I joined the fire service on July 1, 1946. And I was an active volunteer for 53 years.

Fire departments across the State of Maine provide an essential and irreplaceable service to our communities,

We always drilled twice a month even back when I joined. It was at least a two-hour drill. We've got a well-trained bunch of boys. I am real proud of them.

We count on the city for fire service, but we've contemplated starting our own fire service in the past. (Universities) have two options: you either work with the city or you start your own fire service.

should remind people of the role the fire service plays. They are the first responders when something happens. We lost 343 firefighters that day. Annually, we generally lose over 100 per year in the line of duty.

Michael Chang has all the fire and passion of a public service announcement, so much so that he makes Pete Sampras appear fascinating.