ROCKLAND — The Resolve presented to Rockland Fire and EMS during the June 8, 2026 City Council meeting reads like any official Whereas and Therefore expression of public gratitude. Yet, from within the lines of frank legalese emerges more intense details of the Rockland-associated emergency responders’ experiences while assisting with the May 15, 2026 Robbins Lumber fire and subsequent explosion.

The Searsmont location is a far distance from Rockland’s usual mutual aid locations, and many other fire departments were being called first. Yet, upon hearing those increasing calls for help from the lumber mill, RFD immediately dispatched two apparatus to stage in Union before a formal mutual aid request was even finalized. Because they had been proactive before that official dispatch request to the scene, they arrived at Robbins (506 Main Street South, Rte 131) within 12 minutes, which is approximately 15 minutes sooner than if they had waited at their station. Ultimately, Rockland committed 15 personnel, 3 ambulances, Squad 3, and a command vehicle, “to the intense, complex, and hazardous operation,” said the commendation.

That personnel engaged in grueling operations into the early morning hours of Saturday, May 16, providing vital firefighting operations, emergency medical services, and critical support to the incident command structure during one of the most devastating emergency events in regional history.

They treated and provided transport to one of their own firefighters, who suffered serious burn injuries in the explosion while serving at the scene as a fire chief for a mutual aid town.

A member of the Rockland call division, also operating for a mutual aid department at the time of the explosion, single-handedly rescued two victims from danger, while that firefighter’s own self-contained breathing apparatus was actively on fire.

Those tasks were all accomplished under conditions of extreme peril, and profound emotional weight, of which the City of Rockland acknowledges. The City pledges its ongoing support to the wellness of its first responders in the days, weeks, and months ahead as they process and heal from the impacts of this devastating event.

“When we lay our heads down at night, and the city grows quiet, it’s easy to forget that not everyone is resting,” said Councilor Kaitlin Callahan, in a prepared statement. “Across our community, there are dedicated women and men standing at the ready. They are prepared to answer the call at a moment’s notice, stepping directly into our most trying, uncertain, and desperate moments, offering stability when we need it most. I want to extend my deepest, most sincere gratitude to the incredible team at Rockland Fire and EMS. Your unwavering dedication stretches far beyond our city limits, providing vital mutual aid and a lifeline to our neighboring communities throughout the region. You keep watch while we sleep. You run toward danger when others step back, and you keep our community safe, strong, and whole. Thank you for your tireless service, your sacrifices, and your enduring commitment to us all.”

Read the entire Resolve below:

Honoring the heroic efforts and extraordinary service of the Rockland Fire and EMS department at the Robbins Lumber Mill fire

Whereas the Rockland Fire and EMS department has long served as a regional leader in emergency response, providing best in class fire suppression and emergency medical services, rescue operations and mutual aid support throughout Midcoast Maine, earning the reputation for professionalism, courage, and unwavering dedication to the protection of life and property;

Whereas on Friday, May 15, 2026, a catastrophic fire and explosion occurred at the Robbins Lumber Mill, demanding an unprecedented mutual aid response from regional emergency services. And;

Whereas upon receiving initial reports of the incident, the leadership and members of the Rockland Fire and EMS Department demonstrated exceptional foresight and proactive readiness by immediately dispatching two apparatus to stage in Union before a formal mutual aid request was even finalized. And;

Whereas upon being officially dispatched Rockland Fire and EMS Department units arrived on the scene within 12 minutes, ultimately committing 15 personnel, 3 ambulances, Squad 3, and a command vehicle, to the intense, complex, and hazardous operation. And;

Whereas Rockland Fire and EMS Department personnel engaged in grueling operations into the early morning hours of Saturday, May 16, providing vital firefighting operations, emergency medical services, and critical support to the incident command structure during one of the most devastating emergency events in regional history. And;

Whereas Rockland first responders faced immense personal and professional adversity on the scene, including treating one of their own firefighters who was serving as a mutual aid town fire chief after they sustained serious burn injuries in the explosion, and enduring their swift transport for specialized medical care. And;

Whereas, a member of the Rockland call division operating with a mutual aid department at the time of the explosion demonstrated unimaginable valor by single-highhandedly rescuing two victims from danger while their own self-contained breathing apparatus was actively on fire. And;

Whereas the crews of the Rockland Fire and EMS Department, under conditions of extreme peril, and profound emotional weight, executed their duties with the highest degree of professionalism, reverence and dedication to the firefighting brotherhood and the families affected by this tragedy;

Now, therefore, be it hereby resolved by the City Council of the City of Rockland, as follows:

That the City of Rockland formally extends its deepest gratitude, profound admiration, and utmost respect for the chief, officers, and members of the Rockland Fire and EMS Department for their swift action, heroic bravery, and unwavering commitment to public safety and mutual aid at the Robbins Lumber Mill fire.

The City further pledges its ongoing support to the wellness of our first responders in the days, weeks, and months ahead as they process and heal from the impacts of this devastating event.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com