Freeport firefighters feted

04/04/2006

Special thanks to The Times Record FREEPORT - Freeport Fire and Rescue Department received the Maine Fire Commission's Best Practices award on March 21 at the Augusta Civic Center. At the ceremony, part of the Blaine House Conference for Emergency First Responders, Gov. John Baldacci presented the plaque to Town Council chairman Jim Cassida and Deputy Chief Paul Conley of Freeport Fire and Rescue. The award recognizes the department's Non Emergency Transport, billing and children's birthday party programs, each of which generates revenue and better services without raising taxes. The department's Non-Emergency Transport Program (NET), first established in 2000, gives non-emergency transport service to local hospitals, nursing homes and residents who are unable to travel by private means but are not in need of emergency services. Through the funds generated by this program the town of Freeport has hired a full-time secretary, a per-day staff member and two full-time paramedic firefighters who cover the station from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Having the extra staff has shortened the department's response time by an average of 40 percent, according to a release from the department. Also recognized with the award, the department's billing services have grown over the last several years to include both emergency and non-emergency billing for Freeport, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth and Durham, who all have experienced an increase in their collection rates and a decrease in their claim denials since the Freeport department started billing for them. The other award-winning department initiative is the children's birthday party program, which allows Freeport residents to hold their child's birthday party at the firehouse. Parties include the use of the firehouse meeting room, a video on fire safety, building and apparatus tour, equipment demonstration and a ride home in a fire engine for the birthday child. The department doesn't charge for the program, but accepts donations to help pay for new equipment and services. Of the award, Freeport Fire Chief Darrel Fournier said, "I just think it shows the level of dedication and professionalism of all the members of Freeport Fire and Rescue, the NET program and staff, and now it's been recognized at the state level." Freeport Fire and Rescue received one of two Best Practices awards given this year. The Fire Commission has given six Best Practices awards in the program's three years.