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.

OBIFD Honors Retiring Chief and Other Volunteers

November 12, 2012

The Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department paid tribute to its retiring chief, a long-time assistant and several other volunteers at its annual recognition dinner.

Chief Bill Beazley, who will step down in January after more than 22 years in the job, was surrounded by most of the department's responding members and his family as he was presented with an award for extraordinary service.

Deputy Chief Ed Blain also presented Beazley with an engraved plaque “in grateful recognition of staying at the helm and keeping the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department on course for the last 22 years.”

Beazley was then given a retirement gift by the responding members and others he has worked with during his long tenure as chief.

“I have a fond spot in my heart for every single one of you,” said Beazley, who plans to continue as a responding volunteer after he steps down as chief. “This has been one of the coolest things I've done in my life.”

In addition to Beazley, the department also paid special tribute to Assistant Chief Wes Haynes for his many years of service, which has included overseeing the organization's annual fund-raising auction, the biggest community event of the year.

From left, Wes Haynes, Andy Paulhus,Ed Blain and
Chief Bill Beazley at the OBIFD recognition dinner.

“Thank you Wes for 17 years as Auction Chairman, many years of driving the Ambulance, being a Fireman and serving as Safety Captain,” his award states. “Your dedication has ensured the safety, well being and quality of life in our community.”

Beazley also presented a special recognition award to his wife, Kitsie, for not only supporting his role as chief but for her many years as organizer of the giant yard sale which accompanies the auction each year.

A recognition award was also given to Andy Paulhus, outgoing president of the OBIFD Board of Directors, for seven years of service, the past three as leader of the board.

Others honored at the annual recognition dinner were responding firefighter Jim Whittaker, who marked one year of service; David Chipman, who marked five years of service as a member of the Board of Directors; and Jim Bloxsom, a board member for one year.

The awards were presented Nov. 3 at the old Orr's Island Schoolhouse adjacent to the Orr's Island fire station. Dozens of people, including many of the department's active and retired members, attended the event, which included dinner and dancing, held annually to recognize the service of volunteers and community residents.

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 or volunteering, visit the department's web site at www.obifd.org.

Improvements Made to Old Orr's Island Schoolhouse

November 12,2012

The old Orr's Island Schoolhouse is now a more inviting place for special events thanks to a series of improvements recently made to the historic building.

In response to frequent concerns, a group of custom designed acoustical panels were installed in the ceiling to help control noise in the former school, which is managed by the adjacent Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department.

Venise Minkowsky, chair of the OBIFD Schoolhouse committee, said Steve Normand, a local architect and OBIFD board member, came up with the design for a wooden frame with acoustical ceiling panels and egg crate foam. The framed panels, called “clouds,” were then suspended from the ceiling with the assistance of David Bunge and his crew, which included fire department members Walter Johnson, Ed Blain and Steve Minkowsky.

The panels cost about $2,400 to build and were paid for with $2,000 donated by five generous local contributors and other money from recent fund-raisers, Venise Minkowsky said. Since the panels were installed, users of the building have reported much better acoustics, she said.

In addition to the sound panels, the building's kitchen also received an upgrade with the installation of a more modern and larger stove and refrigerator. The year-old appliances, purchased from a seller in Standish for $3,000, give the facility commercial-grade kitchen appliances for the first time.

“It's a Wolf commercial stove with 30,000 BTUs, two ovens and eight burners,” Venise Minkowsky said. “We spoke to four different caterers who told us that purchasing a commercial stove versus a residential one makes a big difference to them because of the BTUs.”

An important part of Harpswell history, the former two-room school for island children is now 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.

For more information about the schoolhouse, please contact Venise Minkowsky at 833-7386, Maureen Anthoine-Orlandini at 833-6428 or visit www.orrsislandschoolhouse.com.

Bill Beazley to Retire as Orr's & Bailey Islands Fire Chief

November 1, 2012

After more than two decades on the job, Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Chief Bill Beazley will retire from the position when his current term ends in January.

"It's just time for me to step down," said Beazley, chief for the past 22 years. "It's been a long spell and I think the department now needs someone else to move it forward."
Beazley, 60, joined the Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department nearly 30 years ago, not long after moving to Harpswell. Within a couple of years, he was made assistant chief, then advanced to the top job when former Chief Jess Sylvester stepped down.

"I didn't intend to be chief for as long as I've been," Beazley said. "I enjoyed it tremendously, mostly because of the people involved."

During his tenure, Beazley has seen the all-volunteer department grow from a one-station operation using second-hand and makeshift equipment to a modern, fully trained organization with the latest firefighting and rescue gear housed in buildings on each of the two main islands.

"Physically, everything has changed. When I joined, the ambulance was a van and we were buying used fire trucks after Brunswick was done using them for 20 years," he said. "We've since replaced every piece of apparatus, some of them numerous times."

Beazley credits much of that improvement to the generosity of the community and the town, which has taken on the responsibility of purchasing vehicles for Harpswell's three fire departments. Fund-raising efforts and the annual summer auction -- which has grown into one of the largest community events of the year -- provide most of the funding for other equipment and training used by OBIFD.

"It's a great service the fire department provides to the community and the community is very welcoming to the fire department. It's a great feeling when the community appreciates it," Beazley said.

But challenges remain for the future in the face of rising costs, a shortage of volunteers and increasing training, safety and other regulations. The town's recent move to provide paid emergency medical response during weekdays to augment volunteers raises the question of whether Harpswell will eventually need a full-time, paid fire and rescue service.

Beazley hopes that can be avoided and the tradition of volunteer service will continue.

"We just need to continuously try to figure out how to keep doing this with volunteers," Beazley said. "If we go to a municipal fire department, we'll all see our taxes go up a lot and we'll lose something as a community."

It's that feeling of community that Beazley has enjoyed most about his involvement with the department. He grew up near Niagara Falls in New York -- though his father was from Bucksport -- and came to Maine in the mid-1970s to learn boat-building in Bath. He moved to Orr's Island a few years later.

"What I'm fondest of are the people I met while doing this," Beazley said. "I found it to be a really delightful way to get to know the community."

Beazley said the chief's job has taken up 20 to 30 hours a week, though the random nature of fire and rescue service makes it unpredictable. Most of the calls the department responds to are for medical assistance, along with auto or boat accidents, brush fires and occasional structure fires.

"You never know what you're going to find on a call," he said.

Beazley said he believes the department will be in good hands after he steps down and plans to recommend Deputy Chief Ed Blain for the chief's job when the OBIFD Board of Directors votes on his replacement in January.

"I think Ed's got the qualities needed to carry the department onward," Beazley said.

Blain, who became deputy chief last year, had high praise for Beazley and his leadership.

"Bill has a very even-keel approach especially under pressure or in a crisis," Blain said. "No matter what an incident or fire ground throws at him, he demonstrates a very cool, even demeanor. It instills a lot of confidence in everyone on the scene, which is exactly what is needed."

Rescue Captain Ed Sparks agreed. "He's always laid back and supportive. He's been a great boss."

Andy Paulhus, president of the OBIFD Board of Directors, said Beazley has done a tremendous job overseeing the growth and increasing professionalism of the department and provided consistent leadership as board members have come and gone through the years.

"We have been lucky to have Bill as chief," Paulhus said. "He has performed a great service to the department and the community."

Blain said he knows he will have big shoes to fill if he is promoted to chief.

"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."

For his part, Beazley said he plans on spending more time with family and his boat repair and carpentry work. His two children, Sarah and Willis, are both grown and married, and Beazley and his wife Kitsie are looking forward to their first grandchild when Willis becomes a father in April.

Yet while he's stepping down as chief, Beazley plans to continue as a firefighter and will respond to emergency calls.

"I can't imagine not being involved with the department," he said. "I've enjoyed it tremendously. I look forward to staying involved."

He knows the department will continue to thrive under its new leadership.

"There are a lot of very capable people here," he said. "This is definitely a team sport."