8355-R5_ML&P_BuxtonAnnualReport_2021-2022_Web

BUXTON FIRE-RESCUE 2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT

2022, was the appointment of Firefighter/Paramedic Denise Nessmann (a 28-year veteran) to the position of career captain and the appointment of Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Roblee to paid-on-call captain. During the Special Town Meeting on February 2, 2022, the taxpayers approved the purchase of the following items with use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds: • 2 – Lucas Chest Compressors

• 2 – Power Load Stretchers • 2 – Power Pro Stretchers • 1 – Fit Test Machine

These items remain necessary due to a shortage of staffing on emergency scenes. The Lucas Chest Compressor(s) provide the highest quality CPR compressions available in the field. The stretcher(s) and power load system(s) reduce back injury potential while lifting patients at medical emergencies. The fit test machine allows BFR to fit test employees to a much higher quality fit factor reducing the risk of airborne illness transmission, such as COVID-19, while utilizing required respirators (N95’s). BFR appreciates our continued community support. Unfortunately, in 2022 we lost two long time members (Ret.) Chief Durward Lang and (Ret) Lieutenant Robert

(Bob) Gorham. Both men served the department for decades; Durward retired in 2013 and Bob in 2021. Both men left a lasting impact on the department and their legacy lives on. Speaking of legacy, during the 2022 Regular Town Meeting I had the opportunity to present Deputy Chief Gene Harmon with Life Member Recognition. I was thrilled to present D/C Harmon with a rocking chair and firefighter flag in

recognition for his more than 60-years of service to Buxton Fire-Rescue. Deputy Chief Harmon has served in many capacities through the years, from Firefighter to Chief of the Bar Mills Fire Department. Gene is part of the fabric of this organization, and I was humbled to present this to him. In closing, FY 2021-2022 was a year worth remembering. As we all bounced back out of the COVID year(s) we grew as an organization and had to re-learn how to best support our community with what many would call a new normal. We look forward to continual growth as an organization to best support the department’s mission and the citizens and visitors of our community.

Respectfully,

Chief Nathan R. Schools, EFO

W ORKING T O PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY AND FIRST RESPONDERS | 2

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