On October 25, 2009, Bangor Firefighter Randy Macdonald finished 469 out of nearly 21,000 runners in the 26.2 mile Marine Corps marathon at Washington DC. Randy finished second out of all Maine runners with a time of 3 hrs 13 min 6 sec. Finishing first for Maine and first in the marathon was John Mentzer from Kittery. Randy was participating with the IAFF Firefighters Union team and raised $1200 for the IAFF Burn Foundation. Look for Randy’s name again, running in more marathons. His great finish has made him eligible for the Boston Marathon in 2010.

Great job Randy, some say they will step up and make a difference, you made it 26.2 miles.

You can watch Randy finish at CSNWashington.com

At 21:06 hrs, Central (Eng 1, Lad 1, FC 1, Res 1) and Station 5 (Eng 5, Res 5) units were dispatched to, 427 Essex St. a multi unit apartment fire. Dispatch reported a structure fire in apartment 4, the tenant reported fire in the kitchen that was spreading. First on scene, Engine 1 reported smoke conditions on side “B” of a 2 ½ wood frame construction. Engine 5, Rescue 5 hooked in the hydrant, laying 600ft. of 4in. Command had reports of occupants still in the building above the fire floor, Ladder 1 was assigned. Ladder 1 searched above the fire floor, all clear was given for life safety and no fire extension was found. Due to the response and team effort of the Bangor firefighters with the fast attack of Engine 1’s crew, the fire was quickly knocked down.

The fire is currently under investigation.

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Still alarm response from Central, Engine 1 and Rescue 1 responded to report of a car fire on Savage St. in Bangor. Multiple calls reported explosions and heavy smoke conditions with possible exposures. Addition units were assigned (1st alarm central assignment and station 5) prior to the first due arrival because of the potential involvement of the private, two story, family dwelling.

Engine 6 dispatched to the intersection of Union St and Godfrey Blvd for a broken propane line. Engine 6 reported a venting 2″ propane line and quickly established control of the scene, shutting down traffic and other potential ignition sources. Addition resources were called in, Fire Command 1, Ladder 1, and police to assist Eng 6 with operations.

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Photo’s courtesy of Twitpic and Bangor Daily News Article

Bangor Fire Department attends Blue Mass at St Johns church on York St. in Bangor. Bishop Richard J. Malone invited all departments, Fire, Police and EMS to attend services to the common good and bestow blessings upon all who contribute to public health and safety in Maine.

From the members I spoke to, it was a very nice experience and a lot of heartfelt appreciation goes out to the community for their thoughtfulness.

Bangor Daily News article has more information and photos can be found at Bangor Daily News

1st alarm response, Central (Eng 1, Lad 1, Fire Command 1, Res 1) and Sta 5 (Eng 5, Res 5) units dispatched to smoke in apartment building on Center St. Ave. First in Eng 1, on the ball, reported a corrected address and st. Eng 1 reported smoke conditions and extinguished the stove fire. After removing smoke, checking for extension, all units were released.

First alarm assignment quickly escalated to All Hands, then additional units requested. This included Orono’s hazmat team, Brewer and Hampden’s decon teams were also assigned. Additional EMS units were called in for potential casualties. Two civilians and four firefighters were transported and released from local hospitals. The investigation continues to understand the origin of the odor. Bangor Daily News articles have some information and photos can be found at Bangor Daily News Article 1 Bangor Daily News Article 2 with the stories.

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Two people extricated from vehicle that was involved in motor vehicle collision and left the roadway.  Engine 1, Rescue 1 and Capital were the initial units assigned. Engine 6 and Heavy Rescue 1, were later assigned to the call. The photo can be found at BangorDailyNews with the thier story.

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Presumptive legislation to provide worker’s compensation to fire fighters who contract certain defined cancers associated with the job of fire fighting, LD 621 is now signed. Our own union brothers were on hand to witness this ceremony. A job well done to our leaders and personal thanks goes to Bangor firefighter Ron Greene for his hard work. For additional information read the story published when LD 621 passed the legislature BangorDailyNews

Every year, all fire hose in the department is tested. This is to weed out older pieces of hose that would fail during fire operations, when life safety is on the line. Each length is brought to specific testing pressure and timed before being approved for further fire service.