9032-R1_ML&P_BuxtonAnnualReport_2023-2024_Web

BUXTON FIRE-RESCUE 2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Buxton Fire-Rescue 185 Portland Road Buxton Fire-Rescue 185 Portland Road

Chief Nathan Schools, EFO Assistant Chief Jeremy Redlon Division Chief Jeffrey Roblee Chief Nathan Schools, EFO Assistant Chief Jeremy Redlon Division Chief Jeffrey Roblee

Chief Nathan Schools, EFO Assistant Chief Jeremy Redlon Deputy Chief Conrad Jellison 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 Buxton, ME 04093 Office (207) 929-3099 Fax (207) 929-3076 Department Website: www.buxtonfr.org Buxton, ME 04093 Office (207) 929-3099 Fax (207) 929-3076 Department Website: www.buxtonfr.org

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

Buxton Board of Selectmen 185 Portland Road Buxton, ME 04093 Board of Selectmen: Buxton Board of Selectmen 185 Portland Road Buxton, ME 04093 Board of Selectmen: Buxton Board of Selectmen 185 Portland Road Buxton, ME 04093 Board of Selectmen:

It is my pleasure to submit the FY 2021-2022 Annual Report on behalf of the officers and members of Buxton Fire – Rescue. During FY 2022, the department began to experience a rebounding call volume, at times difficult to manage. In 2021, the department responded to 1,065 emergency calls and members participated in 5,341 hours of training. It is my pleasure to submit the FY 2023-2024 Annual Report on behalf of the officers and members of Buxton Fire – Rescue (BFR). During calendar year 2024, the department responded to 1,412 emergency calls, breaking all previous emergency response on records. Below are two charts, the first identifying 2024 calls for service, and the second, a review of a decade of emergency responses for BFR. 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 It is my pleasure to submit the FY 2023-2024 Annual Report on behalf of the officers and members of Buxton Fire – Rescue (BFR). During calendar year 2024, the department responded to 1,412 emergency calls, breaking all previous emergency response on records. Below are two charts, the first identifying 2024 calls for service, and the second, a review of a decade of emergency responses for BFR. During FY 2022, Assistant Chief Redlon made great progress in two program areas, dry hydrants and recruitment. As part of BFR’s hydrant project, A/C Redlon completed a water supply study and identified areas in town that need hydrants and current hydrants that needed significant repair, including pond dredging. During that time, dozens of hydrant repairs were made placing hydrants back in service. Because Buxton is not serviced by a public water system, BFR relies on fire ponds, cisterns, streams, and the Saco River for fire suppression water supply. BFR currently 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. 100 - Fires 3% 200 - Overpressure rupture, explosion, overheat - no fire 0% 400 - Hazardous Conditions (No Fire) 7% 500 - Service Call 6% 600 - Good Intent Call 6% 700 - False Alarm & False Call 4% 800 - Severe Weather & Natural Disaster Group 1% 900 - Special Type Incident 1% maintains fifty-four (54) drafting sites throughout the community. The second programmatic push was the BFR recruitment project. Recruitment and retention was and remains a high priority for BFR during the creation of the career assistant chief’s position. In March 2022, BFR hosted a regional Basic Fire School program with students from Lebanon, Goodwin’s Mills, Limerick, York County EMA, and Buxton. This class provided initial training to Buxton Fire- Rescue Budget Presenta�on Fire-Rescue Response Trends CY 2018 Total CY Call Volume 2018 = 977 2019 = 1,001 2020 = 1,045 2021 = 1,065 CY 2020 CY 2019 Tuesday, April 11, 2023 10 CY 2021 (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 CY Overlapping Calls 2018 = 198 or 20.27% 2019 = 264 or 26.35% 2020 = 195 or 18.7% 2021 = 156 or 14.65%

three (3) BFR new hires, of which two (2) remain active. BFR continues to recruit and retain paid-on-call members by providing quality communication, training, and growth opportunities here in Buxton. Another part of BFR’s recruitment plan was to host the first BFR Citizen Academy . This provided an opportunity for adults to visit the station, talk with active members, climb ladders, use extrication equipment, flow hose lines, and grab an application all while their children attended the department’s fire prevention open house. Our outreach efforts continue as we look for new ways to recruit members. 300 - Rescue & Medical Emergency 72%

BFR Monday Message October 25, 2021

Respectfully,

Chief Nathan R. Schools, EFO 2024 NFIRS MAJOR INCIDENT TYPES

W ORKING T O PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY AND FIRST RESPONDERS | 1 W ORKING T O PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY AND FIRST RESPONDERS | 2 Over the last decade there have been many changes within the department. In 2012 we had three fire companies and one rescue, each had assigned apparatus, and the rescue units were stationed at Bar Mills Station, and per diems staffed the ambulances. There was a clear divide between the fire division and the rescue division. In early 2013, all officer’s positions were posted for reappointment. This was a culture change and a realignment of responsibility within the department. Following the reorganization, we reevaluated our mission, vision and core values that are displayed on our patch today. Some of the organizational changes are highlighted below and will forever be part of our history, as we continue to serve the community. • Adding career staff; initially through the SAFER Grant, • Moving the ambulance(s) to Groveville to better serve the entire town • Increasing fire and EMS training • Reducing the fleet while making the apparatus multi-role • Reducing the ISO Rating • Collaborating with other town departments on outside events In FY 2022, BFR hired two (2) career firefighter/EMT’s who were current student live-ins. This was the first time as chief that I had the opportunity to hire students directly from our program. The student live-in program provides Southern Maine Community College students with a live-in program where they gain experience as firefighters and EMT’s. This helps them become career ready. The two hired have since obtained their EMT Advanced licenses and add value to our organization and continue to grow in their positions. Notable also in FY Over the last decade there have been many changes within the department. In 2012 we had three fire companies and one rescue, each had assigned apparatus, and the rescue units were stationed at Bar Mills Station, and per diems staffed the ambulances. There was a clear divide between the fire division and the rescue division. In early 2013, all officer’s positions were posted for reappointment. This was a culture change and a realignment of responsibility within the department. Following the reorganization, we reevaluated our mission, vision and core values that are displayed on our patch today. Some of the organizational changes are highlighted below and will forever be part of our history, as we continue to serve the community. 2

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W ORKING T O PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY AND FIRST RESPONDERS | 1