Our Heroes

In March 2008 Poland Fire Rescue submitted two letters to the United Valley American Red Cross to assist in their search for local and notable heroes. They were seeking nominations for their 4th Real Heroes awards which recognizes individuals or groups who have demonstrated an act of heroism and have shown courage, kindness and unselfish character in their service to others. The Red Cross had several categories for awards which included Public Safety, Community Service, Military, Education, International Service, Environmental Service, Youth Community Service, Animal Rescue, Workplace Safety, Medical Provider, and Life Saving.

Two nominations were made and both were accepted; one by the American Red Cross of Southern Maine, Cyndi Robbins, owner of the Poland Spring Resort received the Community Service Award. This award was presented to Cyndi at the Heroes breakfast at the Wyndham Portland Airport Hotel on April 17, 2008. Cyndi is a very professional woman who chooses to support our service by assisting us with fundraising throughout the year. It takes special people like Cyndi to make our small department function in these growing times of increased fuel costs, food costs, training costs and sometimes limited personnel to do the job. She is our HERO!

The second award a Military Service Award was presented at the Real Heroes Breakfast at the University of Southern Maine L/A Campus by the United Valley American Red Cross. This award was presented to wife and daughter, Marshell and Kaitlyn Oldknow for United States Navy Command Master Chief Michael Oldknow. Along with his service to his country he has provided a service to our community of Poland by becoming a firefighter for Poland Fire Rescue. He worked for Poland Fire Rescue for just over a year while still working full time at Brunswick Naval Air Station. He also has taken the time for school to cross train as an EMT-Basic. He was called back to active status in September 2008 for a one year term in Diego Garcia which is located in the Indian Ocean. We are looking forward to his safe return to his family and us because… he is our HERO!

On March 12, 2008 17 Poland Fire Rescue employees participated in the “Take Charge!” cardiovascular risk screening program. The screening consisted of obtaining a medical history, measuring body weight, calculating body mass index (BMI), taking blood pressure, and measuring cholesterol and glucose levels. The “Take Charge!” screening helps employees understand their personal risk of having coronary artery disease and/or stroke, as well as learn what they can do to help reduce their risks.

This information will serve as a benchmark for PFR members to use in measuring their progress as they tale steps to improve their overall health through programs including nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation. Poland Fire Rescue is committed to improving the health and wellness of its members in an effort to better serve the community.

In April Poland Fire Rescue sent two members to the Portland Sea Dogs annual Hometown Heroes ceremony. The Portland Sea Dogs sent complimentary general admission tickets for these members to attend the game on Monday, April 14, 2008 in Portland. It was a cold evening but the game was great and was enjoyed by all.

All police, fire and EMS workers who attended were honored in a special on-field ceremony prior to the ball game. Members lined in a semi-circle around the infield and each service was recognized over loud speaker as well as on the display board at the back of the field. 100 public safety workers from across the state were honored for the job that they perform on a daily basis to serve our communities and state.

Poland Fire Rescue just completed training for the Maine EMS Run Reporting System (MEMSRR). On July 1, 2008 Poland Fire Rescue will be entering electronic run reports via the State Bridge Data Application. The purpose of MEMSRR is to create a database that will have useful and vital information to help us track run reports, manage staff and equipment needs, create prompt and accurate billing, and provide valuable information and statistics. At the state EMS level it will help to better develop training curricula, evaluate patient and EMS system outcomes, facilitate research efforts, address resources for disaster and domestic preparedness and provide statewide data. The hospitals that we transport patients to will have a printer or network connection available to download the MEMSRR report. Seventy-one (71) EMS services have switched to electronic run reporting with many more services currently training, or awaiting successful testing of their NEMSIS compliant software with MEMSRR. Most services have been entering run reports using the www.memsrr.org State Bridge application, although there is growing use of the Tablet PC based field bridge.

Maine EMS has received two grants to promote electronic run reporting and the NEMSIS (www.nemsis.org) project. Both grants are matching based on 2006 call volume and is targeted at helping EMS services acquire Panasonic Toughbook Tablet PCs and Field Bridge 3.6 software. As of mid-October, more than 70 Panasonic Toughbooks have been purchased by EMS services under this grant. Poland Fire Rescue has trained 2 personnel in the Field Bridge 3.6 software but is unable to come up with the funding at this time to purchase the toughbooks. Once all personnel are proficient with the State Bridge then we can move to the Field Bridge once funding and toughbooks can be purchased.

Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s "front line." This information can be used throughout the year for public education and safety programs.

Read about all the details of what EMS Week in Poland will bring, along with some interesting historical background on EMS by clicking on the "EMS" tab in the left navigation bar on this page.

Poland Firefighter Mike Oldknow is currently serving his country in Diego Garcia (Indian Ocean). Mike is a Master Chief in the United States Navy who was formerly stationed at Brunswick NAS. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike and his family. We look forward to having you back home with us soon.
(Barry Lake Photo)