“All of the kids that we’ve had come through are all very unique in their own right,” said Rockland firefighter/paramedic Elliot Stanley, regarding the annual visit by a group of child burn survivors. “They have their own stories, and I think, as a whole, each one of them always kind of blows us back a little bit. We’re seeing kids come in with physical burns, physical ailments, and things of that nature, and they always have this wonderful, great outlook on life, and just happiness behind them.”

Stanley, inspired by ultra runners who challenge themselves to the brink of their limits, will be pushing his own limits on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, during the Megunticook 50K (31-mile running race) at the Camden Hills State Park. He’ll be using his presence to raise funds for the Portland Firefighters Children's Burn Foundation, as well as to raise awareness of a Rockland-area firefighters’ nonprofit quietly gaining steam since its inception in 2022.

Prior to this year, the Foundation has been known in the Midcoast region for bringing its children’s Fire & Ice burn camp for a day of winter fun at the Camden Snow Bowl, followed by a dinnertime social at the Rockland Fire Department. Following the May 15, 2026 fire at Robbins Lumber, in Searsmont, the public has come to learn of the Foundation’s extended breadth. Our good friends in Portland, as Stanley refers to the Portland firefighters who provide basis for the Foundation, have done far more to help the Knox and Waldo County community impacted by the fire than this community will ever know, said Stanley.

As an example, all ten burn victims of the fire were transported to a Portland hospital, though some eventually continued on the Boston. For every patient, there’s a family who needs to go to Portland, also. Stanley, president of the Rockland-area firefighter’s union, happened to be on shift that day. Immediately, he was on the phone with Portland firefighters’ union president Casey Bunker. Lodging for every family needed to be coordinated near Maine Medical Center. Those hotels were provided to those families, free of charge, courtesy of the Foundation.

Some of those burn victims are also friends, colleagues, or training buddies to Rockland-area firefighters. They saw the struggles of the victims first hand, but also the help and support that they received, unasked-for.

“I saw this (50K race) as an opportunity to give back to those guys, and to give back to an organization that does a heck of a lot of good,” said Stanley.

Stanley's fundraising is being done through the "Americus Hook and Ladder" 501c3, which, in the past, has quietly, without promotion, donated to Rockland-area families in hardship, donated to local firefighters in hardship, and done a good amount of good in this area, according to Stanley, who happens to be the president of the nonprofit.

“It’s just so refreshing – especially in our business when we’re only called for people’s bad days," he said. "Seeing people on the other side of those bad days, enjoying life, and taking every day as a gift a little bit more than probably most of us."

[Of the children] “They always kind of blow our hair back a little bit, in that aspect. It’s easy in this world to be cynical, and to let the bad days win sometimes. And, when they come through, it always reminds us just how lucky we all are to be alive.

“In face of physical ailments, physical burns, they find the capacity to still be happy kids, and just enjoy life, and I think it reminds all of us to appreciate each day a little bit more.”

“I’m very inspired by the capable-ness of the human spirit, and I’m very inspired by ultra marathon runners and people that push themselves, and push their bodies, to the absolute limit. I think firefighters do it on a daily basis. A lot of people do it on a daily basis.

“I thought that this could be not only symbolism in terms of the race itself, but just an opportunity for us to give back to our community and a good organization that has helped our community.”

At Americus Hook and Ladder, we're honored to support Elliot's efforts.

From now through September 11, 100% of all cash and check donations made to Americus Hook and Ladder will be donated directly to the Portland Firefighters Children's Burn Foundation in support of Elliot's fundraiser.

Every donation, big or small, helps provide hope, support, and resources to burn survivors and their families.

Please join us in cheering Elliot on as he prepares for race day, and if you're able, consider making a donation to this incredible cause. Thank you for helping us support burn survivors, their families, and our fellow firefighters throughout Maine.

Donations can be mailed or dropped off at:

Attn: Americus Hook and Ladder

118 Park Street

Rockland, ME 04841

If donating by check, please make checks payable to: Americus Hook and Ladder.

Click here to donate online.

Our mission is to provide meaningful support to first responders, assist residents and families facing hardship, and strengthen charitable organizations within the fire service and EMS community. Through compassion, service, and community partnership, we strive to ease burdens, promote resilience, and honor the values of courage, selflessness, and integrity that define the fire and emergency medical professions.