The sun broke through, but it was New Gloucester Fire Rescue that really got to shine on Saturday at their annual Open House and BBQ.
Chief Craig Bouchard summed up: “What an amazing day! We had beautiful weather, a great turnout – more than last year – two demonstrations, and new partnerships that I think really reflect our community outreach.”
The first demonstration had Fire Rescue members wielding extrication tools to make short work of the doors and roof of a sacrificial Honda Civic.
Next, a live fire demonstration showed fire’s speed and destructiveness as a mock-up living room was quickly and completely consumed by flames and acrid smoke, while its sprinklered counterpart sat quietly by, wet but intact.
Keeping the focus on safety, Open House-goers could sign up for a free smoke alarm or to help install them, a collaboration of Fire Rescue, BLING (Building Livability in New Gloucester) and the Red Cross. Representatives from Vision Zero, a rural traffic safety initiative of the Greater Portland Council of Governments, invited attendees to map unsafe local roads, while BLING volunteers shared the “Pace Car Pledge,” a commitment to observe posted speed limits around town.
For younger visitors, face-painting and games – thanks to student-volunteers from Gray-New Gloucester High School – not to mention free firefighter swag and the opportunity to climb up and take the wheel of a real fire engine were a big draw.
And for young and old alike, good company and good food – this year with new partner Pineland Natural Meats – brought neighbors and families out to support Fire Rescue and enjoy the day.
With a boost from hands-on volunteers, including from the Auxiliary, and generous sponsors behind the scenes, the Open House was a day of food and fun, safety awareness and community-building, with the skills and commitment of New Gloucester Fire Rescue front and center.
— Joanne Cole
