Husband and Wife EMTs Retiring from OBIFD After 20 Years

November 15, 2013

For the past several years, anyone calling for emergency medical assistance on Orr's, Bailey and parts of Great Island likely met Ed or Colette Sparks.

Regardless of the time or day, the weather, or the nature of the emergency, the Sparks were likely to answer the call for help. Over the years, they have treated hundreds of island residents and visitors, comforting them and their loved ones in times of distress and saving lives.

But the Sparks will make their last runs later this month when the long-time emergency medical technicians officially retire as active volunteers for the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, effective at the end of the year.

"We have a passion for helping others and have met some wonderful folks over the decades, and listened to many stories from the elders about life in simpler times," said Ed Sparks, who has served as Rescue Captain for the past several years. "We have met folks in the best of times and the worst times of their lives."

But Sparks said the time is right for the couple to move on and spend more time on their business and personal lives.

"There also are many changes underfoot. Some of these are at the federal level, the state level and at the local level," Ed Sparks said. "We, like many members of the community, are Boomers and this is a young persons' business."

Their departure will leave a huge void in the volunteer department, which serves Orr's, Bailey and the southern end of Great Island.

"Ed and Colette served the department tirelessly for 20 years. They helped hundreds of people responding to both fire and EMS calls during their tenure," said OBI Fire Chief Ed Blain. "Filling their shoes won't be easy."

The Sparks' retirement will leave OBIFD with just one qualified EMT, who is currently living out of town. More volunteers are expected to attend a town-wide EMT training class beginning in January and the town is moving toward providing 24-hour EMS through Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, at least through March.

While more responders could help extend the volunteer rescue service, Ed Sparks said he thinks permanent paid EMS coverage is inevitable.

"This Department has been fortunate to have the support of residents and taxpayers for many years. However, the needs are changing and it may not be the service model we now know in the future," he said. "I would like to believe that there is hope for the volunteer system to continue providing local care to our citizens. However, the reality is without new blood this may not be possible."

He said the problem is not unique to Harpswell.

"There is a trend nationwide, and right here in Maine, to consolidate emergency medical services and make them regionalized. Some under local government, some under county wide services," Ed Sparks said. "I see Harpswell in the near future having a single paid service consolidated and tax-supported as many other local towns have been forced to do in recent years."

Those changes would be among many the Sparks have seen over their years of service.

"When I started, ambulance attendants could only provide basic bleeding control, splinting and, maybe, if you were a progressive service, oxygen. The ambulances were converted station wagons or hearses and many places ambulance service was provided by the local funeral home," Ed Sparks said.

"Today's ambulance services are advanced life support mobile emergency rooms. We have much of the same equipment and medications as are available at the hospital ERs," he said. "We are an extension of those ERs proving needed stabilization in the field, prior to transporting the patient to the hospital for further treatment."

Ed Sparks, 58, works full-time as a carpenter, while Colette, 57, is a registered nurse on the medical surgical floor at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick. They also breed and raise Labrador retrievers.

Both were born in Springfield, Mass., married as teenagers, and moved frequently after Ed joined the Navy. They discovered the Brunswick area in 1976 when Ed was a Navy reservist and made their first visit to Bailey Island during the Blizzard of 1978. They began spending summer vacations on Bailey Island and moved there full time when they bought their home in 1994.

The Sparks had considerable emergency medical experience before arriving in town, including working on ambulance and rescue crews at stock car races throughout New England.

Soon after moving to Bailey Island, a close friend suffered a heart attack and Ed Sparks came to his aid, starting CPR before the OBI rescue crew arrived. After his friend was safely taken to the hospital, the responders began urging Sparks to become a department volunteer, calling or bringing cookies and desserts to their home almost daily until he said yes.

Colette Sparks joined a few months later, "so I could see him more often," she said.

While reluctant to discuss many specifics because of patient privacy requirement, the Sparks said they lots of memories from their years of service.

"There have been many memorable people we have met over the years," he said. "Listening to stories from a 100-year-old fisherman as we helped him during his last few years was an incredible thing. Many of our elderly are a fountain of historical knowledge that is being lost as they pass on."

The Sparks received thanks from many of their colleagues and neighbors when they were presented with the OBIFD Award for Extraordinary Service at the department's annual recognition dinner in November.

"Thank you Ed for your 20 years of being a firefighter, advanced E.M.T. and rescue captain," says the award presented to Ed Sparks by OBIFD President Michael Helfgott. "You have responded to any call for help whether it be picking up donated medical equipment or comforting a person in physical or emotional distress. You have worn many hats and it will be hard to replace you."

Colette Sparks' award thanked her for "20 years of service as a firefighter, advanced E.M.T., trainer of E.M.T.s and representative to the Maine Federation of Firefighters."

"Your dedication to the success of the fire/rescue departments has ensured the safety and well being and quality of life in our community," both award plaques state.

For their part, the Sparks said their true reward was the opportunity to help their neighbors and make the community a better place to live.

"It has been my great honor to serve the people of this community. I am grateful that I have been accepted it as a neighbor," Colette Sparks said.

Now, they said, it is time to relax a little and enjoy life.

"We are celebrating our 39th anniversary this year," Ed Sparks said. "And we are making plans for our first real vacation in over a decade."

Volunteers Sought for Harpswell EMT Training Course

November 15, 2013

Responding to a severe shortage of qualified first responders, Harpswell's three volunteer fire and rescue departments are joining forces to sponsor a training program they hope will add to the ranks of emergency medical technicians in town.

The three departments have traditionally relied on volunteers to provide both medical rescue and firefighting services, but a declining number of volunteers have put that system in jeopardy. The town already has paid emergency medical service, provided by a paramedic from Mid Coast Hospital, for 12 hours a day, and is expected to provide 24-hour coverage at least from January 1 through March, when town meeting will be asked to make the arrangement permanent.

But even with professional help, volunteers are still needed to provide first, immediate response to medical emergencies and transport patients to hospitals in the department ambulances.

While the volunteer ranks have been dwindling for some time, the problem has reached crisis levels with the pending retirement of Orr's and Bailey Islands Rescue Captain Ed Sparks and his wife, Colette. Their departure will leave the department with just one qualified EMT, and that volunteer currently lives out of town.

"We need to train EMTs to be able to continue providing coverage," said Ed Blain, chief of the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department. "We have four people signed up and have a few others considering the class, but we need as many people as we can get from all parts of town."

The class will begin on January 21 and run for 12 weeks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9:30 or 10 p.m., along with a few Saturdays. Classes will be held at the Orr's Island fire station on Route 24 and all costs will be covered by the fire departments for approved applicants.

Upon completion of the class, successful graduates will be eligible for the state license exam. EMTs receive ongoing training, uniforms, equipment and, in some cases, stipends for their work.

The sponsoring departments include Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue, Cundy's Harbor Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue, and the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, which serves Orr's, Bailey and part of Great Island south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24.

Anyone interested in signing up for the course, or getting more information, is asked to contact Blain, who is handling inquiries on behalf of all the departments. He can be reached at 833-5199 or ed.blain@obifd.org via email.

Blain urged Harpswell residents with any interest in the fire or rescue service to consider volunteering, regardless of whether they can commit to the EMT class.

"You don't have to be an EMT or firefighter to help, though that is the ultimate level of service," Blain said. "We desperately need drivers for the trucks, ambulance and even the paramedic car that has to be driven to the hospital on every call. Traffic control, helping with monthly maintenance or assisting with property maintenance are other ways to help out."

"This town has always relied on volunteers," he said. "We're hoping a new generation steps forward to continue the community tradition of neighbors helping neighbors."

Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department Awards Annual Scholarship

September 2, 2013

Megan Perry of Orr’s Island had been awarded the annual Sue Cary Scholarship by the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department.

Perry, wife of fire department Captain Danny Perry, received $4,500 to help her pay for tuition and expenses as she seeks a master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine School of Social Work.

“I am very proud to be a fireman’s wife,” Perry said in her application for the scholarship. “The goal for our family is to stay in town and be able to raise (our son) Declan in Harpswell … Danny and I work hard to maintain our home financially and this scholarship would be absolutely amazing to help my family afford my education and all the hopes and ambitions that come with it.”

A graduate of Mt. Ararat High School, Perry earned a degree in sociology from St. Joseph’s College in 2008 and was hired as a child protective caseworker for the state Department of Health and Human Services. She currently works on child protection assessments in Westbrook, Scarborough and South Portland.

“I love the role I play in children’s lives, the connections I make with community members and the adrenaline of responding to emergency calls along with first responders to work towards safety and stability for the children on my caseload,” Perry said.

As part of her education, Perry will intern with an organization working in communities to prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens. Perry said she plans to work on developing services in the Brunswick area, so she can put her education and experience to use in her home town.

Perry was presented with the scholarship during the fire department’s annual fundraising auction in August. The presentation came shortly before a specially baked blueberry pie was auctioned off for more than $1,000 to raise money toward future scholarship awards.

The Cary scholarship, intended to help recruit and train department members, is available yearly to high school graduates or GED holders who are residents of Orr's and Bailey Islands or the portions of Great Island served by OBIFD. Preference is given to current responding members of the department, probationary members and immediate family of responding members. Applications are distributed and accepted in the spring.

The volunteer department provides fire and rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24. 

For more information about becoming an OBIFD fire, rescue or supporting volunteer, e-mail volunteer@obifd.org, visit the department's web site at www.obifd.org or call 833-5199.

Records Set at Annual Auction and Sale

August 19, 2013

The 20th annual summer auction and yard sale turned out to be the biggest and best ever for the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department and the entire community.

More than $58,000 was raised at the two-day event, shattering previous fund-raising records.

"This just keeps getting better and better," said Wes Haynes, the fire department's safety officer and long-time auction chairman. "This community is amazing."

Hundreds of people attended the Sunday auction and the two-day yard sale held at the main fire station and adjacent old Orr's Island Schoolhouse on Route 24 on Orr's Island.

Top-selling items at the auction included a sailboat which sold for $8,000 after spirited bidding. Other big-ticket items included a Pace Arrow motor home $3,000, another sailboat for $2,500 and an antique china cabinet for about $1,000.

Several pieces of island history also attracted numerous bids, including old signs and other items from a former business on Mackerel Cove on Bailey Island and a recently closed motel on Orr's Island.

Some special auction items – including fresh-baked pies and a pair of roller skates purchased and donated back each year with the addition of the buyer’s signature – also raised hundreds of dollars.

Records also were set at the two-day yard sale held August 10 and 11 in and around the adjacent Old Orr’s Island Schoolhouse and from a silent auction of services, gift certificates and merchandise donated by area businesses. Sales of fresh-cooked breakfast and lunch also set new fund-raising records.

The auction began 20 years ago as an effort to raise money to help pay for training and equipment for the all-volunteer fire and rescue department. About $350 was raised the first year. A decade later, proceeds totaled about $22,000.

The weekend sale is widely considered a community tradition and one of the most anticipated events of the year. Many attendees noted they plan their summer visits around the event to take part in the community spirit and camaraderie on display each year.

Fire Chief Ed Blain, who served as one of the auctioneers, noted that spirit was on display not only in the size and enthusiasm of the crowds, but also in the number of people who donated items for sale or volunteered their time and energy to help make the weekend a success.

"This is not our event any more. It is the community's event. We're just the shepherds," Blain said.

All money raised at the sale helps fund the operation of the all-volunteer department, which provides fire and rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24.

For more information about OBIFD or volunteering, visit the department's web site at www.obifd.org.

Art Auction Raises Record Amount for Old Orr's Island Schoolhouse

August 1, 2013

A record-breaking amount was raised once again at the third annual art auction to benefit the the old Orr's Island Schoolhouse.

More than 50 items, including paintings, sculpture, photographs, jewelry and other artwork, were sold at the event, held July 6 at the old schoolhouse next to the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department on Route 24 on Orr's Island. More than $7,000 was raised to help support the historic building.

“I'm happy to report that this year's auction was our best ever,” said Venise Minkowsky, who chairs the schoolhouse committee for the fire department, which manages the historic building. “We had something for everyone, from small ticket items like some pen & inks that sold for $20 to an oil painting that sold for over $1,000.”

The biggest sale of the night was for a painting by noted Orr's Island artist Brad McFadden of the late Bim Doughty, a long-time well-known island resident and artist himself. After spirited bidding, the painting sold for $1,040 to an Orr's Island resident.

One of Doughty's own pieces, a prized half boat carving donated by his family, later sold for $375.

Other popular items included a $500 bird sculpture by Tim Carberry of Orr's Island; two paintings by the late Dick Herdegen of Bailey Island, which sold for over $400 each; two paintings by Lauren Andreach of Bailey Island, which sold for $350 a piece; and a commissioned work by Emily Leonard Trenholm, which went for more than $300.

This year's auction also featured several mini lunchboxes decorated especially for the event by several local artists. The biggest bids went for a box painted by Brad McFadden, followed by works by Dawn Prindall and VA Brown, Tom Budzinski, Lisa Burke and Tim McCreight.

“We owe a deep appreciation of thanks to all the artists who contributed, along with the people who came to participate in the auction,” Venise Miknowsky said. “It is wonderful to see so much support for preserving the schoolhouse, which is a real community treasure.”

Participating artists in the event included Lauren Andreach, Doug Bane, Steve Black, Lisa Burke, Tom Brudzinski, Tim Carberry, Donna Coffin, May Cote, Norman Curtis, Dan Dostie, Gloria Doughty, Ruth Hartman, Dick Herdegen, Jed Hickson, Nancy Hill, Tom Jones, Sharon Jones, Heinz Lehman, Margaret Leonard, Lucy's Funky Fish, Tim McCreight, Brad McFadden, Scott Minkowsky, Kimball Page, Dawn Prindall and VA Brown, Jan Roberson, Zamy Steynovit and Emily Leonard Trenholm.

Ed Blain, chief of the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, once again served as auctioneer at the event.

An important part of Harpswell history, the building was originally a two-room school for island children. Now used for a variety of community, public and private events, the schoolhouse is self-supporting, depending on income from event rentals, fund raisers and donations to maintain the building and grounds.

Proceeds from this year's event will be used to fund ongoing projects at the schoolhouse, including painting, new flooring and other improvements. 

For more information about the schoolhouse, or to inquire about rentals, please contact Venise Minkowsky at 833-7386 or visit orrsislandschoolhouse.com.

OBIFD Plans Annual Auction and Yard Sale August 10 & 11

July 16, 2013

A community tradition will mark its 20^thanniversary August 10 and 11 when the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department once again holds its annual auction and yard sale.

As usual, big crowds are expected at the event, which features a giant yard sale, silent auction and food on Saturday and Sunday and a live auction of antiques, art, collectibles and other items on Sunday. It will be held at the Orr’s Island Fire Station, 1600 Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24.

“This is the biggest event of the year on the islands,” said Wes Haynes, the fire department safety officer and longtime auction chairman. “We are amazed at how it has grown. It’s become a real tradition.”

The yard sale will run from 8 a.m. to at least 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The live auction will begin Sunday at 10 a.m., with preview and registration beginning at 9 a.m. A silent auction of donated goods and services will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday.

Items sold at the event are donated by area residents throughout the year. The most unique and valuable pieces are typically sold at the auction, though many surprises and treasures can be found in the yard sale.

One featured item expected to be up for auction this year includes a 110-year-old iron bell which sat for many years on Haskell Island in Casco Bay. The bell, which originally came from a school in Vermont, was recently removed from the island and donated to the fire department. Other unique antiques include a couple of old Bailey Island signs, an English marching band drum, and a wide variety of furniture and other items, including desks, chairs, tables and decorative pieces.

Also expected for sale at the auction are a 37-foot 1989 Pace Arrow motor home in excellent condition, a 19-foot sailboat and several kayaks, canoes and dinghies.

The auction will also feature many surprise and unique items, including locally baked pies which are typically sold for hundreds of dollars to support the fire department scholarship fund and other needs.

Fire Chief Ed Blain and Rescue Captain Ed Sparks will once again serve as chief auctioneers and may be assisted by a surprise guest or two.

The yard sale held in the adjacent Orr's Island Schoolhouse and in two big tents out back will offer a wide range of household goods, bric-a-brac, holiday decorations, small antiques and toys.

The silent auction will feature gift certificates donated by area businesses, including restaurants, motels, local fishermen and shops, offering meals, automotive and marine supplies and services, jewelry, art and clothing, home and garden supplies and services, personal care and health supplies and services, recreation opportunities and many more.

Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be offered for sale on both days. The breakfast menu includes made-to-order sandwiches and bakery items, while lunch features grilled hot and sweet sausages, hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos with cheese, soft pretzels, other snacks, beverages and deserts.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department, which provides fire and rescue services on Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24. All money raised goes to support the fire and rescue operations and for training to better serve the community.

Donations are still needed for the auction and yard sale. Items may be dropped off at the Orr's Island fire station from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, or call Blain at 833-5199 to arrange for another time or schedule a pickup of donations by fire department volunteers

For more information about the fire department or volunteering, visit www.obifd.org

Visitors Get Hands-on at Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department Open House

July 1, 2013

A big crowd of children and adults turned out for a day of information and fun at the annual open house hosted by the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.

Highlights of the June 29 event at the Orr’s Island fire station included a demonstration of rescue tools and techniques, in which firefighters ripped the roof and doors off of an old car as a crowd of onlookers applauded. Several adults and children also got a chance to get hands-on experience using fire extinguishers and even the big fire hoses blasting water from a pumper truck.

Other events included a talk on home safety and emergency planning by Chief Ed Blain and a visit from the Brunswick Fire Department fire safety trailer in which visitors got to experience what it would be like in a smoke-filled home and how to get out safely.

There were also tours of the fire station and equipment, the opportunity to safely dispose of old fire extinguishers and purchase new ones, free blood pressure checks, and balloons, fire hats and badges for children and refreshments for everyone.

“This was a real fun time as well as an opportunity to show the community how hard we work and train to keep all of our neighbors safe,” Chief Blain said. “It was gratifying to see such a good turnout and feel the support of the community.”

“Our motto is ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ and we really felt that today,” Blain said.

OBIFD is an all-volunteer department which provides fire and medical rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24.

'An Evening of Art' to Benefit Historic Orr's Island Schoolhouse

June 17, 2013

A variety of area artists are hard at work creating unique pieces which will be up for bid at the third annual art auction to benefit the old Orr's Island Schoolhouse.

The auction of high-quality art and crafts will be held on Saturday, July 6, at the schoolhouse on Route 24 on Orr's Island.

Paintings, prints, photographs, jewelry and many other unique items were among the dozens of pieces sold at the auction in the past two years. Winning bids ranged from less than $25 to more than $1,000.

A mini lunchbox decorated by
Brad McFadden of Orr's Island.

This year's event will feature a special auction of a limited number of mini lunchboxes decorated especially for the occasion. Participating artists in the lunchbox event include Brad McFadden, Dawn Prindle, Tom Budzinski, Gloria Doughty, Jeanne Brooks, Lisa Burke, Tim McCreight, Steve Normand and others.

The “An Evening of Art” auction will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the old schoolhouse, located at 1594 Harpswell Island Road, Route 24, Orr's Island. Preview will begin at 6 p.m. Light hors d'oeuvres, desserts, soda and wine will be served.

All money raised will be used for operations and repairs to the schoolhouse, an important part of Harpswell history which was originally a two-room school for generations of island children. Now managed by the adjacent Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, the renovated building is used for a variety of community, public and private events. The schoolhouse is self-supporting, depending on income from event rentals, fundraisers and donations to maintain the building and grounds. About $12,000 was raised at the last two art auctions.

For more information, please contact Venise Minkowsky at 833-7386 or Tim McCreight at 761-8217, visit orrsislandschoolhouse.com or email artauction@orrsislandschoolhouse.com.

Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department To Hold Open House on June 29

May 20, 2013

Ever want to climb aboard a working fire truck or feel the power of a blasting fire hose? Want to learn how to protect yourself and your family in an emergency?

Those and other opportunities will be available on Saturday, June 29, when the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department holds its annual summer Open House at the Orr's Island fire station on Route 24.

The volunteer department is inviting all area residents to come tour the fire station and meet its crew, including new Fire Chief Ed Blain, who took over the job earlier this year.

A variety of events are planned, including the always-popular demonstration of the "Jaws of Life," in which an old car will be torn apart by firefighters in a simulated rescue.

There will also be a demonstration of the powerful water hoses used to fight fires, with an opportunity to hold and operate the controls. Another event will focus on the proper use of fire extinguishers in which children and adults can get some hands-on practice.

"This will be a fun time, as well as an educational experience," said Blain. "We hope to show off what we do to help our neighbors and what everyone can do to help themselves and each other."

Information on fire safety and prevention for people of all ages will be available throughout the day and there will be a special presentation on home safety and evacuation planning.

Visitors are also invited to bring in any old and expired fire extinguishers and will have the opportunity to purchase replacements at competitive prices.

Other events include free blood pressure checks by the rescue squad, tours of the station and the opportunity to inspect the department's trucks and other gear. An antique fire engine, long kept in storage awaiting repairs, is expected to make a rare appearance.

In addition, there will be special activities and gifts for kids, and refreshments will be served.

Blain said the event is designed to show the community what the fire department does with the generous donations it receives from residents through its fund-raising efforts and highlight the importance of volunteers in keeping the islands safe.

"We want to thank everyone for their support and show how we're putting their money to good use," Blain said. "We also need more volunteers and want to show how rewarding it is to join our team and serve the community."

The Open House will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire station, located at 1600 Harpswell Islands Road, Route 24, on Orr's Island.

The schedule of events, which is subject to change, is:

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Free blood pressure checks; free fire extinguisher disposal and sale of replacements; fire safety information; tours of the station and equipment, including the antique truck.

10:30 a.m. - Car extrication demonstration

11:30 a.m. - Home safety and evacuation plans presentation

12:30 p.m. - Fire extinguisher demonstration with hands-on practice for all

1:30 p.m. - Fire hose demonstration

OBIFD is an all-volunteer department which provides fire and medical rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24.

Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department Offers Annual Scholarship

March 18, 2013

The Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department is looking for applicants for its annual Sue Cary Scholarship award.

The scholarship, intended to help recruit, train and retain department volunteers, is available to high school graduates or GED holders who are residents of Orr's and Bailey Islands or the portions of Great Island served by OBIFD. Preference is given to current responding members of the department, probationary members and immediate family of responding members.

Applicants must submit a completed application form, high school or college transcripts or GED test results, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation and a letter from the higher education institution the applicants attends or plans to attend.

Applications may be obtained by writing to the Scholarship Committee, Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department, P.O. Box 177, Orr's Island, ME 04066.

The applications must be returned by May 15.

The volunteer department provides fire and rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24.

For more information about volunteering, e-mail volunteer@obifd.org, visit the department's web site at www.obifd.orgor call 833-5199.

Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department Chooses New Leadership

February 17, 2013

Michael Helfgott of Bailey Island has been elected the new president of the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department Board of Directors.

Helfgott, a board member for two years, replaces former president Andy Paulhus, who reached the limit of two consecutive three-year terms on the board.

“It is an honor to be asked to serve in a leadership role for the department,” Helfgott said. “I look forward to working with all the dedicated volunteers who work so well together to provide the best possible fire and rescue services for all our neighbors.”

In addition to Helfgott, the OBIFD board also elected Betsy Leland of Orr’s Island as vice president and Ed Levine of Great Island as secretary. Ann Gulesian of Orr’s Island will continue as treasurer.

Five new members were also elected to three-year board terms beginning in 2013. Malcolm McFarland of Orr’s Island and Greg Leonard of Bailey Island join the board as first-time community members. Responding fire department members Steve Galhardo of Bailey Island and Dan Perry of Orr’s Island also join the board for the first time. Bill Beazley of Orr’s Island, who recently stepped down after more than two decades as fire chief, was also appointed to a full term on the board.

The appointments were made by board at its January 30 organizational meeting. In addition to the new members, the board also voted to officially elect Ed Blain of Bailey Island as the new fire chief.

Blain announced that Ed Sparks of Bailey Island has agreed to continue in his long-time position as rescue captain. He also announced that Walter Johnson of Orr’s Island has been promoted from truck captain to assistant chief and Wes Haynes of Great Island will be the new safety officer.

In addition, Cindy Watson will continue as training captain and Perry remains station captain. Galhardo was promoted to truck captain.

The all-volunteer department provides fire and medical rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24.

For more information about OBIFD and volunteering, visit the department's web site at www.obifd.org or call 833-5199.

Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Department Welcomes New Chief Ed Blain

February 15, 2013

The Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department has a new chief for the first time in more than two decades.
Ed Blain of Bailey Island was elected to the fire chief's position by the department's board of directors. He replaces Bill Beazley, who retired after 22 years on the job.

Blain, 55, is a nine-year veteran of the department who served as deputy chief for the past year. He has also been the department's compliance officer, a responding firefighter, emergency medical technician and member of the department's board of directors.

Chief Ed Blain, left, and former Chief Bill Beazley

"The fire department has afforded me the opportunity to meet far more neighbors who have now become friends than any other life experience I have had. It is such a wonderful organization with an equally wonderful mission that I am humbled to be a part of," Blain said. "That I am now given the opportunity to lead the department is quite remarkable. I hope I can do the job justice. That won't be easy given the great job Bill has done for the past 22 years."

Newly elected board President Mike Helfgott, also of Bailey Island, agreed with Blain.

"Ed is correct when he says Bill's shoes will be hard to fill. Bill’s leadership of the department was a period of tremendous growth and professionalism, and he always, always was welcoming to new members," Helfgott said. "Ed has a great track record of accomplishment both within and outside of the department. He will be an able successor to Bill."

Blain, a health care administrator and business owner who is now semi-retired, said he first encountered the volunteer fire department while donating some items to its annual auction shortly after moving to the area full time in 2004. He was quickly persuaded to volunteer and agreed to "do anything except go into a burning building or become an officer," he said.

Soon after, however, Blain was convinced to put his experience dealing with government regulations to work as the department compliance officer and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) administrator.

"I decided I better know something about how they worked and took an SCBA certification course. That was what really hooked me into the fire department and before I realized it I was on my way to becoming certified as an interior firefighter getting my Firefighter 2 certification in 2005. I was also an EMT Basic for six years from 2004 to 2010," Blain said.

Blain and his wife, Laurie, also a responding volunteer and former OBIFD board member, run a nonprofit organization which rescues dogs facing euthanasia at shelters in Louisiana and places them in new homes in Maine and other northeastern states.

Former Chief Beazley, who named Blain deputy chief last year and trained him for the new role, said Blain is ideal for the job and should help inject new energy into the department.

"Ed is a great leader with lots of energy and good ideas," Beazley said. "He is the ideal person to move the department forward."

Blain said he is honored to be replacing Beazley and hopes to bring the same qualities of leadership and confidence his predecessor inspired in the department's volunteers.

"Stepping into the job he has excelled in for the past 22 years won't be easy," Blain said. "Fortunately, true to his nature, Bill has offered his support and help to me in any way I request it. That makes the prospect of assuming the chief role a lot less intimidating and will help the department in the transition."

Blain said recruiting new members for all-volunteer fire and rescue service will be among his top priorities.

"Responding to a fire or rescue call requires several people," Blain said. "Rescue calls need a driver and two EMTs, but can often require more help for lifting assistance or carrying someone from the shore or through tight quarters in their homes. Working fires need dozens of people and there are roles that just about anyone in any kind of shape can help fill. Drivers, moving supplies, directing traffic or getting food for the firefighters are just a few of the many important roles that need to be filled.

"Of course becoming a firefighter or EMT is the greatest resource to the department and community," he said. "Training is provided by the department and fully supported by all responding members who can mentor new members developing their skills."

Blain said he believes the department is at a "critical point" in struggling to attract new volunteers.

"Our biggest challenge as a department and as a community will be to keep the organization alive through volunteerism," he said. "We have great equipment through the strong support of the community. We have every tangible resource available, with equipment that is state of the art. The resource we lack are people trained to use the trucks and all the gear that they carry.

"I hope we can recruit new members so that we can continue this colonial and patriotic tradition of protecting each others’ homes, properties and lives," he said.

OBIFD provides fire and medical rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island east of the Mountain Road bridge and south of the Nazarene Church on Route 24.

For more information about OBIFD and volunteering, visit the department's web site at www.obifd.org or call Blain at 833-5199.