H. E. MERRILL.
Gentlemen:--
We have been very fortunate the past year in regard to fires.
There has been one fire where the engine has been used, this being the Clough cottage at which 500 feet of hose were laid, damage about $50.00.
There have been the usual chimney fires which have been handled with chemicals.
We have purchased two ladder trucks, one for the North and one for the Center, together with some small equipment for same.
The engine has been painted and varnished which was very much needed.
All equipment is in good condition with the exception of a few lengths of hose that are damaged. These should be replaced as we need more rather than less.
Both engine houses need painting, especially the one at North Monmouth as this one has never been painted all over.
Respectfully yours,
HARRY E. MERRILL
1911-12
Chief Engineer Harry E. Merrill
Appropriation, Center, $100.00; North, $100.00
Spent, Center $118.69; North $76.83
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Gentlemen:--
We have been fortunate again this year as we have had only one bad fire, the electric light plant which was a total loss as the fire had gained so much headway before discovered that nothing could be saved. Three hundred feet of hose was laid at this fire.
We had the usual number of grass fires in the Spring and at those the chemical tanks were used.
There have been no bad chimney fires.
The engine houses have both been painted two coats and are in nice condition.
We have bought 250 feet new hose for the Center and the whole equipment now is on a good basis.
I do not think that it will be necessary to make any appropriation for the fire department this year as we have enough left over to carry us through unless we have some bad fire.
Respectfully yours,
HARRY E. MERRILL
1912-13
Chief Engineer Harry E. Merrill
No appropriation this year.
Unexpended balance, Center $67.28; North, $89.88.
Spent, Center $3.55; North $63.11.
1913-14
Chief Engineer Harry E. Merrill
No appropriation for fire department.
Unexpended balance, Center $63.73; North, $26.77.
Spent $57.12
1914-15
Chief Engineer Harry E. Merrill
Appropriated for fire department $200.00.
Unexpended balance, $33.38.
Spent 151.48
1915-16
Chief Engineer Harry E. Merrill
Appropriated for fire department $100.00.
Unexpended balance, $81.90.
Spent $99.92.
1916-17
Chief Engineer Harry E. Merrill
Appropriated for fire department $100.00.
Unexpended balance, $91.98
Spent $21.03.
1917-18
Chief Engineer Harry E. Merrill
No appropriation for fire department.
Spent $25.88.
1918-19
Chief Engineer Harry E. Merrill
No appropriation for fire department.
Unexpended balance, $160.95.
Spent $37.82.
1919-20
Chief Engineer Harry E. Merrill
Appropriated for fire department $3000.00.
Spent $86.96.
Report of Chief Engineer:
Gentlemen:
In making report of the Fire Department for the past year, the first question to answer is: "Where is that new auto truck that we voted money for?"
Your committee looked over the various makes of trucks, that would come within our appropriation, and decided to accept the plans of Wade & Dunton, of Lewiston, for a Cadillac car, equipped with a 300-gallon pump, 65-gallon chemical tank, and body to carry 1,000 feet of hose; same to be fully equipped, painted and lettered in first-class manner.
We gave them the order the first of July, but owing to emergency conditions they were unable to get a pump shipped until October 26th, and same did not arrive in Lewiston until some time in December. They are now working on the truck and assure us that they will put it through in about sixty (60) days.
We have had several fires this year, from different causes, nearly all in the outside country, only one in the villages.
Rather more than the usual number of chimney fires has occurred, which can be prevented if people will give a little more care to cleaning chimneys. One most vital thing that I find on inspection is the poor flue stops in common use; most of them being only covers, and in very many cases papered over--making a dangerous condition.
All the buildings in the fire district were inspected once, and some places twice.
In view of the fact that we shall have to heat the Engine House at the Centre and make repairs, also buy some new equipment, I would recommend that we raise five hundred ($500.00) for the coming year/
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY E. MERRILL, Chief
DR. C. M. RANDLETTE,
U. S. EMERY
Committee.
1920-21
Harry E. Merrill and C. M. Randlette
Appropriation $500.00
Spent $3,600
To the Citizens of the Town of Monmouth:
Your Committee elected to purchase Fire Truck for the Town investigated the matter thoroughly, and after looking over many kinds of Trucks and prices on same, decided that the proposition of Wade & Dunton of Lewiston to build a truck with the equipment necessary at a price of $2,900.00 was the best of anything that we could provide, and the contract was awarded to them. They delivered the Truck July 3rd, and it was tested out to the satisfaction of all who saw it. Since it has been in service, I think that it has been demonstrated clearly that it is one of the best pieces of Fire Apparatus in the State, and the best that could be purchased under $5000,00.
In designing this Truck we endeavored to get the most practical things embodied in none piece of apparatus that was possible, and keep up with our appropriation.
This Truck has a 40 H. P. motor, 250 gallon pump, with 30 feet suction, 65 gallon chemical tank, with 200 feet chemical hose, capacity of body, 1,500 feet linen hose, 20-foot extension ladder, 2 pike poles, 1 axe, 1 crowbar, extra acid receptacle, search light, siren horn and full set of small tools. It is equipped with five oversize cord tires and extra rim.
We have discharged our duties according to our best judgment and trust same will meet with your approval.
Yours truly,
HARRY E. MERRILL
C. M. RANDLETTE
U. S. EMERY
]
1921-22
Chief Engineer C. M. Randlette
Appropriation $1,000
Rec'd from Town of Greene, $100.00
Rec'd from Town of Leeds, $60.00
Rec'd from Town of Readfield, $100.00
Rec'd from Western Union, $36.00
Spent $1,334.30
REPORT OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER
To the Citizens of the Town of Monmouth:
Your Volunteer Fire Company has given especially good service for the past year. The Fire Truck has been called several times to surrounding towns, namely, Readfield, Leeds, Greene and Winthrop where we could get water, we have done good work and saved several thousands of dollars worth of taxable property. We have had during the year several bad chimney fires, but in no case have the buildings burned.
We need 1,000 feet of new hose which would enable us to fight a second fire within an hours time without drying hose from the first fire. This would place us in a position to be ready to respond to a fire call at all times. I would suggest that the town build and [sic] underground cistern for fire protection at or near stand of Mrs. Olive Gilman. This end of town is absolutely unprotected during a dry season as last year.
We need $1,000 to purchase above hose and pay running expenses for the ensuing year, which I would recommend the citizens raise.
C. M. Randlette
1922-23
C. M. Randlette
Appropriation $1,250
Rec'd from Mt. Vernon $150.00
Spent $822.02
To the citizens of the town of Monmouth:
Your Fire Truck has performed excellent services this year. At the Garage fire it saved several thousand dollars worth of property. We have had the usual number of chimney fires, but without loss of buildings, our truck was called to Mt. Vernon and saved several buildings, one of which they were going to dynamite just as we got there.
We presented a bill of $150.00 which they cheerfully paid immediately, besides giving us great praise. We were also called to Leeds twice, where there were several buildings afire which were extinguished. We sent a bill of $100.00 which they refused to pay, God help them who won't help themselves.
In the future we will only respond to calls to towns who appreciate our services. We need 1,000 feet of new hose this year. We hope that we can give as good service during the coming year as we have in the past.
I would recommend that the citizens raise $1,000.00 for the Volunteer Fire Company for expenses during the current year.
Respectfully submitted,
C. M. Randlette.
1923-24
Chief Engineer C. M. Randlette
Appropriation $1,000
Spent $1,425.10
REPORT OF VOLUNTEER FIRE CO.
To the citizens of Monmouth:
Our town has been very lucky this year as far as fires are concerned, Only lost one set of buildings, our call to this fire was so late we could not render any assistance. We have had a quite number of chimney fires, which have been controlled without loss. Have had to purchase new hose which has not been paid for which will just about balance our account. Would recommend the citizens raise $1,000 for expenses for year 1924.
Respectfully submitted,
C. M. Randlette.
1924
1925-26
Chief Engineer C. T. Bragdon
Appropriation $600.00
Town of Litchfield $35.00
Town of Greene $35.00
Spent $400.59
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
To the citizens of Monmouth:
The town has been very fortunate this year in not having any serious losses by fire. Have had several bad chimney fires, but without loss of buildings, also a number of grass and forest fires.
A more hearty cooperation of the men of Monmouth is needed in our Volunteer Fire Department. We have no paid men, and every man in town should consider that he is a fireman. If we leave our duties to attend a fire, which most of us gladly do, why shouldn't you?
I would recommend that the town raise $600.00 for the expenses of your Volunteer Fire Department during the current year.
Respectfully submitted,
C. T. BRAGDON,
Chief Engineer
1926-27
Chief Engineer C. T. Bragdon
Appropriation $600.00
Town of Litchfield $25.00
Town of Greene $35.00
Spent $558.68
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER
To the citizens of Monmouth:
It may be of interest to the citizens of Monmouth to know that your Volunteer Fire Company has answered calls to seventeen fires in the town of Monmouth, and two out of town, one in Litchfield and one in Greene, during the past year.
Of these fires the Mosely and Morrison buildings were a total loss. Our truck was badly damaged at the Piney Heights fire, and was being repaired at the garage, and could not be removed at the time of the Mosely fire. At the Morrison fire, which came in the early morning, we were unable to get there in time to be of any assistance.
We have purchased new chemical hose this year, and the truck is in good repair at the present time, considering its age.
The Town of Monmouth is badly in need of a new fire truck. Could the money from the Welch Estate be used for any better purpose? Think it over.
I wish to thank all who have co-operated in the welfare of the Department during the past year, and tho not a candidate for re-election, will be glad to give my successor any help or information at my command.
I would recommend that the town raise $400.00 for the expenses of the Volunteer Fire Company during the current year.
Respectfully submitted,
C. T. BRAGDON,
Chief Engineer
1927-28
Chief Engineer C. T. Bragdon, Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, N. A. Richardson, M. E. Day
Appropriation, $400.00
Town of Wales $10,00
Spent $283.31
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
To the Citizens of Monmouth:
The Town of Monmouth is very fortunate in having no serious fires during the past year. Your Volunteer Fire Company has answered calls to twenty fires in Monmouth, and one at Leeds Junction. Of this number, five were grass and brush fires, and fifteen chimney fires. We have had a few very bad chimney fires, and we recommend that property owners inspect and clean out chimneys at least once a year, preferably in the Fall.
In regard to fire equipment, your commissioners have outlined the following plan, which we hope will meet with your approval. We wish to remove the chemical tank and chemical hose from the pumper, and place same, with several hand chemicals and equipment, on another car. This will give us two pieces of apparatus, a chemical engine that we can quickly get to chimney and grass fires, thus giving better service in the outlying districts, as well as in villages, and the pumper for more serious fires. This will take a load of about 1200 pounds from our pumper, making the same much more efficient, and we trust, prolonging its life.
Our expenditures in the fire department for the last few years have been kept down to a minimum, with this idea in view. We firmly believe this is for the good of the community, and solicit your co-operation.
We recommend that you vote to re-appropriate $1000.00 from the treasury, and to raise $500.00 for your Volunteer Fire Company during the current year.
Respectfully yours,
C. T. BRAGDON,
N. A. RICHARDSON
M. E. DAY,
Commission of Fire Department.
1928-29
Chief Engineer C. T. Bragdon, Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, N. A. Richardson, M. E. Day
Appropriation, $500.00
Re-appropriation $1000.00
Town of Litchfield $35.00
Town of Wales $65.00
Spent $2332.12 including $1,564.00 to D. E. McCann Son, for "Small Pumper."
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
To the Citizens of Monmouth:
Your commission wishes to report only one serious fire this last year, which was on March 15th.
This was the Merton Leach house at East Monmouth and was a total loss, due partly to bad condition of the roads and inadequate water supply.
Other than this, there have been three house fires, one grass fire, and twenty-two chimney fires; all extinguished without serious damage.
We have recommended in the past, that property owners give their chimneys a thorough cleaning out, at least once a year, preferably in the fall.
We still maintain that this policy be carried out and urge co-operation from the citizens in doing all possible to prevent fires.
In mentioning the new piece of fire apparatus purchased by your commission, we feel that the town has been well paid.
It is light and carries sufficient water and chemical to extinguish any kind of fire that has not gained too great a headway.
We recommend that the town reappropriate from the treasurer five hundred dollars, and raise two hundred dollars for your volunteer fire department for the ensuing year.
Respectfully yours,
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
N. A. RICHARDSON
Fire Commission.
1929-30
Chief Engineer C. T. Bragdon, Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, M. E. Day, L. C. Berry
Appropriation, $200.00
Reappropriated $500.00
Town of Litchfield $15.00
Town of Wales $25.00
Spent $563.57
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
To the Citizens of Monmouth:
We have had no serious fires in Monmouth during the past year.
Your Volunteer Fire Department has answered calls for two house fires, five chimney fires and one grass fire, with very little damage of property in any case, also one house fire in Litchfield, and one in Wales.
This is the smallest number of chimney fires for several years, and we think this is due to the fact that property owners are giving their chimneys more attention than formerly.
We still advocate the policy of giving your chimneys a thorough cleaning out at least once a year, and if any defects are found, have same fixed at once.
We recommend that the town raise $500.00 for the expenses of your Volunteer Fire Department for the ensuing year.
Respectfully yours,
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
L. C. BERRY
Fire Commission.
1930-31
Chief Engineer C. T. Bragdon, Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, M. E. Day, L. C. Berry
Appropriation, $500.00
Spent $649.53
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
To the Citizens of Monmouth:
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to twenty-one calls during the past year, viz., six house fires, nine chimney fires and six grass and brush fires.
Fourteen of these fires were extinguished with hand chemicals, three with booster lines and four with pumper.
With the exception of the Babcock cottage, which was a total loss, there was but very little damage done to property. A large per cent of rural community are caused from chimneys, and we recommend that property owners give their chimneys a thorough cleaning out each year.
We are maintaining two pieces of fire apparatus at the present time. The small machine is being used altogether for grass fires, chimney fires and in the outlying sections where the supply of water is limited, and is doing excellent work up to its capacity.
Our large pumper is in very poor condition and is continually giving us all kinds of trouble. It is a 1914 model and has been in service as a fire unit in this town for fifteen years. We can only get parts for this, hen needed, from some junk pile, and these are parts that are already worn out. We had occasion to use this piece of apparatus at the John Buker residence this summer when the cottage at the lake burned, and we experienced the same trouble that we have had for the past few years. This machine is obsolete, and these recent fires show plainly the need of a pumper that can be depended on.
We recommend that the Town buy a new pumper to take the place of the old machine we now have, and suggest that we borrow from the Welch fund a sufficient amount to do this, this amount to be paid back to the Welch fund, from the balance left in the Fire Department each year until full amount is paid.
In doing this, only a small amount is raised each year, no extra burden of taxes will be placed on anyone and you will have the protection of an efficient piece of apparatus.
We recommend that the Town raise $1,000.00 for the regular expenses of your Volunteer Fire Department for the ensuing year.
Respectfully yours,
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
D. E. MORSE,
Fire Commission.
The following article was included in the Town Warrant at Town Meeting March 9, 1931:
Art. 22. To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the fund left to the town by the will of the late O. Augusta Welch a sufficient sum with which to purchase additional fire-fighting apparatus, said fund to be reimbursed therefor by payments thereto yearly from the amounts raised and appropriated for the Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department and by it not used.
1931-32
Chief Engineer C. T. Bragdon, Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, M. E. Day, M. L. Clark
Appropriation, Excise Tax $1,791.43
Spent $5775.09 including purchase of a new truck from D. C. McCann's Sons for $4,600.00.
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
To the Citizens of Monmouth:
Your Volunteer Fire Department has responded to thirty calls during the past year, viz., ten house fires, twelve chimney fires, six grass fires, one auto fire and one gasoline stove fire.
Sixteen of these fires were extinguished with hand chemicals, four with booster lines, three with small pumper and one with large pumper. One house, one barn, one camp and one store were too far gone to render any assistance other than protecting surrounding property, and two fires had been extinguished on our arrival.
The new pumper which was purchased this year was put into service the last of June and has proved very satisfactory. This is a 400-gallon pump and carries 1500 feet of 21/2 -inch hose, 200 feet of 1-inch booster hose and has a 135-gallon booster tank. At the Underwriters' test this machine exceeded all of the requirements by a wide margin.
We have saved from our appropriation $250.00 which we have turned back into the Welch Fund this year.
This coming year we are in need of new hose for both pieces of apparatus and we recommend that the Town raise $1000.00 for the regular expenses of your Volunteer Fire Department.
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
Fire Commission.
1932-33
Fire Chief C. T. Bragdon, Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, M. E. Day, D. E. Morse
Appropriation, Excise Tax $1,791.43
Town of Litchfield $25.00
Spent $1683.56
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
To the Citizens of Monmouth:
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to twenty-nine calls during the past year, viz., seven house fires, fourteen chimney fires, five grass and brush fires, one auto fire, and two out of Town, one at Winthrop and one at Litchfield. Fourteen of these fires were extinguished with hand chemicals and four with booster lines. The small pumper was used on eight fires and a total of 2600 feet of 11/2-inch hose was laid.
The larger pumper was used on five fires and a total of 4800 feet of 21/2 -inch hose was used.
The North Monmouth Department answered ten calls, viz., six chimney fires and four grass and brush fires. These were extinguished with hand chemicals.
In all cases the fire was kept confined in the building in which it started and with the exception of Heart of Maine canning factory, Cobbossee Colony and the Wm. Brown barn, the loss has been small. At Cobbossee Colony we saved the cottages and all but one end of the dining room. At the Wm. Brown fire we saved the house and outbuildings. There was little we could do at the canning factory except protect surrounding property.
The past year we have turned back into the Welch fund $1,000.00 toward payment of our truck and for the coming year we recommend that the Auto Excise Tax be appropriated for the expenses of the Fire Department as formerly.
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
D. E. MORSE,
Fire Commission.
1933-34
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, M. E. Day, D. E. Morse
Appropriation, Excise Tax $1,990.31
Town of Wales $30.00
Spent $1,200
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
To the Citizens of Monmouth:
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to twenty-nine calls during the past year, viz., three house fires, twenty-two chimney fires, two grass and brush fires, one auto fire, and one house fire at Wales.
The North Monmouth Department answered to one call, a chimney fire. Three buildings burned in Monmouth this year. At the Merrithew fire on Pease Hill the department was not called. At the Obie Slauenwhite fire no water was available and at the Skidgell fire we saved the shed, stable and out buildings.
One other house fire was extinguished by chemicals.
Twenty-one of these fires were extinguished with hand chemicals and five with booster lines. 900 feet of 11/2 inch hose was used on the small pumper and 250 feet on the large pumper.
We have turned back into the Welch Fund $1,200.00 this year toward payment of our truck, making a total of $2,450.00. We recommend that the Auto Excise Tax be appropriated for the expenses of the Fire Department as formerly.
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
D. E. MORSE,
Fire Commission.
1934-35
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, Chief, M. E. Day, Louis Harris.
Appropriation, Excise Tax $1,595.57
Town of Wales $15.00
113 P. Dumont, wagon sold $8.00
Town of Litchfield $25.00
Town of Greene $25.00
Spent $1,701.13
REPORT OF THE FIRE COMMISSION
Your Volunteer Fire Department responded to thirty-nine calls during the past year: thirty-five in town and four out of town.
Of those in town, there were five house fires, twenty-two chimney fires, five grass and brush fires, and three automobile fires. Twenty-eight of these fires were extinguished with hand chemicals, three with booster lines and four with pumper. We used 1100 ft. of 21/2 in. hose, 2500 ft. of 11/2 in. hose, and 38 hand chemicals. The estimated damage to buildings was $1,515.00.
The North Monmouth Department answered to seven calls. We have turned back into the Welch Fund $700.00 this year toward payment of our truck, making total payments of $3,150.00. There is now due that fund $1,450.00 which we hope to pay during the next two years.
We recommend the Auto Excise Tax be appropriated for the Fire Department as before.
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
LOUIS HARRIS,
Fire Commission.
1935-36
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, Chief, M. E. Day, Louis Harris.
Appropriation, Excise Tax $1,621.78
Town of Greene $15.00
Town of Litchfield $25.00
Town of Readfield $35.00
Spent $1432.17
REPORT OF THE FIRE COMMISSION
Your Volunteer Fire Department responded to thirty-six calls for fire during the past year: thirty-three in town and three in neighboring towns. In Monmouth the4re were five house fires, twenty-three chimney fires and five grass and brush fires. Twenty-eight of these were extinguished with hand chemicals and four with booster pump. At the Murray fire nothing could be done and these buildings were a total loss. This is the only fire loss during the year.
The Volunteer Fire Department at North Monmouth answered to thirteen calls to chimney fires with no damage. This year we have turned back into the Welch fund $1,000.00 toward payment of our pumper, making total payments of $4,150.00. There is still due $450.00 which we expect to pay this next year.
We recommend the Auto Excised Tax be appropriated to the Fire Department as has been the custom.
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
LOUIS HARRIS,
Fire Commission.
1936-37
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, Chief, M. E. Day, Louis Harris.
Appropriation, Excise Tax $2,074.17
From R. E. Gilson, hand tub, $100.00
Town of Greene $50.00
Spent $1597.13
REPORT OF THE FIRE COMMISSION
The Town of Monmouth lost only one set of buildings by fire during the past year, the Carl Richardson homestead at North Monmouth. During the year we have responded to forty-eight calls as follows: Thirty chimney fires, three grass fires, four woods fires, six house fires, one gas and garage fire and one auto fire.
We had two calls to Wales and one to Greene.
The North Monmouth department has answered to fourteen chimney fires. We have paid the Welch Fund $450.00 which completes our payments on the pumper.
We recommend a portion of the Auto Excise Tax be appropriated for the Fire Department as formerly.
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
LOUIS HARRIS,
Fire Commission.
1937-38
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, Chief, M. E. Day, Louis Harris.
Appropriation Excise tax $1,556.47
Town of Leeds $90.00
Spent $1,231.69
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
The Volunteer Fire Department has answered forty-six calls during the past year as follows: Twenty-two chimney fires, twelve grass and brush fires; three out of town calls, two in Leeds and one in Wales; seven house fires and two summer camps.
This year we purchased and installed a siren which has proved to be very satisfactory in calling out the men.
The code on the siren is as follows:
1--Chief's call
2--South Monmouth
4--East Monmouth
6--North Monmouth
8--Monmouth Center
22--Out of Town
The North Monmouth department answered to seventeen chimney fires. We recommend the Auto Excise Tax be appropriated for the Fire Department as has been the custom.
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
LOUIS HARRIS,
Fire Commission.
1938-39
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, Chief, M. E. Day, Louis Harris.
Appropriation Excise tax $2,205.56
Town of Litchfield $15.00
Spent $782.21
Reappropriation of excise tax to other purposes $825.00
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to forty-one calls during the past year, viz., one poultry house fire, twenty-four chimney fires, eleven grass and brush fires, three calls out of town, Winthrop, Litchfield and Wales, and two false alarms. Twenty-six of these fires were extinguished with hand chemicals, three with booster lines and seven with pump guns, brooms and shovels. We have used 700 ft. of 21/2 inch hose on large pumper and 750 ft. of 11/2 inch hose on small pumper.
The North Monmouth Department answered to thirteen chimney fires. Our small pumper is now eleven years old, it was purchased in 1928. The time is not far off when we will need to replace this with a new one. With a severe break-down it is almost impossible to procure new parts for same.
We recommend the Auto Excise Tax be appropriated for the Fire Department as has been the usual custom.
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
LOUIS HARRIS,
Fire Commission.
1939-40
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, Chief, M. E. Day, Louis Harris.
Appropriation Excise tax $2,236.91
Spent $1,162.55
Reappropriations from excise tax $1,125.00
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
The Volunteer Fire Department responded to the following calls during the past year, viz. Five building fires, thirty-one chimney fires, ten grass and brush fires, two auto fires and two calls out of town, Litchfield and Wales.
We used 550 ft. of 21/2 inch hose and 3000 ft. of 11/2 inch and 190 gallons chemicals. The North Monmouth Department answered to twenty-one chimney fires.
Since purchasing the large pumper we have been very much cramped for room in the engine house and recently much needed repairs have been made in the building and news outside doors installed. We find these improvements a great help in getting the trucks in and out, as well as adding much to the appearance of the building.
Last year we mentioned that our small pumper was getting to the point where a severe breakdown would impair the efficiency of the department. We feel that in the coming year it may be necessary to purchase a new one to replace it, therefore we recommend the Auto Excised Tax be appropriated for the Fire Department as has been the custom in the past.
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
LOUIS HARRIS,
Fire Commission.
1940-41
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, Chief, M. E. Day, Louis Harris.
Appropriated from Excise Tax $3,245.13
Town of Leeds $100.00
Town of Litchfield $15.00
Spent $744.82
Reappropriated $715.00
REPORT OF FIRE COMMISSION
Your Volunteer Fire Department has responded to the following calls during the past year, viz., 29 chimney fires, 53 hand extinguishers, 4 grass fires, 10 booster lines, 4 buildings, 700 ft.11/2 in. hose, 1 fire at Leeds, and 2 at Greene, 900 ft. 11/2 in hose.
The most severe of these fires was the one at Tacoma Lake, which in itself was a total loss. But the Fire Department was able to save many hundred dollars' worth of other property.
Last year we mentioned the fact that our small pumper was getting to the point where it would have to be replaced by a new one. We have worried it through this year without any serious difficulty. We now feel that this coming year we should purchase a new equipment to replace the old one if the efficiency of the department is to be maintained.
The new equipment is estimated to cost around $2,800.00. We have on hand approximately $2,600.00.
If the Town will give us the excise tax this year, we can purchase a suitable pumper without added inconvenience to the taxpayers. Therefore we recommend the automobile excise tax be appropriated for the Fire Department, as has been the custom in the past.
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
LOUIS HARRIS,
Fire Commission.
1941-42
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, Chief, M. E. Day, Louis Harris.
Appropriated from Excise Tax $2,504.34
Town of Greene $35.00
Spent $3,760.14
Purchased new GM C truck. {chassis $849.00 Davis Cadillac, Inc.; body and fitting out $2,300 Buffalo Fire Appliance Co.]
A cistern was built on (Erlon) Grover's property, Academy Street, at a cost of $24.50 labor.
REPORT OF THE FIRE COMMISSION
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to the following calls during the past year, viz., 36 chimney fires, 6 grass and brush fires, 1 auto fire, 5 building fires, 3 calls to Wales, 3 calls to Winthrop and 2 calls to Greene. North Monmouth answered 40 calls for chimney fires.
We used 3,600 ft. of 21/2 in. hose, 1,500 ft. of 11/2 in. hose, 21 booster lines and 52 hand extinguishers.
Total damage to buildings $1,400.00, Insurance paid $1,300.00. Total damage to contents $650.00. Insurance paid $50.00.
Our new small pumper was delivered in July and immediately put into service. This is a G.M.C. truck with a 200 gal. Pump, booster tank and hose, ladders, pump guns, extinguishers, and carries 2,000 ft. of 11/2 in. hose. We were fortunate in ordering this when we did, for at this time it is almost impossible to get deliveries on fire apparatus.
Our greatest need at the present time is hose. An order was placed in August but has not been delivered at the time this report goes to press. What the present war emergency will mean for the fire department is hard to tell. It was necessary for us to sign up with the State of Maine Fire Defense and we are liable to call anywhere in thew central district of
Maine.
We recommend the automobile excise tax to be appropriated for the Fire Department, as has been the custom.
The code on the siren is as follows:
1--Chief's call
2--South Monmouth
4--East Monmouth
6--North Monmouth
2--2--Out of Town
1--Long blast at 7:30 A. M. No School
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
L. P. HARRIS,
Fire Commission
1942-43
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, Chief, M. E. Day, Louis Harris.
Appropriated from Excise Tax $1,739.75
Town of Leeds $65.00
Town of Wales $10.00
Spent $1,498.16
Reappropriated Excise Tax $775.00
REPORT OF THE FIRE COMMISSION
The Volunteer Fire Department has answered the following calls for the past year, viz., 17 chimney fires, 3 grass and brush fires, 1 auto fire, 8 building fires and 2 out of town. North Monmouth answered 33 calls for chimney fires.
We used 500 ft. of 21/2 in. hose, 2,050 ft. of 11/2 in. hose, 18 booster lines, and 53 hand extinguishers.
Estimated net loss on these several fires is approximately $1,400.00. For the coming year we recommend that the Town raise and appropriate $1,000.00 for the Fire Department.
The fire code on the siren is as follows:
1--Chief's call
2--South Monmouth
4--East Monmouth
6--North Monmouth
8--Monmouth Center
1--2 Out of Town
C. T. BRAGDON,
M. E. DAY,
L. P. HARRIS,
Fire Commission
1943-44
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, Chief, Millard E. Day, Louis P. Harris.
Appropriated from Excise Tax $1,800.00
Town of Wales $30.00
Town of Litchfield $25.00
Town of Leeds $25.00
Spent $831.42
REPORT OF THE FIRE COMMISSION
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to the following calls for the past year, viz., 4 building fires, 23 chimney fires, 7 grass and brush fires and 5 calls out of town. North Monmouth had 10 chimney fires. The estimated net damage on these several fires in $1,000.
We used 500 ft. of 21/2 in. hose, 700 ft. of 11/2 in. hose, 22 booster lines and 54 hand extinguishers.
Due to the fact that so many of our young men are in the Service and others in Defense Work we are very short of help. We strongly urge all who can to answer fire calls.
We recommend the automobile excise tax be appropriated for the Fire Department for the ensuing year.
The fire code on the siren is as follows:
1--Chief's call
2--South Monmouth
4--East Monmouth
6--North Monmouth
8--Monmouth Center
1--2--Out of Town
1--Long blast at 7:30 A. M. No school at North Monmouth.
1--Long blast at 12:15 P. M. School at North Monmouth,
C. T. BRAGDON
M. E. DAY,
L. P. HARRIS,
Fire Commission
1944-45
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, C. W. Chretien, L. P. Harris
Appropriation from Excise Tax $1,233.55
Town of Leeds $35.00
Town of Litchfield $40.00
Town of Wales $25.00
Spent $1,741.52
REPORT OF THE FIRE COMMISSION
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 48 calls during the past year, viz., 3 building fires, 32 chimney fires, 1 oil burner fire, 7 grass and brush fires and 5 calls out of town.
We used 500 ft. of 21/2 in. hose, 600 ft. of 11/2 in. hose, 18 booster lines and 33 hand extinguishers.
North Monmouth answered to 19 chimney fires, one grass fire and used 25 hand extinguishers.
The total fire damage was $2,500.00 to buildings and contents and all covered by insurance. One building fire caused by lightning had the most damage. The other two were caused by defective chimneys.
We strongly urge householders to have their chimneys cleaned out often, inspect stove pipes and see that flue stops are in place and not rusted out.
One would be surprised at some of the conditions that we find. We wonder that the housed did not get on fire before.
We are short on help; and again ask all who are able to answer to fire calls, remember your place may be next.
We recommend the automobile excise tax be appropriated for the Fire Department for the ensuing year.
The fire code on the siren is as follows:
1--Chief's call
2--South Monmouth
4--East Monmouth
6--North Monmouth
8--Monmouth Center
1--2--Out of Town
1--Long blast at 7:30 A. M. No school at North Monmouth.
1--Long blast at 12:15 P. M. School at North Monmouth,
C. T. BRAGDON
L. P. HARRIS
C. W. CHRETIEN
Fire Commission
1945-46
Fire Commissioners C. T. Bragdon, C. W. Chretien, L. P. Harris
Appropriated from Excise Tax $1,347.41
Town of Wales $40.00
Spent $1,189.53
REPORT OF THE FIRE COMMISSION
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 37 calls during the past year, viz., 5 building fires, 22 chimney fires, 6 grass and brush fires, 3 automobile fires and one call out of town.
We used 2,150 ft. of 21/2 in. hose, 2,500 ft. of 11/2 in. hose, 19 booster lines and 38 hand extinguishers.
North Monmouth answered to 12 chimney fires and used 16 hand extinguishers.
The estimated damage to buildings and contents was $10,500.00, about half of this was covered by insurance.
One of these fires was caused by defective wiring, one by spontaneous combustion in hay and the others by exposure.
A Forestry pump has been added to our equipment the past year.
We still urge householders to have their chimneys cleaned out often, inspect stove pipes and see that flue stops are in place and not rusted out.
We recommend the automobile excise tax to be appropriated for the Fire Department for the ensuing year.
The code on the siren is as follows:
1--Chief's call
2--South Monmouth
4--East Monmouth
6--North Monmouth
2--2--Out of Town
1--Long blast at 7:30 A. M. No School
C. T. BRAGDON,
L. P. HARRIS,
C. W. CHRETIEN
Fire Commission
1946-47
Fire Commissioners C. W. CHRETIEN, KENNETH HANSON, L. P. HARRIS, KENNETH SANBORN
Appropriated from Excise Tax $1,956.84
Spent $1,962.73
REPORT OF THE FIRE COMMISSION
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 41 calls during the past year, viz., 2 building fires, 15 chimney fires, 9 grass fires, 7 brush fires, 3 forest fires, 1 false alarm and 4 forest fires out of town.
We used 650 ft. of 21/2 in. hose, 4050 ft. of 11/2 in. hose, 13 booster lines and 30 hand extinguishers.
The estimated damage to buildings and contents was $1000.00 with no insurance.
750 ft. of hose has been added to our equipment as well as other small articles and needed supplies.
We urge householders to have their chimneys and electrical wiring and outlets inspected.
We recommend the automobile excise tax be appropriated to the Fire Department for the ensuing year.
The fire code on the siren is as follows:
1--Chief's call
2--South Monmouth
4--East Monmouth
6--North Monmouth
8--Monmouth Center
1--2--Out of Town
1--Long blast at 7:30 A. M. No school
C. W. CHRETIEN
KENNETH HANSON
KENNETH SANBORN
Fire Commission
1947
1948-49
Chief Engineer Cyrille Chretien, Assistants W. E. Halloway, Kenneth Hanson.
Appropriation from Excise Tax $4,266.52
Town of Wales $160.00
Town of Leeds $40.00
Spent $4,189.36
REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 42 calls during the past year, viz., 5 buildings, 13 chimneys, 7 grass, 6 woods, 1 oil burner, 3 dump and 7 out of town.
We have used 3600 ft. of 21/2 in. hose; 5150 ft. of 11/2 in hose; 21 extinguishers; 13 booster lines; 80 Indian pumps; 30 brooms. Estimated loss to buildings and contents was $6,350.00, this being only partially covered by insurance.
Once again we want to remind everyone that most fires are caused by defective chimneys, defective wiring and grass. Lets give these causes proper care so as to eliminate as many fires as possible.
We want to thank the voters of the town at this time for their cooperation in aiding us to obtain our new piece of fire equipment.
We again recommend that the excise tax be appropriated for the fire department for the ensuing year. We also recommend that the people in the rural districts give some thought to the construction of water holes where they would be available to your fire department in the event of fire. The services of the Kennebec County Soil Conservation District are available for this sort of work and I would be glad to work with anyone on this project.
Due to the fact that one of our pumpers is most twenty years old we recommend that the note due on the new equipment be paid as rapidly as possible, for sometime within the next few years we may have to replace this piece of equipment.
In closing we would like to remind the townspeople that we feel that we have the best equipment of a town our size in the vicinity and with the working agreement of all departments around us we feel it would be unwise to expand* our department further at this time. We want to thank all who have helped us in any way during the past year.
CYRILLE W. CHRETIEN, Chief
*This year Article 43 in the Town Warrant read:
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for fire fighting equipment to be located at East Monmouth. Said money to be expended under the direction of Fire Chief and Town Officials, or act anything thereon. (By Petition.)
1949-50
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants W. E. Halloway, Kenneth Hanson, John Rix
Appropriation $7,410.96 Excise Tax
Town of Wales $194.00
Town of Greene $41.00
East Monmouth Fire Station $1,000
Spent $2,399.26
Spent East Monmouth Fire Station $1,084.34
Reappropriated from Excise Tax $1450.00
REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 46 calls during the past year, viz.: 6 buildings, 18 chimneys, 2 cars, 3 grass, 1 oil burner, 9 dumps, 4 forest. Nine were out of town.
We have used 2150 feet of 21/2 in. hose; 5100 feet of 11/2 in hose; 19 extinguishers; 23 booster lines; 24 Indian Pumps; 6 shovels; 6 rakes and one Pacific pump. Estimated loss to buildings and contents was $4,000.00 mostly covered by insurance.
Again we remind you that most fires are caused by defective chimneys, defective wiring and grass. Let's give these causes proper attention so as to eliminate as many fires as possible.
We again recommend that the excise tax be appropriated for the fire department for the ensuing year. We also recommend that the people in the rural districts give some thought to the construction of water holes where they would be available to your fire department in the event of fire. The services of the Kennebec County Soil Conservation District are available for this sort of work and I would be glad to work with anyone on this project.
We also recommend that the town make available to the Fire Department at least one Scott Air-Pak to be used for rescue work or other work that needs this type of equipment. We urge that the town give serious consideration to the purchase of a combination Inhalator-Resuscitator for the safety and convenience of its townspeople and visitors.
In closing we would like to thank all who have helped us in any way during this past year.
CYRILLE W. CHRETIEN,
Chief
We are grateful to Mr. Olen Butler for his contribution of an International Truck to the East Monmouth Fire Station. There have been other donations of labor and materials to the department that are certainly appreciated. Several purchases of fire fighting equipment have been made so as to strengthen the Monmouth Fire Department.
ROBERT HANSON,
Town Manager
1950-51
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants W. E. Halloway, Kenneth Hanson, John Rix
Appropriation $6,548.48 Excise Tax
Town of Wales $15.00
Spent $2,583.71
Reappropriated $4,600.00
REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 55 calls during the past year, viz: 3 buildings, 3 grass, 2 woods, 1 truck, 31 chimneys, 6 dump, 2 out of town, 1 false alarm and 3 miscellaneous.
We have used 1000 ft. 21/2 in. hose; 5450 ft. 11/2 in.
Hose; 21 booster lines; laid 23 lines; 13 Indian pumps; 11 brooms; 13 shovels, etc. Estimated loss of buildings and contents, $9850.00, covered by insurance.
Again we would like to remind the townspeople that most of the fires are caused by defective chimneys, defective wiring, grass, and carelessly used and not properly maintained oilburners. Let's give these our attention.
We recommend the excise tax be appropriated to the Fire Department for the ensuing year, also that less money be reappropriated from the excise tax. We would like to remind the townspeople that if they are to expand its Fire Department to the different parts of the town they must realize more money must be made available to the Department. With added equipment and added stations the cost of maintenance is constantly rising.
Again we would recommend that people in the rural sections of the town consider and make available to its Department, water, thru the construction of water holes and farm ponds. That you also make available to your Fire Department at least one Scott Air-Pac or other equipment of that type, so firemen may be properly equipped when entering a dangerous fire zone in fighting fires. Also please give serious consideration to the purchase of a resuscitator for the safety and protection of our own people as well as our visitors.
When reporting a fire we suggest the following which will aid your Department:
Report to telephone operator, name, place and type of fire.
On arrival of Fire Department be ready to give location of water and any other information requested.
Again we please ask those not concerned with the Department not to call the operators about the fire until the Department and all concerned have had plenty of time to get all necessary calls made, as the telephone plays an important part in fire protection.
During the year two training schools have been held and have proven very satisfactory and helpful to all who attended.
In closing we would thank all who have helped carry out the work during the past year.
Chief CYRILLE W. CHRETIEN
1951-52
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants W. E. Halloway, Norman Dunn, Winfield Howard
Appropriation $6,861.42 Excise Tax
State Funds $32.30
Town of Leeds $31.00
Spent $2,789.27
Reappropriated $3,100.00
REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 40 calls during the past year, viz.; 19 chimney, 2 dump, 3 oil burner, 3 woods, 3 autos, 1 tractor, 4 buildings, 1 sawmill, 1 gas pump, 4 out of town.
We have used 4300 ft. 11/2" hose; 2350 ft. 21/2" hose; 9 booster lines; 3 ansul, 13 soda & acid, 1 CO-2 extinguishers; 17 Indian pumps; 12 brooms; laid 17 lines. Estimated loss of buildings and contents $10,250.00 with $3,000.00 insurance.
Again we would like to remind the townspeople that most of the fires are caused by defective chimneys, defective wiring, grass and carelessly used and not properly maintained oilburners. Let's give these our attention.
Again we would recommend that people in the rural sections of the town consider and make available to its department water through construction of water holes and farm ponds.
When reporting a fire we suggest the following which would aid your Department:
1. Report to telephone operator or the person taking the call your name, place and type of fire.
2. On arrival of the Fire Department be ready to give location of water and any other information requested.
Again we please ask those not connected with the Department not to call the operators about the fire until the Department and all concerned have had plenty of time to get all necessary calls made, as the telephone plays an important part in fire protection.
During the year we have had your 1931 pumper tested by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association and it was found to bed in very poor condition.
We would like to refer to the 1949 report when we suggested that within a few years this equipment should be replaced. We urge that the townspeople carefully consider the following recommendations if you are to continue to hold your present insurance rating.
1. That $3000.00 and all money earned by the Department be made available to your Department for operating expenses only.
2. That the $1452.75 of the 1951 unexpended balance by made available for the purchase of small equipment and supplies this year, which we have requested for four years and not yet received.
3. That a new 500 or 600 gal. per min. pumper with a 500 gal. booster tank be made available this year to replace the present 1931 Brockway.
4. That the Fire Station at North Monmouth be completed early this coming year so that we can save the equipment we have there housed.
In closing we would thank all who have helped carry out the work during the past year.
CYRILLE W. CHRETIEN, Chief
Article 37. To see what action the Town will take in regard to purchasing a 500 or 600 gallon pumper with a 500 gallon booster tank to replace the present 400 gallon Brockway pumper or act anythng thereon. (By Petition) Voted
Article 38. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or procure a loan to carry out the above article or act anything thereon. (By Petition) Appropriated $1,000 Borrowed $6,000.00.
1952-53
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants Kenneth Sanborn, Norman Dunn, Winfield Howard
Appropriation $3,000.00
Fire Truck Loan $6,000.00
Town of Wales $81.00
Town of Leeds $50.00
Spent $10,490.89, including $7,000 to Farrar Co. for Fire Truck.
PROTECTION
Your Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 45 calls during the past year, viz; 18 chimney, 8 buildings, 3 grass, 1 woods, 3 dump, 1 car, 1 truck, 1 oil burner, 1 gas stove, 2 calls nothing done, 6 out of town.
We used 3,750 ft. 21/2 in. hose, 10,400 ft. 11/2 in. hose; 17 booster lines, 14 extinguishers; 17 Indian pumps and laid 44 lines. Estimated loss of buildings and contents $28,700.00 with $12,300.00 insurance.
Again we would like to remind the townspeople that most of the fires are caused by defective chimneys, defective wiring, grass and carelessly used and not properly maintained oil-burners. Let's give these our attention.
Again we would recommend that people in rural sections of the town consider and make available to its department water through the construction of water holes and farm ponds.
When reporting a fire we suggest the following which would aid your department:
1. Report to telephone operator or the person taking the call your name, place and type of fire.
2. On arrival of the Fire Department be ready to give location of water and any other information requested.
During the year we have purchased the new pumper which was authorized by the last town meeting. This pumper has proven to be a very satisfactory piece of equipment. To you who have not inspected this equipment, we suggest you do so at your earliest convenience.
At this time I want to thank the committee who worked with me in making this purchase. With their help we were able to buy for $7,000.00 a piece of equipment which would normally cost much more.
As the town grows and the fire hazards increase we are endeavoring to strengthen our department to meet the demands. With the modern equipment it is obvious the housing facilities are not adequate.
Due to the fact that we have had several large fires this year and that losses are much higher than previous years, we would suggest that the townspeople give careful consideration to the following recommendations:
1. That not less than $4,000.00 be appropriated for the Fire Department.
2. That $200.00 be appropriated for refinishing and painting engine No. 2 at North Monmouth.
3. That a committee be appointed to look into the possibilities of properly housing the Fire equipment either by enlarging the present station or procuring a new site with facts and figures on a new station, said committee to report at next town meeting, either regular or special.
4. That the Fire Station at North Monmouth be completed early this coming year so that we can properly maintain the equipment we have there housed.
In closing we thank all who have helped carry on the work during the past year.
CYRILLE W. CHRETIAN,
Chief
The new fire truck which the town voted to purchase arrived the last of September and has already seen service at several fires.
ROBERT HANSON,
Town Manager
Article 21. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the selectmen to sell the International fire truck and fire fighting equipment located at East Monmouth fire station or act anything thereon.
Article 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $400.00 for the purpose of purchasing Fire apparatus for the East Monmouth fire department or act anything thereon. (By petition). Appropriated $400.00.
1953-54
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants Kenneth Sanborn, Norman Dunn, Winfield Howard
Appropriation $5,000.00
Town of Litchfield $100.00
Town of Wales $46.00
Town of Leeds $98.00
Town of Canton, sale of fire truck $1,000.00
Spent $4,908.44
Appropriation, East Monmouth Fire Department $400.00
Spent $142.54
Appropriation, Fireman's Hall, North Monmouth $500.00
Spent $318.25
REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 39 calls during the past year, viz.; 24 chimney, 5 grass, 2 woods, 4 out of town, 1 dump, 1 auto, 1 oilstove, 1 electric motor.
We have used 3150 ft. 11/2" hose; 20 booster lines; 1 ansul, 1 foamite, 14 soda & acid extinguishers; 32 Indian pumps; laid 7 lines.
The town was most fortunate this past year in that there was no loss of buildings or property by fire during the year. According to the available records this has not happened before during the last fifty years.
We still recommend that people in rural sections of the town consider and make available to its department, water through the construction of water holes and farm ponds.
When reporting a fire we suggest the following which would aid your department:
1. Report to telephone operator or the person taking the call your name, place and type of fire. If you are new in town please give name of former owner or occupant of place if possible.
2. On arrival of the Fire Department be ready to give location of water and any other information requested.
As the town grows and the fire hazards increase we are endeavoring to strengthen our department to meet the demands. With the modern equipment it is obvious the housing facilities are not adequate. We ask the voters of the town to give careful consideration to the following:
1. That a committee be appointed from the floor or by the selectmen on town-meeting day to look into and make a study of a new fire station or the enlargement of the present one so that our fire equipment can be properly housed and maintained.
2. That this committee or another be appointed to look into the possibilities of a water and hydrant system for the town, said committee to report at next special or regular town meeting.
3. That not less than $4,000.00 be appropriated for the coming year for the operation and maintenance of the Fire Department.
In closing I want to thank all who have helped in any way during the past year.
CYRILLE W. CHRETIAN,
Chief
1954-55
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants Kenneth Sanborn, Norman Dunn, Eugene Tibbetts
Appropriation $4,000.00
Town of Greene $61.00
Town of Litchfield $58.00
Spent $3,455.43
Spent, Fireman's Hall (North Monmouth) $299.33
Spent, East Monmouth Fire Department $332.48
REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 26 calls during the past year, viz.; 16 chimney, 4 buildings, 1 grass, 1 brush, 1 oil burner, 1 sawdust, 2 out of town.
We have used 4400 ft. 11/2" hose; 1750 ft. 21/2" hose; 12 booster lines; 12 Indian pumps; 13 soda & acid extinguisher and 1 CO2.
The town has been fortunate the past year in having so few fires with so little loss; $6750.00 damage with 60% insurance coverage.
We still recommend that people in rural sections of the town consider and make available to its department, water through the construction of water holes and farm ponds.
When reporting a fire we suggest the following which would aid your department:
1. Report to telephone operator or the person taking the call your name, place and type of fire. If you are new in town please give name of former owner or occupant of place if possible.
2. On arrival of the Fire Department be ready to give location of water and any other information requested.
As the town grows and the fire hazards increase we are endeavoring to strengthen our department to meet the demands. With present day fire hazards it is very essential that your department be equipped with modern equipment for gas, oil and electrical fires.
In asking the voters and taxpayers of the town in the 1954 budget to appropriate $4000.00 plus the unexpended balance, we had in mind purchasing such type of equipment also finishing work on the North Monmouth station and repairing and painting the Center station plus other equipment the department is much in need of.
Due to conditions beyond the control of your fire chief such equipment as above mentioned was not made available to your department.
With he fact that we have had a very good year we are showing an unexpended balance of $2,109.69 we make the following recommendations:
1. That $3000.00 be appropriated for the department.
2. That again a committee be appointed by the fire chief and selectmen of the town directly following town meeting to investigate and study a hydrant and water system for the town.
3. That the present fire station at the Center be inspected and repaired if the town does not see fit to construct a new one.
In closing, many thanks to all who have in any way helped the department.
CYRILLE W. CHRETIAN
Chief
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE
ON FIRE STATION
It is the opinion of this committee that the present Fire Station is in need of repairs. It has also been observed that the outside doors should be wider and of the overhead type. Additional room should be provided for hose, which is now piled up on the floor.
The committee submits the following proposals:
I. Repair the present Fire Station at an estimated cost of $2500.00.
(a) Replace some of the carrying timbers in the underpinning which are rotting away.
(b) Double up the floor joists.
(c) Replank the floor.
(d) Install 2, 11' width overhead doors.
(e) Build a 6' lean-to on the East side of the Fire Station the length of the building, for aditional hose racks.
(f) Repair the eroded section underneath the sidewalk directly in front of the Fire station.
The committee understands that Mr. Earle Flanders would lease a strip of land to the town to fulfill item (e).
II. Construct a new Fire Station, a 50' x 50' wood construction on concrete slab with insulated siding, three overhead doors, and automatic heat at an estimated cost of $12,000.00.
III. Purchase the moccassin (sic) shop and rebuild this into a three truck Fire Station at an estimated cost of $17,000.00. This building can be purchases by the town for $8500.00. However, the width of this building is only 20'. Also the basement construction is of a type which would not be practical to use in its present state. It must be understood that the heating and plumbing of this building could be adapted with ease.
IV. The Flynn place could be purchased by the town at an estimated figure of $3500.00. This would be a suitable site for a new Fire Station. However, the building is of no value to rebuild into a Fire Station.
V. The hydrant and pump situation was discussed and looked into. Considering that the pump for such a system should be installed in a heated building, this matter was tabled until a final decision was made by the town as to the problems of a Fire Station.
(Note) The Fire Station is open at all times. Anyone interested in looking over the conditions is welcome.
Someone will be at the station in the morning preceding Town Meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to show the townspeople the actual conditions.
STANLEY KONIECZKO
FRANK R. GRAY
THOMAS E. ROBERTSON
JOSEPH BERGERON
MERLE F. ROBINSON
1955-56
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants Kenneth Sanborn, Norman Dunn, Eugene Tibbetts
Appropriation $3,000.00
Town of Litchfield $23.50
Spent $3,314.07
Appropriation, Center Fire Station Repairs $2,500.00
Spent $349.58
Appropriation, Fireman's Hall $500.00
Spent $219.11
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 33 calls during the past year. Viz: 14 chimney, 8 grass, 2 buildings, 2 brush & woods, 2 town dump, 3 out of town and 2 misc.
We have used 4,000 ft. of 11/2 in. hose; laid 16 lines; 79 Indian pumps; 9 soda and acid extinguishers; $3,250.00 damage with 75% insurance coverage.
We still recommend that people in rural sections of the town consider and make available to its department, water through the construction of water holes and farm ponds.
When reporting fires we suggest the following which would aid your department:
1. Report to telephone operator or the person taking the call your name, place, and type of fire. If you are new in town please give name of former owner or occupant of place if possible.
2. On arrival of the Fire Department be ready to give location of water and any other information requested.
During the year there was a small amount of work done on the under-pinning of the fire station from the funds that were raised for that purpose at the last annual town meeting. There are plans for a new set of overhead doors this spring as soon as weather permits.
I have submitted to the selectmen the names of several interested citizens who will undertake to get data and information on hydrant and water system.
We ask that the article in the town warrant for $3,000.00 for the fire department be given passage.
We are aware that in the near future our telephone system in town will be changed to the dial system. This may require a complete change in our fire alarm system.
We would like to make the following recommendations:
1. That the selectmen, town manager, town treasurer, fire chief, ass't chief look over available land as a site for a new fire station and report at next town meeting.
2. That $1,000.00 from the unexpended balance of the fire department account be set aside in a special fund for the construction of a fire station.
3. That the unexpended balance of funds raised under Articles 22-23 of the 1955 annual meeting be set aside in same fund as recommendation 2.
In closing I would like to thank all who have helped the department in any way during the past year.
CYRILLE W. CHRETIEN, Chief
1956-57
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants Kenneth Sanborn, Norman Dunn, Eugene Tibbetts
Appropriation $3,000.00
Town of Wales $203.75
Town of Leeds $74.00
State Forestry $22.50
Spent $2,162.52
Spent, Fireman's Hall $489.55
Spent, Center Station Repairs $1,055.68
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 33 calls during the past year, viz.: 17 chimney, 3 grass, 2 woods, 1 auto, 7 buildings, 4 miscellaneous, and have been out of town 5 times.
We have used 1,050 feet of 21/2 inch hose; 3,600 feet of 11/2 inch hose; laid 16 lines; 27 Indian pumps; 11 soda and acid extinguishers; 17 booster lines; $10,000.00 damage and $8,000.00 insurance.
We still recommend that people in rural sections of the town consider and make available to its department, water through the construction of water holes and farm ponds. Your Fire Department will help supervise the care of same if owner desires assistance. Your Fire Department feels that the town road equipment should be used to plow and prepare the approaches to water supply if no other way or means is available.
During the year work has been done on the fire station. We feel that any further work on the present building would be a waste of money.
We would like to make the following recommendations:
1. That the unexpended balance of the fire station account be used toward a heating system for Fireman's Hall at No. Monmouth.
2. That the persons whose names I submitted to the Selectmen last year to get data and information in regard to a hydrant and water system be authorized to function.
3. That the Selectmen, Town Manager, Town Treasurer, Fire Chief, and Assistant Chief look over available land as a site for a new fire station and report at next town meeting.
The time is near when a new station must be constructed if proper care and maintenance is to be given to fire equipment.
4. That the article in the Town Warrant for $1,500.00 for the Fire Department be given passage.
5. That the Town make available to Civilian Defense a separate warning system as under the plans which we are now operating it is confusing and also dangerous for firemen.
In closing we thank all who have helped in any way during the past year.
CYRILLE W. CHRETIEN,
Chief
1957-58
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants Kenneth Sanborn, Norman Dunn, J. Everett Chandler
Appropriation $1,500.00
Town of West Gardiner $243.00
Town of Wales $99.00
Spent $3,479.43
Spent, Fireman's Hall, North Monmouth $1,108.34
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 41 calls during the past year, viz.: 14 chimney, 6 grass, 4 woods and brush, 3 trucks, 3 buildings, 8 dump, 3 miscellaneous, and has been out of town 7 times.
We have used 2,200 feet of 11/2 inch hose; laid 9 lines; used 44 back pumps; 9 soda and acid extinguishers; 2 Fomite; 1 Ansul; 30 hand tools; 23 booster lines; loss to buildings $500.00 and contents $700.00, with some insurance coverage.
We still recommend that people in rural sections of the town consider, and make available to the Fire Department, water through the construction of water holes and farm ponds. Your Fire Department will help supervise the construction of same, if owner desires assistance.
During the year a new heating plant has been installed at Fireman's Hall at North Monmouth for the hall and fire station.
We would like to make the following recommendations:
1. That the sum of $2,150.00 be appropriated, plus the unexpended balance of $1,385.00 for the Fire Department.
2. That the officers look over available land as a site for a new fire station and report back at some future town meeting. The time is here when a new station must be constructed, if proper care and maintenance is to be given to the fire equipment.
3. We must start now to make plans for our fire alarm system, for in two years or less we must make the change.
In closing I would like to thank all who have helped the Fire Department in any way during the past year.
(Signed) CYRILLE W. CHRETIEN,
Chief
1958-59
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants Kenneth Sanborn, Norman Dunn, J. Everett Chandler
Appropriation $2,600.00
Town of Wales $286.00
Town of Litchfield $12.50
Spent $3,970.25
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 43 calls during the past year, viz: 5 out of town, 21 chimney, 11 buildings, 2 grass, 1 woods. 1 dump, 5 oil burners, 2 cars.
We have used 5700' 11/2" hose; 2500' 21/2" hose; laid 32 lines; used 17 soda and acid, 3 ansul; 3 CO2 and 1 foamite extinguisher; used 9 booster lines and 8 back-pumps; building loss $41,700.00 and contents loss $44,793.08, insurance coverage 771/2%.
During the last year the Town has suffered by fire the heaviest loss in many years. This should remind us not to allow our equipment to deteriorate for lack of proper housing facilities.
We recommend that the Town raise $5,000.00 plus the unexpended balance for the coming year. We are planning a complete change-over in our alarm system.
We still urge that the people in rural sections of the Town consider and make available as soon as possible water holes and farm ponds for better fire protection.
We ask that all Townspeople give due consideration and support to Articles 46 and 47.
In closing we thank all who have helped in any way during the past year.
CYRILLE W. CHRETIEN
Chief
Article 46. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen and Fire Chief to appoint a committee to secure information and data on the creation of a Water District & Fire Hydrant system for the Town and report at any special or next regular Town Meeting.
Article 47. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen and Fire Chief to appoint a committee to look over available sites and secure information and data for a new Fire Station, and report at any special or next regular Town Meeting.
1959-60
Chief Engineer Cyrille W. Chretien, Assistants Kenneth Sanborn, Norman Dunn, J. Everett Chandler
Appropriation $5,000.00
Town of Wales $29.00
Spent $4,103.71
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to 42 calls during the past year, viz; out of town 2; chimney 10; building 1; grass 7; woods 2; dump 2; car 2; oilstove 1; oilburner 4. We have called outside help four times.
We have used 7400' of 11/2" hose; 3500' of 21/2" hose; laid 9 lines; used 8 soda and acid, 2 fomite extinguishers; used 10 booster lines, 35 back pumps and 20 hand tools; building loss $23,250.00 mostly covered by insurance.
During the year our fire losses have been at a minimum. Our greatest loss has been our Telephone Operators who played such an important part in our alarm system. Our sincere thanks goes to each and every one of the girls, who over the years have been our greatest help.
With our new telephone and fire alarm system it becomes necessary and very important that you properly report your name, location and type of fire as we have no way of locating your call once the connection is broken. If you dial by mistake the fire number 3-2333 please identify yourself so we will know it is not a fire. This number is for fires or emergencies ONLY.
We recommend:
1. that the town raise and appropriate $5000.00 plus the unexpended balance for the fire department;
2. that you give careful consideration to the report of the Fire Station Committee also to Article*;
3. that the committee on Hydrants and Water System be authorized to continue.
In closing we thank all who have helped in any way during the past year.
CYRILLE W. CHRETIEN
Chief
REPORT OF THE FIRE STATION COMMITTEE
To the honorable Board of Selectmen:
Your committee visited several towns and cities and looked over their Fire Stations to ascertain the best lay out and accommodations available and within our price range.
We have viewed and discussed five different sites in town as to their availability, cost, location and ease of adapting to the necessary requirements of a Fire Station. Our final conclusion was that if the Burr house property was available--it is Town Owned--it is large enough for the purpose and would not entail any land or buildings that are now paying taxes. We believe that a 3 bay station plus a meeting room would be adequate for the present.
Signed
JOSEPH BERGERON
Chairman
*Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to purchase land and construct a new Fire Station thereon.
Article 19. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise and appropriate to carry out Article 18, or act thereon.
1960-61
Chief Engineer George Ruman, 1st asst. Kenneth E. Sanborn, 2nd asst. Norman Dunn, 3rd asst. J. Everett Chandler
Appropriation $5,000
Spent $3,603.40
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
The Fire Department responded to 42 calls during the past year, viz.: buildings, 6; chimney, 19; grass, 4; cars, 5; woods, 2; electrical, 5; trailer, 1. We used 4,600 feet of hose.
During the past year much has been accomplished by the organization of the Monmouth Volunteer Fire Company. We also have a very fine group of Junior firemen through the efforts of regular firemen, who have been giving their time to train them.
During the past year four (4) radios have been purchased; three (3) installed in the fire trucks and one (1) being used as a base radio.
Recommendations for the following year: That the Town raise and appropriate $2,500.00 plus the unexpended balance for the fire department. That the Town purchase a tank truck for the North Monmouth section.
We wish to thank all those who have helped in the past year.
GEORGE RUMAN
Chief
REPORT OF THE FIRE STATION COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board 0f Selectmen:
After several meetings your committee agreed on the following specifications and location for a new fire station:
45' long
55' wide
3--14" bays
3--10' x 12' doors
Cement block construction
Clear span (no posts)
3 lots on Blue Road (Hathaway and King)
Includes heating, toilets and well
Total cost: $20,000.00
Signed,
JOISEPH BERGERON
Chairman
1961-62
Chief Engineer George Ruman, 1st asst. Kenneth E. Sanborn, 2nd asst. Norman Chick, 3rd asst. J. Everett Chandler
Appropriation $2,500
Spent $5, 146.80
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Citizens of Monmouth:
The Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department responded to thirty-nine fire calls during 1961. The amount of property damage caused by fire was comparatively low this year.
Due to the newly planned road construction on Main Street, Monmouth Center, and the relocation of the brook flowing under Main Street, it has been decided that construction of a new fire station would be much more practical than moving the old building. This conclusion was reached after considerable study by both the building committee of the Volunteer Fire Department, and town officials.
I wish to thank the citizens of Monmouth for their co-operation with the Fire Department during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE J. RUMAN
Excerpt from the TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
We are proposing a new fire station at Monmouth Center this year. The request for a new station is being made at this time because after reconstructing Main Street and diverting the brook from its present location, it will be necessary to do extensive repair work on the foundation of the present station. An engineer, after looking over the building, informed us that it would cost approximately $5,900.00 to put it in safe condition. The amount needed to repair this building will make a very substantial payment on a new fire station.
MAXWELL P. BUCK
Town Manager
1962 (Town year changed to calendar year)
Chief Engineer George Ruman, 1st asst. Kenneth E. Sanborn, 2nd asst. Norman Chick, 3rd asst. John E. Chandler
Appropriation $4,000.00
Spent $3,511.40 -- balance to equipment fund.
New fire station lot purchased from Earl W. and Helen G. Harvey $3,000.00
Construction costs of station $17,070.75
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Citizens of Monmouth:
Except for one major fire, losses for 1962 were small.
Our department is equipped and trained to fight fire with water fog. We no longer gauge our achievements by the amount of water we pour on a burning structure; but how little we can use to extinguish the blaze, thus causing less damage by water. We can accomplish this with "water fog."
We are very happy with our new station. With ample room, the men have been able to paint and refinish equipment which has been neglected for lack of space in which to work.
We have begun a program of buying protective gear for the men such as boots, coats, etc. We also are bringing our hose inventory up by buying some each year instead of having to buy a lot at once.
I wish to thank all officers and men of the department for their fine cooperation in making this department a well rounded and efficient operating unit.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE J. RUMAN, Chief
Excerpt from the TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
The new fire station was constructed at Monmouth Center during 1962 at a total cost of $20,000. The new station was named the Carroll T. Bragdon Fire Station in honor of Mr. Bragdon who served as fire chief of Monmouth for many years. I believe anyone who has seen the new station will agree that it is a great improvement over the old one, and should serve the needs of the community for many years.
MAXWELL P. BUCK
Town Manager
1963
Chief Engineer Irving Jewell, 1st asst. Kenneth E. Sanborn, 2nd asst. Wendell Kincaid, 3rd asst. Laurence Folsom
Appropriation $4,000.00
Spent $5,441.28
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
The Volunteer Fire Department has responded to sixty-four calls during the year 1963, viz.: ten chimney, ten grass and brush, four woods, seven cars and trucks, fourteen buildings, fifteen dump, four false alarms, and nine out-of-town calls.
We used 3,250 feet of 21/2-inch hose; 12,410 feet of 11/2-inch hose; laid forty-two hose lines and forty booster lines, used ninety-eight Indian Pumps, used six Ansul fire extinguishers and no CO2 and no foam extinguishers; $7,000 loss of property, the majority of which was insured.
Money expended at the last Town Meeting to install the dry hydrants has been partially used to install dry hydrants at Mr. Thomas Griffiths, Old Lewiston Road. Mr. Norris Taylor installed a dry hydrant on his property, Old Lewiston Road, at his own expense. It is hoped that another dry hydrant will be installed at another convenient location with the balance of the money unexpended. These hydrants have both been tested by the Fire Department and minor difficulties were encountered at the time of installation, but these difficulties have been corrected at the time of this report. The dry hydrant installed by the Town is in acceptable condition. Mr. Norris Taylor's privately owned dry hydrant is inoperable at this time, but Mr. Taylor has hired a contractor to rectify the trouble involved.
The Civilian Defense truck and trailer was purchased last spring by donations made by the members of the Fire Department and non-members. This truck has proved of value to the Fire Department in certain instances. We wish to thank members and non-members alike that made this truck operational for use of the Fire Department, and we feel that money expended toward the purchase of this equipment has been more than returned to us by the purchase of said equipment.
We thank the members and citizens of the Town of Monmouth, the members of the Fire Departments of the mutual aid towns and citizens of these towns for their help in the past year.
The phone 933-2333 is to report a fire or an emergency only. Please do not use this number for inquiry of fires or emergencies. This information can be obtained by calling 933-4545 only. We will try to have a man at the Fire Station to answer this phone for any inquiries to eliminate needless use of our emergency system. We would appreciate citizens of the Town to familiarize themselves with this practice.
In the past year a large amount of maintenance has been required on our equipment by members of the Fire Department without cost to the Town, and to these members a very special thank-you.
Respectfully submitted,
IRVING G. JEWELL,
Chief
1964
1965
Chief Engineer Irving Jewell, 1st asst. Donald Ham, 2nd asst. Rodney Chesley, 3rd asst. Robert Pettengill
Appropriation $4,500.00
Town of Wales $94.00
Spent $4,453.41
To reserve fund $321.37
FIRE TRUCK
Appropriation $1,000.00
Reserve fund $1,000.00
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Citizens of the Town of Monmouth:
The Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department responded to seventy-two calls during the year 1965, viz: chimney 12, grass and brush 13, woods 4, car 1, buildings 6, town dump 13, private dump 1, oil burners 5, false alarms 9, and out-of-town calls: Leeds 2, Wales 3, Greene 4, and Winthrop 2.
We used 1650 feet of 21/2" hose, 6800 feet of 11/2" hose. We laid 72 hose lines and 31 booster lines, and we used 78 Indian Pumps and 3 Ansul fire extinguishers and no CO2 and no foam.
We wish to remind the townspeople that the fire telephone number 933-2333 is for reporting a fire only and not for information.
We wish to thank the members and citizens of the Town of Monmouth and the members of the Fire Departments of the mutual aid towns and the citizens of these towns for their help and cooperation in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
IRVING G. JEWELL,
Fire Chief
1966
Chief Engineer Irving Jewell, 1st asst. Donald Ham, 2nd asst. Robert Pettengill, 3rd asst. Rodney Chesley
Appropriation $5,000.00
Town of Wales $432.00
State $134.99
Spent $4,874.68
To reserve fund $692.31
FIRE TRUCK
Appropriation $1,000.00
Reserve fund $1,000.00
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Citizens of the Town of Monmouth:
The Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department responded to forty-four calls during the year 1966, viz.: chimney 8, grass and brush 4, woods 2, cars 5, trucks 3, buildings 8, town dump 4, oil burners 2, tractors 1, false alarms 1; out-of-town calls: Leeds 3, Wales 1 and Litchfield 1, and 1 cat was rescued from a tree. One dynamite permit was issued to Shepard Brothers for water line construction.
We used five hundred feet of two and one-half inch hose, eighteen hundred and fifty feet of one and one-half inch hose. We laid eleven hose lines and twenty-one booster lines and we used forty Indian Pumps and two Ansul fire extinguishers. We did not have to use any CO2 or foam.
During the year 1965, we answered seventy-two calls as compared to forty-four calls in 1966, a difference of thirty-eight calls which is very gratifying to note.
We contacted four manufacturers of fire apparatus for bids on our new fire truck voted by the townspeople at the Annual Town Meeting in 1966. Two bids were submitted from the four manufacturers contacted. The bid was awarded to Farrar Company of Woodsville, Massachusetts for a seven hundred and fifty GPM pumper on a Ford nine hundred and fifty chassis with a one thousand gallon booster tank, Underwriters Approved.
A permit must be obtained from the Fire Chief, Town Forest Warden or Forest Ranger in order to burn in an incinerator between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. This became a law March 1st, 1966, under Title 25, Section 2436-A Revised Statutes 1964 as provided in Chapter 365 Public Laws 1965.
Section 2436-A. Burning of Debris
For the purposes of this section "debris" shall be defined as any manufactured product, household rubbish, hay or other vegetative accumulations or materials not included in Title 12, section 1551. No person, firm or corporation shall burn debris out of doors other than when the ground is covered with snow, except between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. This section shall not apply to burning in incinerators approved by a municipal fire chief, town fire warden or forest ranger; burning at municipally maintained dumps, burning in municipalities wherein ordinances control the time and manner of such burning; nor to special burning jobs where a written permit is provided by the municipal fire chief, town forest warden or forest ranger. Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $50.
The Monmouth Fireman's Auxiliary was founded in April 1966. The purpose of this group is to purchase items for the Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department. The main objective was to purchase a resuscitator, but this is being purchased through Civil Defense, however, the money the Auxiliary has earned from a food sale, dinner, auction and dance will go toward the purchase of other items. Two coffee percolators have been purchased for use at the scene of fires in cold weather and at the fire station. The Fire Department wishes to thank these ladies for their time and effort to help us.
Please note that the fire telephone number is 933-2333 is for reporting a fire or similar emergency and not for information. Information will not be given over this phone because it could tie up the line for anyone trying to put in an emergency call.
We wish to thank the members and citizens of the Town of Monmouth and the members of the Fire Department of the mutual aid towns and the citizens of these towns for their help and cooperation in the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
IRVING G. JEWELL,
Fire Chief
1967
Chief Engineer Irving Jewell, 1st asst. Donald Ham, 2nd asst. Robert Pettengill, 3rd asst. Laurence Folsom
Appropriation $5,000.00
Spent $4,288.67
To reserve fund $751.33
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Citizens of the Town of Monmouth:
The Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department responded to thirty-four calls during the year 1967, viz.: chimney 5, grass and brush 4, trucks 1, tractor 1, buildings 5, town dump 1, oil burners 3, hot wire down 1, Central Maine Power Company pole on fire 1, trailer 1, washing machine 1, spilled gasoline 1, false alarms 5; out-of-town calls: Winthrop 2 and Leeds 2. Nine dynamite permits were issued for a total of 1603 pounds and permits were issued for 1800 dynamite caps.
Six lines of one and one-half inch hose was laid for a total of 2800 feet, and seventeen booster lines were laid. We used twenty-five Indian Pumps and two Ansul fire extinguishers. We did not have to use any CO2 or foam.
During the year 1967, we answered thirty-four calls in comparison to forty-four in 1966. We hope that the year 1968 is even less. With the help and cooperation of the citizens of the town this number could be reduced.
The Monmouth Fireman's Auxiliary has purchased two all-purpose smoke masks, and these are aboard the new fire truck. The Fire Department wishes to publicly thank these ladies for their purchase of the smoke masks and for having coffee at the scenes of fires and also, at the Fire Station when the trucks are being reloaded, and all their efforts to help us.
We wish again to remind the townspeople that the fire telephone number is 933-2333, and is for reporting a fire or similar emergency. Absolutely no information will be given unless it is classed as an emergency.
My thanks to the citizens and members of the Fire Department for their help and cooperation during the year 1967.
Respectfully submitted,
IRVING I. JEWELL,
Chief
1968
Chief Engineer Irving Jewell, 1st asst. Donald Ham, 2nd asst. Robert Pettengill, 3rd asst. Laurence Folsom
Appropriation $ 5,000.00
Spent $4,441.04
Raised and appropriates for Reserve Fund $1,000.00
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Citizens of Monmouth:
The Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department responded to forty-four calls during the year 1968, viz.: chimney 4, grass and brush 14, buildings 7, town dump 4, oil burners 2, hot wires down 1, spilled gasoline 1, false alarms 3, cars 3, and one beaver dam; out-of-town calls Winthrop 3 and Leeds 2. Six dynamite permits were issued for a total of 1553 pounds and permits were issued for 353 dynamite caps.
Twenty-five lines of one and one-half inch hose was laid for a total of 5400 feet and four lines of two and one-half inch hose was laid for a total of 1700 feet. Twenty-two booster lines were laid. We used fifty-four Indian Pumps. We did not have to use any Ansul fire extinguishers or any CO2 or foam.
During the year 1968, we answered forty-four calls in comparison to thirty-four in 1967. We hope that the year 1969 is even less. This number can be reduced with the help and cooperation of the citizens of the town.
Mr. Beverly A. Slauenwhite, a member of the Monmouth Fire Department for forty-five years, retired due to ill health. The officers and members of the Fire Department, as well as the citizens of the Town of Monmouth, wish to publicly thank "Bev" for forty-five years of public service for a job well done.
We wish to remind the townspeople again that the fire telephone number is 933-2333, and this is for reporting a fire or similar emergency. Absolutely no information will be given unless it is classed as an emergency.
My thanks to the citizens and members of the Fire Department for their help and cooperation during the year 1968.
Respectfully submitted,
IRVING I. JEWELL,
Chief
1969
Chief Engineer Irving G. Jewell, 1st asst. Donald E. Ham, 2nd asst. Robert H. Pettengill, 3rd asst. Leonard D. Bates
Appropriation $5,000
Hartford Fire Insurance $206.79
Spent $5, 218.67
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Citizens of the Town of Monmouth:
The Monmouth Volunteer Fire Department responded to thirty-nine calls during the year 1969, viz: chimneys 1, grass and brush 3, buildings 9, town dump 6, furnace 1, spilled gasoline 1, cars 1, tractors 2, cat in a tree 1, false alarms answered by truck 3 and false alarms answered by red phones only -- 31; out of these calls: Greene 1, Leeds 2, Wales 1 and Winthrop 1. Four dynamite permits were issued for 200 dynamite caps.
We laid fourteen lines of two and one-half inch hose for a total of 2500 feet and thirty-seven lines of one and one-half inch hose totaling 3700 feet. Twenty booster lines were laid. We used twenty-six Indian Pumps and five Ansul fire extinguishers and three CO2, and no foam.
In the year 1969, we answered thirty-nine calls in comparison to forty-four calls in 1968, which is five less than the previous year.
During Fire Prevention Week, Open House was held on October 12th at the Central Station with 118 visitors, both children and adults. The children were given short rides on a designated truck which delighted the children very much. Equipment was displayed to all visitors in the fire station which is the equipment carried in the trucks. The adults were amazed with life saving equipment used by the Fire Department. Refreshments were served to everyone attending Open House.
Six training sessions were held during the year as follows: Drafting With Trucks --- 102 hours and Smoke Masks and Air Pacs --- 52 hours, all on a volunteer basis.
One weekend was devoted to hauling fill by volunteers driving Town Highway Department trucks, leveling with the town grader and seeded with grass seed. The volunteers donated 188 hours to this project to beautify the Central Station. The Monmouth Fireman's Auxiliary planted ten English Ivys on three sides of the building.
During the last weekend in December of the bad rain storm, 200 hours were volunteered by the firemen in pumping out cellars.
We wish to remind the townspeople again that the fire telephone number is 933-2333. This number is for reporting a fire or similar emergency. Absolutely, no information will be given unless it is classes as an emergency.
I wish to thank the citizens and Members of the Fire Department for their help and cooperation during the year 1969.
Respectfully submitted,
IRVING G. JEWELL,
Chief
1970
Chief Engineer Irving Jewell, 1st asst. Donald Ham, 2nd asst. Robert Pettengill, 3rd asst. Leonard D. Bates
1971
Chief Engineer Irving Jewell, 1st asst. Donald Ham, 2nd asst. Robert Pettengill, 3rd asst. Leonard D. Bates
1972
Chief Engineer Irving Jewell, 1st asst. Richard Milligan, 2nd asst. Robert H. Pettengill, 3rd asst. Leonard D. Bates
1973
1974
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom , 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Leonard D. Bates, 3rd asst. Robert H. Pettengill
1975
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom , 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Leonard D. Bates, 3rd asst. Paul C. Fox
1976
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Leonard D. Bates, 3rd asst. Paul C. Fox
1977
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Leonard D. Bates, 3rd asst. Paul C. Fox
1978
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Leonard D. Bates, 3rd asst. Paul C. Fox
1979
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Leonard D. Bates, 3rd asst. Paul C. Fox
Jan. 1980-Jun. 1980
Chief Engineer Lawrence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Leonard D. Bates, 3rd asst. Paul C. Fox
1980-81
Chief Engineer Lawrence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Leonard D. Bates, 3rd asst. Paul C. Fox
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84
1984-85
Chief Engineer Lawrence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Paul Fox, 3rd asst. William Pollard
Appropriation $27,904.00
Spent $30,810.64
REPORT OF THE FIRE CHIEF
To the Selectmen and Citizens of Monmouth:
During the 1984/85 fiscal year, we responded to 64 calls which were: dwellings 11; mutual aid 7; chimney 17; town wood dump 3; public service calls 3; grass and/or woods 13; stand-by down power line 1; false alarms 3; building than dwellings 1; auto accidents 1; gas leak propane 1; pump cellars 3; this entailed 80 hours of response time; 1756 man hours of call time; and laying of 81 lines, 44 high pressure fog or booster; 16, 11/2 inch lines 2350 feet; 9, 21/2 inch lines 1750 feet; 3, 4 inch lines 1100 feet and used forestry tools on 12 calls.
Training 870 man hours were spent within the department and we also had 7 men take part in Outside Training Schools.
The addition to the Center Station was built by Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute and is about 95% complete at the end of the 84-85 year.
In the addition we have a Meeting and Training Room which will seat 60 people; Chief's Office; Radio Room; Boiler Room; and a Kitchen Area. The Firemen had a Bottle and Tire Drive to raise money for part of the chairs.
The Monmouth Firemen's Auxiliary donated the rest of the chairs, stove, refrigerator and television. Monmouth Rescue donated a table and Monmouth Fair Association donated a slide screen.
I wish to thank the Townspeople and organizations for their support.
LAURENCE O. FOLSOM
Fire Chief
1986-87
Chief Engineer Lawrence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Paul Fox, 3rd asst. William Pollard
1987-88
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Paul C. Fox 3rd asst. William Pollard
1988-89
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Paul C. Fox 3rd asst. William Pollard
1989-90
1990-91
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Richard P. Milligan, 2nd asst. Paul C. Fox 3rd asst. William Pollard
Appropriation $37,396.00
Spent $38,728.13
Annual Report of the Fire Department
To the Selectmen and Citizens of Monmouth:
0102 Sewer Fixed.
0103 Salaries Chief $1,050.00; each Assistant $500.00.
0104 Call Pay is paid at $4.50 per hour. Were (sic) operating with 45 people down from 53.
0105 Supplies anything that is put to use as soon as we get it.
0106 Water Fixed.
0107 Telephone at both stations and our share of 911.
0108 Power CMP bill both stations 9% increase.
0109 Dispatch is based on last years call. 1300 is only a guess at this time, it will be close.
0110 Gas/Oil - gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, anti-freeze.
0111 Radio Repair is repair of radio and paging equipment the increase is due to aging equipment.
0112 Repair/Maintenance is for everything but radios and buildings. Most of labor is done by the Fire Fighters at no cost.
0113 Building/Maintenance is for buildings, grounds.
0114 Administration covers office supplies, the cost of hosting meetings.
0116 Equipment - 5 sets of turn out gear - $3,425.00; 5 Minitors - $1,750; 400 ft. of 5 in. hose - $2,000.. For total equipment expenses of $7,175.00 leaving a balance of $1,825.00 for the unknown expenses.
0117 Vehicle Expense - Chief $200.00; Each Assistant $125.00 for using their own vehicles.
0118 Training Books, Schools, Outside Instructor.
0119 Dues - NFPA & MFF.
0120 Fire Prevention comes out of Administration.
0131 Heat - Heating Oil.
0132 Insurance is in the budget to cover anything we purchase that needs to be covered for balance of the year.
0133 Snowplowing is for both stations.
0134 Uniforms is a wash out.
Respectfully submitted,
LAURENCE O. FOLSOM
Fire Chief
1991-92
1992-93
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Paul C. Fox, 2nd asst. William Pollard, 3rd asst. Andre Poulin
1993-94
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom, 1st asst. Paul C. Fox, 2nd asst. William Pollard, 3rd asst. Andre Poulin
Appropriation $42,796.00
Spent $47,927.62
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Board of Selectpersons, Citizens and Taxpayers of the Town of Monmouth:
In fiscal year 1993/94 we answered 78 calls which were: 17 automobile accidents; 3 automobile fires; 9 buildings; 1 boat; 1 sawdust pile; 1 person locked in school; 3 smoke investigations; 1 assist public works; 3 false alarms; 3 heating systems; 6 grass/woods; 10 chimneys; 3 power line down; 2 pump cellar; we responded for mutual aid 15 times and had mutual aid come to our aid 5 times.
We spend over 2,000 man hours training and 1,987 man hours responding to the 78 calls.
We also painted the North Monmouth Fire Station with volunteer help which took 2 days.
I wish to thank you, the people of Monmouth, for your help and support over the last 22 years while I was Chief, with special thanks to the Board of Selectpersons, Town Manager, the Office Staff, all of the other Department Heads and their Personnel, the Firemen's Auxiliary and other members of the Fire Department, past and present.
Thank you,
LAURENCE O. FOLSOM
Fire Chief
1994-95
Chief Engineer Laurence O. Folsom (retired this year)
Chief Engineer Paul Fox, 1st asst. William Pollard, 2nd asst. Andre Poulin, 3rd asst. Dean Milligan
Appropriation $42,056.00
Spent $41,640.61
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Board of Selectpersons, Citizens and Taxpayers of the Town of Monmouth:
In fiscal year 1994/95 we answered 67 calls: 11 10/55 automobile accidents; 2 automobile fires; 6 buildings; 7 smoke investigations; 5 false alarms; 8 grass and woods; 2 chimneys; 5 power lines; 12 M/A (mutual aid) to other towns; 2 Central Maine Railroad to fill engine radiator; 1 paint room; 2 pump cellar; 1 oil spill; and 1 bomb threat.
There have been many hours of volunteer labor put into the Fire Department this year. The men spent many hours setting up truck 7, which carries forestry tools and the Jaws that is used for extrication at automobile accidents.
As funds allow, we are gradually upgrading our turnout gear. Three new hand radios have been purchased to better serve the department.
We have started a Captain and Lieutenant night the fourth Thursday of the month. On this night all equipment is checked on the trucks to insure everything is up-to-date. There are many man hours put into training each month.
I would like to thank the people of the Town of Monmouth, Town Manager, Office Staff, Board of Selectpersons, the Firemen's Auxiliary, and the best group of fire fighters that Monmouth has ever had for all their support.
Thank you,
PAUL C. FOX
Fire Chief
1995-96
Chief Engineer Paul Fox, 1st asst. William Pollard, 2nd asst. Andre Poulin, 3rd asst. Dean Milligan
Appropriation $39,956.00
Spent $39,976.07
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Board of Selectpersons, Citizens and Taxpayers of the Town of Monmouth:
In fiscal year 1995-96 we responded to 90 calls: 13 buildings; 10 false alarms; 2 auto fires; 1 boat fire; 12 woods, grass and camp fires; 7 power lines; 1 gas tank; 1 oil spill; 2 calls to assist the public; 18 mutual aid, and 23 auto accidents. This is a record number of calls.
In the spring of 1996 we went through an ISO insurance test for the fire department. Many man hours went into this effort. We are hoping to work more on the rural water supply in 1997.
The Fire Department purchased a 1985 ford truck with a 1500 gallon tank from the Town of Readfield in March, which will replace a 1967 chevy truck. We hope to have a larger tank soon. This truck was paid for by the firefighters and donations. There were no tax dollars involved.
In April we posted a worksheet for anyone that donates his/her time to repair trucks and maintain buildings and equipment. There are many, many hours donated. Our monthly Captain and Lieutenant night works very well toward keeping the equipment in good repair.
We have about 41 firefighters. They are all very active at training and meetings. There is an average attendance of between 32 to 35 at all meetings.
I would like to express my appreciation to our fire prevention group. They do a great job with the school children.
I would also like to thank the people of the Town of Monmouth, Town Manager, Office Staff, Board of Selectpersons, the Firemen's Auxiliary, and the best group of fire fighters that Monmouth has ever had for all their support.
Thank you,
PAUL C. FOX
Fire Chief
1996-97
Chief Engineer Paul C. Fox, 1st asst. William S. Pollard, 2nd asst. Andre J. Poulin, 3rd asst. Dean R. Milligan
Appropriation $42,056.00
Spent $42,403.05
FIRE CHIEF'S REPORT
To the Board of Selectpersons, Citizens and Taxpayers of the Town of Monmouth:
In fiscal year 1996-97 we responded to 83 calls: 17 buildings; 12 mutual aid; 22 auto accidents; 10 false alarms; 7 auto fires; 6 power lines; and 3 grass and woods fires.
The 1985 Ford that was purchased by firefighters and donations now has a new 2100 gallon tank, thanks to the Town of Monmouth. It is a Class A unit and looks very good. Many man hours went into getting this truck set up.
Last year I reported, we had put up a worksheet for anyone to sign that donates his/her time to repair trucks and maintain buildings and equipment. The things that were done are as follows: wash trucks, update air pack information, work on tank 2, install truck radios and sirens, clean storage shed and built shelves, and installed 3" reflective tape on all trucks. A lot of time was spent on fire prevention for school children. Installed overhead air line for air brakes and news lights in Center Station, and installed air horns at North Station. Replaced dump valves, switches, fuel lines and did many more small jobs for a total of 283.5 man hours at no cost to the taxpayer.
We now have about 45 fire fighters. Our training is going very well, and the attendance is also very good.
I would like to thank all the firefighters for their help and support in the last year and also the Town of Monmouth, Town Manager, Office Staff, Board of Selectpersons and the Firemen's Auxiliary for their help and support.
We still have the best group of firefighters Monmouth has ever had.
Thank you,
PAUL C. FOX
Fire Chief
1997-98
Chief Engineer Paul Fox
1998-99
Chief Engineer Paul Fox
1999-00
Chief Engineer Paul Fox
2000-2001
Chief Engineer Paul Fox
Annual
Fire Chief's Report
To the Board of Selectpersons, Citizens, and Taxpayers of the Town of Monmouth,
In the fiscal year 2000-2001, Monmouth Fire Department responded to 68 calls: 8 structure fires, 1 chimney fire, 5 vehicle fires, 5 smoke investigation, 17 10-55 auto accidents, 4 to assist rescue, 2 Carbon Monoxide call with carbon monoxide meter, 7 mutual aid calls to other towns, 5 grass and woods fires, 2 calls to assist public, 6 hazardous materials (such as oil spills), 2 false alarms, and 4 miscellaneous calls.
In July 2000, the Department received our new fire truck. The truck was purchased from EMV of Maine; this truck is a Ferrara and replaced our old 1967 Ford that was Engine 4. The new truck has an International cab and chassis, with a Ferrara body and equipment for fighting fires. This new unit has a 1000 gallon water tank and a 1250 GPM pump. It is also equipped with foam, which is a great help in putting out wood and car fires. This truck was paid for out of the Capital Improvement account, and the Fire Department is very proud of it - the first new one since 1988.
We now have 41 men in the Department, including 3 juniors. We have 26 men that are certified to use SCBA self-contained breathing apparatus to enter a burning building.
Townspeople who have not already done so, still need to display their property address out by the road so we can locate you quickly.
I would like to thank the people of Monmouth, Town Manager, Board of Selectpersons, Office Staff, Firemen's Auxiliary, and the Monmouth Firemen for their support and help. We still have a Number One group of firefighters.
Thank you,
Paul C. Fox - Fire Chief
