Imagine, if you will: The fire station’s garage doors grind upwards as Engine 4 roars to life. Inside the cab, the firefighter riding shotgun announces into the radio: “Harold Drinkwater, en route to the scene.”

On Feb. 4, 2013, Camden Fire dedicated Engine 4 to Drinkwater, a career-long member of the Camden squad. He passed away November 19, 2020... and yet, through a dedication on the side of a truck, he continues to respond to emergencies.

This President’s Day, the Pen Bay Pilot revisits some of the locals who both paved the way, and continue to be present wherever their dedicated fire gear is needed.

“Fire call! I’ll grab extra supplies from William’s Shed.”

Hope: An accessory structure at Hope Fire Station is referred to as William's Shed, in memory of William Pearse. Pearse was one of the founding members of the Hope Volunteer Fire Department and was an active member for over 50 years, serving as secretary treasurer.

“While this may not seem like a great honor, we felt it fit who he was, a humble farmer!” said Hope Fire Chief Clarence Keller.

From Pearse’s obituary: There was no fire department in Hope, in 1951, when a neighbor's barn burned. William, along with eight other residents, formed the Hope Volunteer Fire Department, donating $50 each and taking out a loan to purchase a fire truck that Bert Eugley, of Lincolnville, built out of an old truck. The members took turns storing the truck in their barns until they were able to buy some land and build the town's first fire station. William served as the secretary and treasurer of the Fire Department for 31 years, until retiring from active duty in 2002.

“Walt and Andy, coming your way!”

Owls Head: Engine 2 is dedicated to Walter Yattaw and Andy York.

For many years Walter Yattaw was a Firefighter / Captain with the Owls Head Fire Department, a member of the Rockland On-Call Firefighters Division, a member of the Town Council, Civil Defense Director and Constable for the Town of Owls Head. He died of cancer February 25, 2012.

For more than 16 years, Andrew B. York served the Town of Owls Head as keeper of the stump dump. For many years he served as a Fire Police Officer with the Owls Head Fire Department. He died February 14, 2014.

“You drive the Linscott! I’ll take the Soule! Everyone in!”

Union: Engine 1 is dedicated to Robert Linscott, Engine 3 is dedicated to Peter Soule, and as in years past, the older truck is dedicated to the citizens of Union.

Robert Linscott joined the Union Fire Department in 1957 and had faithfully served for 62 years. He was the 1996 Fireman of the Year and had a pump truck dedicated in his honor in 2009. Bob was a Mason, and a lifetime member of the Knox County Firemen Association. He died January 30, 2019.

Peter Soule’s first passion was being a firefighter on all levels for his entire life, from a young boy in Cape Elizabeth, on a bike holding onto the ladder on the side of a fire truck as it headed to a call, to being a firefighter for the Union Fire Department for over 50 years, assistant chief and then chief. He was instrumental in specking out one of Union's fire trucks and helping to plan for the building of the town’s current fire station, and it was evident that Peter had firefighting in his spirit. He died July 20, 2015.

“Dana Gammon, standing by at the station.”

Warren: A 1970 Ford (Engine 1) honors the memory of Dana Gammon. Gammon worked for Warren Public Works, and was killed in a loader accident while working for the town of Warren. His son serves as a Warren firefighter, and a granddaughter serves as a Junior firefighter with the same department.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com