Owls Head firefighters seek public’s help as crucial equipment deemed unusable
Local firefighters adjust their Self Contained Breathing Apparatus at a fire scene in South Thomaston, Nov. 29, 2021. (Photo by Sarah Thompson)
Owls Head SCBA. (Photo courtesy Owls Head FD)
Local firefighters adjust their Self Contained Breathing Apparatus at a fire scene in South Thomaston, Nov. 29, 2021. (Photo by Sarah Thompson)
Owls Head SCBA. (Photo courtesy Owls Head FD)
Members of the Owls Head Fire Department are seeking help from the public for funding of a crucial piece of firefighting equipment. The firefighters not only support fires and motor vehicle crashes in their own town, but also come to the aid of other towns when flames get out of control.
“If we don’t have this equipment we can’t go inside of a burning building or a hazardous environment to rescue people,” said OHFD Fire Chief Steven Hallett. “It is one of the most important life safety tools we have.”
Theodore Hallett, president of the Owls Head Volunteer Fire Company Inc, has produced the following letter to the public:
The Owls Head Volunteer Fire Company Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the Owls Head Fire Department, and its firefighters, through donations. The town of Owls Head, Maine supports the fire department with an annual budget of $75,000. However, being a community of 1,600 people, we have limited funds. The Owls Head Fire Department has 24 paid-on-call firefighters who oversee two fire engines, one tanker, and a rescue boat. The department responds to an average of 65 calls per year.
We recently learned our air packs, which supply our breathing air when in burning buildings and other hazardous situations, are out of compliance. We currently have 10 Scott TC-13F-76 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus’ that were manufactured in 1996. The breathing apparatuses are out of compliance with NFPA standards and need to be replaced as soon as possible.
The cost of a new Scott Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus is approximately $7,500. It would cost a total of approximately $80,000.00 to replace them all, which is the best way to purchase.
The fastest and most efficient way to get this equipment replaced is through fundraising efforts and generous donations from our great community and beyond. If you are willing and able to help, please donate through one of the below methods. Upon donation, you will receive a receipt. Thank you in advance for your support.
Donate through Venmo: @owlsheadfire
Make Check Payable to – Owls Head Volunteer Fire Company
Send to:
Town of Owls Head
Attn: Owls Head Volunteer Fire Company
224 Ash Point Drive
Owls Head, ME 04854
Contact Theodore Hallett, President of the Fire Company, (207)542-6458
Sincerely,
Theodore Hallett
Theodore Hallett, President of the Owls Head Volunteer Fire Company Inc
