FIRST RESPONDER ACCESSION PROGRAM (FRAP): Preparing Future First Responders
NOW SUBSIDIZED BY TOWN

All but a few of the OBIFD’s fire fighters, emergency medical personnel and drivers are over 50 years old. Some are in their 60s and 70s. Healthy but aging, retired individuals are essential to any volunteer fire department because of their availability to respond to larger numbers of calls and since they frequently have years of experience and knowledge. Nevertheless, there is a strong need for young blood with the speed, stamina and brawn to withstand the more arduous tasks involved in first response.

OBIFD’s recruitment attempts at Mt. Ararat High School and the Region 10 Technical High School had been unsuccessful. As a result, a closer-to-home, grassroots approach was adopted. The First Responder Accession Program (FRAP) was developed by Firefighter/Paramedic, Meriel Longley, and Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Sean Hall, both of whom are employed by the Town of Harpswell and serve as volunteers as well. The FRAP program aims to inspire and develop interest among Harpswell’s youth to train to
become first responders.

The FRAP training program is free and meets at the Orr’s Island Fire Station every Thursday night for training and demonstrations. Sessions last 3-4 hours each and are sometimes conducted in the field in the warmer months. The program is open to young residents, ages 18-25, from all sides of town and is designed to expose participants to various aspects of first responder roles and duties. Currently there are 12 highly focused participants, all 25 years old or younger. FRAP trainings are designed to teach many essential skills used in emergency response such as CPR/First Aid, water rescue techniques, fire hose deployment and use, rope rescue techniques, forceable entry and fire behavior, to name just a few of the training topics.

The program, which began in April, 2023, has become so successful that the Harpswell Board of Selectmen approved a budget to subsidize the teaching of the program as of October, 2023.

FRAP members have been able to earn certifications, not only in CPR and First Aid, but also in Wildlands Firefighter and Ice Water Rescue Technician.

The goal is to educate and inspire more young people go on to take courses to obtain
certification in fire fighting, (including firefighter levels I & II, which allow entry into burning buildings), emergency medical response (EMT or paramedic) and driving emergency vehicles. The FRAP program has so far proven to be interesting, engaging and empowering to these young participants and also provides much camaraderie and sense of community spirit. In the short time of its existence, three of its members have enrolled in the Fire Academy and one in EMT school.

For all interested in participating in the program, please contact Sean Hall at
[email protected] or Meriel Longley at [email protected].

On June 28, 2023 The OBIFD held a BBQ and awards ceremony for First Responders at the Orr’s Island Fire Station and Schoolhouse. Recognition was given to graduates of the Fire Academy and to those who were certified in wildlands firefighting. A Lifetime Membership was awarded to Ed Levine, long time fire department member.
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The Town of Harpswell and its residents owe a huge debt of gratitude to its first responders - fire fighters and EMS (Emergency Medical Service) - who volunteer countless hours of their time and sometimes risk their safety and even their lives to rescue persons and property. On May 23, 2023, the Orr’s and Bailey Island Fire Department (OBIFD) held a BBQ and party at the Department to thank and honor all the responders for their service. This event coincided with the National EMS Week from May 21 - 27.​

Seven responders from the three Harpswell Fire Departments (Jack Stokinger from Harpswell Neck; Mason Smith, Mike Hartman, and Rosie Buonauito from Orr’s & Bailey Island; and Meriel Longley, Mario Baldi, and Steve Rowe from Cundy’s Harbor) recently participated, along with 43 other members of fire departments throughout the State of Maine, in a wildland fire training course offered by the Maine Forest Service. The training was composed of 3 online courses, each followed by exams. Those who passed could apply for certificates, which would make them eligible for in-the-field practical training. The practical training was held on April 15, 2023, off Breakwater Farm Road in Cape Elizabeth.

Last summer, Harpswell had several woodland fires, including a 3-day burn on Great Island. These may have served as part of the impetus for the large attendance from Harpswell this year. Woodland firefighting requires a different skill set, different clothing, and different gear than is required to fight house fires. Of note is the fact that these courses are open to non-firefighter members of the public. Once trained, certified individuals may volunteer to work alongside regular firefighters putting out woods and fields fires.

Says Scott Holowach, long-time firefighter, EMT, ice rescue technician, and ice rescue technician trainer. On Saturday, February 18, 2023, Scott and Dan Reynolds of OBIFD taught an ice rescue course to 12 responders and responders in training from the three Harpswell fire departments. A lecture was held at the Orr’s Island Schoolhouse, followed by hands-on, in-the-water training at Pleasant Pond in Richmond, ME. That was the closest place that ice thick enough to stand on could be found.​

The outstanding response to this course is a milestone for Harpswell’s fire and rescue. A few years ago, Scott was the only ice rescue technician for Harpswell’s fire and rescue. This left a big gap because only trained and certified people should be attempting this sort of rescue, with several certified responders involved at each rescue.​