8646-R1_NewGloucester_2022-2023_AnnualReport_Web

• December: On December 18 th , New Gloucester Fire Rescue handled 38 calls for service during the storm. The busiest time was from 10am to 2pm, when companies handled 29 calls in a 4-hour period. 13 dif ferent members responded to at least 1 call during the storm, with 2 members working as dispatchers and operating within the ICS system at the station. This was a collaborative effort that shows how versatile our organization is. Training Training was once again a large part of our operation in 2023. We offered 106 classes totaling 212 hours. Throughout these offerings, our members completed 1222.5 man hours of training. Members were able advantage of a variety of training opportunities with mutual aid partners and local stakeholders. Once again, we had joint live-fire training with Gray Fire Rescue. We also were able to train with Gray multiple times on ice-water rescue, ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue, and propane fires. We hosted Southern Maine Community College’s Fire Science program for propane fires, con tinuing our support and partnership with their fire science students. We also hosted a large-scale water supply training attended by Gray, North Yarmouth, Pownal, Durham, and Raymond. This two-session class was able to test our ability to deliver water in a rural setting. Training together in creases interoperability and leads to better outcomes on emergency calls. To also supplement our training ability, we were able to purchase a forcible entry prop. The majority of this was purchased through association funds. This simulates gaining access to doors in an emergency. The prop has given members the ability to hone their craft through repetition and sce nario-based training on forcible entry. In 2024, we look forward to continuing training with our mutual aid part ners. We also look forward to expanding our training with special opera tions, to improve our all-hazards response to emergencies. Fire Prevention Captain Chris Gill has continued improving our fire prevention programs. He has continued to have a large presence in both Memorial and Dunn Schools, as well as local daycares. Our members take pride in being part of a community department. Through Captain Gill’s leadership, we partic ipated in the Community Fair, Trunk or Treat, the Lower Village Trick or Treating, and many other community events. We also hosted our annual open house and chicken barbecue, which was once again well attended.

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