into an educational curriculum with the students of the Narragansett school, we have only introduced one second grade classroom into the trailer, and Mrs. Wilcox's class will be assisting in building an educational program for the elementary students of Gorham.

 

The sprinkler section of the trailer has proven to be most useful; this part of the trailer has one sprinkler head with a small portable pump located inside the trailer, thus enabling us to demonstrate exactly how sprinkler systems work while providing a safe atmosphere for the public. A demonstration consists of hanging an item such as a rag on the provided bar and lighting it on fire, the room is sealed and can be viewed from 3 sides behind a window, once the fire reaches a designated temperature the sprinkler head will automatically activate, extinguishing the rag. Again this demonstration was also held during Gorham days as well as to the town of Standish for their open house.

 

The last item I would like to mention is the fire department birthday parties, this too has been a great asset to the program allowing children and their families to come into the fire station and not only to have a birthday party but to see and climb on actual fire apparatus under supervision. Here children and families can see first had what the Gorham fire department has to offer for equipment and services, this has proven time again a great tool for the public to understand how we operate as a department.

 

In closing I would like to take a moment to thank the citizens of Gorham for their continued support, and my fellow colleagues for their enthusiasm and never ending support, Thank- you

 

Respectfully Submitted

 

Dale Leighton

Firefighter/EMT-B

Fire Prevention & Education Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Student Live – In Program

 

Lieutenant Nathan Schools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

As the Student Live In Advisor I am pleased to present the report for the Student Live In Program.  This is a program that has been and will continue to be very beneficial to both the Gorham Fire Department and the Students that take part in the program.

 

This year as in the year past Maine Fire Training and education has offered a Student Live In Program Rookie School.  This School is scheduled on an academy style schedule based on 2 full weeks of classes with Sundays off.  Students worked twelve full days on skills taught from the Maine State Firefighter I Curriculum.  This program also provided classes in Pumps and Emergency Vehicle Operations for all of the Students.

 

This program is very beneficial for the students and the department.  The students are getting the training that they have made their career decisions on.  The department has gotten members with basic firefighting knowledge and the ability to operate Emergency Vehicles.  This is the primary responsibility of the students while they are in the station.

 

As required by the Student Live In Contract, every student must be in the station at a certain time for coverage.  This in essence provides the compensation to the department that the student does not pay in rent.  The following is a chart of how many hours have been logged over the course of 2004:

 

Central Station:                                  11,186.5 Hours

Little Falls Station:                             3473 Hours

North Gorham Station:                       4060 Hours

White Rock Station:                           4787.25 Hours

West Gorham Station:                        3109.5 Hours

North Scarborough Station:               4550 Hours

 

Total Program Hours:                         31,166.5

 

In the upcoming year some students have voiced an interest in becoming an advisor to the Gorham Fire Department Junior firefighter members.  This program will be kicking off in February/March 2005.

 

I would like to congratulate those student live ins that have graduated within the year.  I would also like to give my support to those members that are working towards their career goals.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Nathan Schools

Fire Lieutenant

Student Live In Advisor

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Junior Firefighter Program

 

Lieutenant Nathan Schools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Sir,

 

Over the past year the Junior Firefighters program has seen a lot of change.  In 2003 the department took on two (2) new members: Dan Blais and Brandon Laughlin.  Dan and Brandon both attended the Cumberland Fire Academy with other area explorers and junior firefighters.  Since then both Dan and Brandon have left the department.

 

Mid way through the year the department took on a handful of new members into the junior firefighter program as well as into the junior rescue program.  The new members joined after the fire academy in Cumberland so they were unable to attend.  They are now enrolled in the Presumscott River Valley Firefighter I Academy.

 

The current members of the Junior Firefighter Program are: Meghan Cummings, Tara Johnson and Scott Sampson.  The members are involved with weekly company level training.  Junior members with the direct supervision of a senior firefighter or officer may take part in controlled burns and many other fire ground operations.  On the fire ground they have limited responsibilities such as helping with rehab or firefighters, changing air bottles and getting tools for firefighters.

 

In the near future these junior members will be interacting with the members of the Student Live In Program.  This will provide a point of contact for the junior members to ask questions about training, fire ground operations and school.

 

This program is beneficial for the students as well as the department.  The department benefits because most of the students that are juniors normally stick around with the department and become firefighters.  The junior benefits from the knowledge gained from classes and schools that each can attend.

 

In closing I hope that we can take a program that has seen low enrollment back up to the enrollment that it had over 10 years ago.  Then there was a waiting list to get on the department.  A lot of those people who were juniors then are key members of our department.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Nathan Schools

Fire Lieutenant

Junior Advisor

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Fire Department Honor Guard

 

Lieutenant Nathan Schools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

I am pleased to present the annual report for the Gorham Fire Department Honor Guard.  In 2003 members who were able to provide their own Class A Uniform formed the Honor Guard.  In 2003 the department purchased honor guard attire to outfit six members at any given time.

 

In 2004 the honor guard approached the Central Station Call Company with a budget request.  The request was for monies to purchase 3 aluminum flagpoles, 3 Flag pole toppers and 3 new flags (American, State of Maine and Firefighter).  That request was passed and the funding was made available.  The addition of this new equipment has made it much easier to make all accessories uniform.  It also makes these available to the honor guard at all times instead of having to borrow flags from other sources.

 

The members of the honor guard have donated 67 hours of their time to a variety of different functions.  The following are a list of the events that the honor guard attended:

 

Memorial Day Parade

Western Maine Baseball Championship Game

Funeral Detail (Tucson Fire Captain)

State Class B Baseball Championship Game

State Class A Softball Championship Game

Gorham High School Graduation

Funeral Detail (Cumberland Fire Department Captain Philip Allen)

 

The members of the honor guard have been very un-selfish with their time.  The effort that is put into an honor guard appearance is much more than just showing up to the function.  In most cases the honor guard must practice in order to make the showing as professional as possible.

 

I would like to personally thank the members of the honor guard for their efforts in 2004.  The following people have been active in guard functions in 2004: Deputy Chief Kenneth Fickett, Lieutenant Sheldon Gregoire, Lieutenant Scott Dunn and Firefighter Wendell Howard.

 

We all look forward to 2005.  The events that we are asked to partake in, the people that we meet and the duty and respect that we give to those people we serve and serve beside.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Nathan R. Schools

Fire Lieutenant

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Squad 1 Specification Committee

 

Deputy Chief Kenneth Fickett

Captain Terry Deering

Lieutenant Scott Mason

Lieutenant Scott Dunn

Firefighter Wendell Howard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

This year has been an extremely productive year for the Squad 1 Specification Committee.  We have traveled to PL Custom / Rescue 1 Factory in New Jersey, and met with the dealer many times.  We have a blue print of the truck that we are designing that is almost perfect.  We are in the process of writing the actual requirements for the truck.  The chassis is done except for minor details and wording.  The body of the truck is taking longer due to the amount of tool mounting and compartment fixtures that we are requiring.  We are also looking at aftermarket items that will allow us to drop the cost of the truck a great deal. 

 

Soon we will be meeting with the dealers from Pierce fire trucks and E-ONE fire trucks to show them the specifications and get their feed back.  At this time, it looks like the truck will cost about $450,000 (before we sell the old truck or trade it in).  Looking ahead we will be ready to go before the Town of Gorham and the Town Council in June for referendum with a final price. 

 

If approved the dealers are saying that we are looking at a one year build time from the time that we award the bid.  The feeling of the committee is that if this truck is built to the requirements that we have written, it will be practical and beneficial to the town for a minimum of 25 years.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Scott Dunn

Fire Lieutenant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Fire Alarm

 

Supervisor Michael Nault

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Chief,

 

It is with great pleasure that I submit the annual report for 2004 for the Gorham Communication Center.  2004 saw another year of turnover within the communication center.

 

During 2004, the staff consisted of Dispatcher Michial Russell, Dispatcher Trixi Morin, Dispatcher Kimberly Drown, Dispatcher Julie Poland, Dispatcher Katie O’Gorman, and Dispatcher Christine Shepherd.  The following Per Diem Dispatchers supplemented our staff:  Brent Libby, Timothy Hall, Lori Thompson, Nathan Schools, and Amy Kearns.

 

In 2004, The Town Council approved the hiring of an eighth dispatcher.  This position has been advertised and will hopefully be filled in the near future.

 

During 2004, the Communication Center received 24,971 calls for service.  This does not include phone calls or radio transmission that did not require the response of public safety personnel.

 

During 2004, the knowledge and skills of the dispatchers has been put to the test on several occasions.  During these calls for service, the staff has displayed their professionalism.  The calls have ranged from simple fire alarm activations, motor vehicle crashes, haz-mat incidents to structure fires.

 

Throughout 2004, there were several multi-alarm fire calls.  The most significant of these was the Mosher Farm Fire.  The fire consisted of a hay barn that extended into an adjacent residence.  This incident brought apparatus from Gorham, Westbrook, Scarborough, Windham, Buxton, Standish, South Portland and Portland.  At the time, Dispatcher Russell initially handled the incident and was then assisted by Dispatcher Drown.  The two dispatchers worked as a team to answer and fulfill all requests made by Command.

 

I would like to thank all our employees for their dedication and hard work during 2004.  I would also like to thank the Citizens of Gorham, Town Council, and Town Manager for all their support.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Michael P. Nault

Dispatch Supervisor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gorham Fire Department

 

 

Presumpscot River Valley Hazardous Materials Team

 

Coordinator John True

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert S. Lefebvre

Chief of Department

270 Main Street

Gorham Maine 04038

 

Dear Sir:

 

The hazardous materials program for the department is a joint regional response group comprised of the Towns of Gorham, Windham, Standish, Scarborough and the City of Westbrook.  The unit is called the Presumpscott Valley Hazardous Materials Team, which is funded by Cumberland County’s budget and Maine Emergency Management Homeland Security funds.  The team also bills for its services, personnel cost and any replacement cost of equipment lost or damaged.  Funds received for any unit billings go into the County’s reserve account to maintain the system.

 

Fire department personnel on the team attend specialized training in addition to their regular fire training.  Payroll cost for this training is reimbursed to the communities from the County. An additional cost is that of annual medical evaluations, which is also supported by county and state funding.

 

Most of the equipment is purchased from county funds with some Homeland Security allotments. The unit must maintain up to date response equipment for all types of hazardous materials spills or releases and weapons of mass destruction events.  By receiving state support the team agrees to be a part of the state’s response system therefore very little cost comes from the communities.

 

The team has conducted various exercises during the last ten months.  A tabletop exercise and a functional exercise included the cooperation of the University of Southern Maine along with local and county law enforcement.  A state/federal grant covered the cost for those participating and all cost for conducting the exercises.  As a result of these exercises many lessons were learned and modifications made to our operating guidelines. Also additional trainings are being provided to team members for more effective response capabilities.

 

During the last year, the Haz Mat Unit responded to various calls, many minor in nature, but did involve a hazardous substance of some type.  Major responses were in New Gloucester, a rolled over propane truck, in Standish, a potential radioactive tube in Sebago Lake, and a chemical fire event in Scarborough.  The majority of our responses involve the spilling of flammable liquids such as gasoline or fuel oils.  All of these incidents require firefighters that are certified as hazardous materials technicians, supported by the equipment on the hazardous materials van from So. Windham.

 

The team recently applied for a Homeland/Weapons of Mass Destruction grant for the replacement of the current vehicle, a 1985 used van with limited storage.  With approval of the grant, we intend to ask other departments to join us in a multi-unit bid.  This approach should result in a cost saving for all involved in the bid process.  We have requested $275,000.00 from the grant to go with reserve account funds of $50,000.00 from the county.  This reserve represents five years of savings for a vehicle replacement.

 

The regional team concept has demonstrated how well a unit can be both effective and a true cost saving method for a very high cost emergency response system.  No one community can purchase and sustain a capability due to the degrees of danger from both accidental and terrorist types of activity.  Once again, Gorham has led in the benefits of consolidation and rationalization of service to its citizens as well as those of the entire county and state.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

John True

Coordinator