Fire Department News

   The Fire Station Steering Committee presented its final report to the public and Select Board on September 16th.  The civil engineer hired for the project surveyed the entire site (the existing station and the three lots surrounding it), and suggested a possible station layout and construction features.  He proposed a 4400 sq ft three bay fire station, with sufficient room to include the town plow truck and offices and storage space. No decision was reached on any next steps, except to pursue possible funding sources.

   The department was called to fight a structure fire on Quimby Road in Lisbon shortly before Christmas.  Homeowner Laura Giveen was impressed with the professionalism and dedication of the volunteer departments who rushed out at 3am to save her home.

   Using auction funds, the department purchased five new carbon fiber air tanks (about $750 each), to lighten the load on the air-pack wearer. There’s about a 14 lb. difference, which everyone will quickly notice and appreciate.  They now have 8 lighter weight air packs, and 3 extra carbon fiber bottles.  They are slowly getting rid of the remaining aluminum ones, and no longer use steel bottles.

   Each year in September, a Massachusetts motorcycle club, (the Nurumbega Trail Riders), hosts the Turkey Trot trail ride starting at the No. Haverhill fairgrounds.  Upwards of 500-800 riders attack off-road trails in local communities, including Landaff.  As a gesture of community support, the club donates needed emergency gear to local agencies.  Chief Harry McGovern was presented with a brand new Zoll Automatic External Defibrillator, a $1600 gift.  It’s kept in the cab on Engine - 1. There are now at least three AEDs in town – Town Hall (outside the Town Clerk’s office), at the Blue School and on E-1.