Fire Dept. seeking donations to buy ATV

OTISFIELD — For a year-and-a-half, the Otisfield Fire Department has been seeking donations to purchase new equipment in order to improve its response to fires and other accidents, selectmen announced at their September 5 meeting. 

According to Board Chairman Hal Ferguson, donations of cans and bottles can be made at the town transfer station on Station Road, and every cent earned goes back to the town. 

Ferguson said about a year-and-a-half ago, the fire department built a wooden shed where people can drop off their returnables. 

Just a couple weeks ago, the town decided to set out three 55-gallon barrels at the transfer station for returnables. 

Selectmen figured more people would contribute if it were more convenient for them, rather than having to drive to the fire station, which is located on Route 121. 

Ferguson said Otisfield Fire Chief Mike Hooker has expressed interest in purchasing an ATV capable of transporting a stretcher to be able to respond to calls in remote locations.  

About three weeks ago, said Ferguson, there was an ATV accident in the gravel pit behind the town's transfer station, an area not easily accessible by larger vehicles. 

Fortunately, said Ferguson, a member of the Otisfield Fire Department owned an ATV, so he was able to transport the person out of the pit. 

Otherwise, the fire department would have had to wait for an ATV from the Oxford Fire Department, which did not make it to this particular accident soon enough, said Ferguson. 

While selectmen realize an ATV is "relatively expensive," they believe it would be put to good use, especially in remote areas where an ambulance or other vehicles cannot access. 

"For what it does in emergencies, it's certainly worthwhile," said Ferguson. 

According to Selectman Lenny Adler, the fire department would also like to restore the town's very first firetruck – a 1938 Chevrolet.

Donations can also be made at the town office, 403 Route 121.