7538-R2_ML&P_TownOfBuxton_2019-2020_Web

Buxton Fire-Rescue 185 Portland Road Buxton, ME 04093 Office (207) 929-3099

Chief Nathan Schools, EFO Assistant Chief Jeremy Redlon Deputy Chief Conrad Jellison DeputyChiefMichaelMirisola

Fax (207) 929-3076

Department Website: www.buxtonfr.org

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

It is my pleasure to submit the 2019-2020 Annual Report on behalf of the Officers and Members of Buxton Fire-Rescue. During CalendarYear 2020 Buxton Fire-Rescue responded to 1,045 incidents, an increase of 4% of the overall call volume. The interesting statistic is that the March-May 2020 call volume was extremely low due to COVID19- Pandemic lockdowns, however throughout the summer months, call volume increased to surpass the previous year overall. I cannot put into words how proud I am of the way the officers and members came together and continued answering emergency calls, remained engaged with weekly meetings, and lifted each other up throughout an overly difficult time. We continue to stand ready for our community. In 2020, BFR experienced the loss of 205 years of Fire-EMS experience due to multiple retirements/resignations, including the following members who have held leadership positions in the department for decades:

• Paid-On-Call Deputy Chief Jamie Grant • Paid-On-Call Deputy Chief Jason Grant • Paid-On-Call Safety Officer Merlyn McLaughlin • Per-Diem Fire/Rescue Captain Christopher Swenson • Paid-On-Call Fire Police Captain Thomas Lindstedt • Numerous other Paid-On-Call and Per-Diem employees

The loss of officers and members in the Paid-On-Call (volunteer) division of the department is difficult on an organization that relies heavily on the folks that live in Buxton and give of their time to help their neighbors. Many reasons for leaving service include retirement, not having time

to give to the department, moving away from town, or priorities in a volunteer’s life. The work of a paid-on-call firefighter is demanding because of initial and annual training requirements set at the state and local level. The men and women of BFR are committed to providing a high-quality service to the community. Thank you to those members that provide so much of their time to help their community.

W orking T o promote and protect the health abd safety of our community and first responders

11