July 2024
Dear Friends,
Thanks to all who check out our site for keeping tabs on our activities and events. You may also check us out on Facebook to review recent incidents and photos.
In June 2024, we experienced a significant change in leadership. After 39 years at the helm, Fire Chief Chris Balentine decided it was time to step aside. As the current Assistant Chief of the Department and Deputy Chief for 20 years prior, I humbly accepted the position of Interim Chief. I will do my best to continue Chief Balentine’s legacy and lead the department on its mission of providing the best available fire protection service to our citizens and guests.
We continue to serve our residents with a combination of volunteer, paid call force and full-time \staff of men and women who train each week at the fire station on a variety of skill maintenance activities. Our volunteer membership interest and participation remain strong, and recently had five members complete their Firefighter 1&2 (FF 1/2) level certification enabling them to join our paid Call Force.
Our full-time staff includes four career firefighters who are certified in FF 1&2 competencies, emergency medical technician levels at EMT-A (advanced) and have other levels of specialized training.
January 2024, we reactivated our Fire Explorer Program (Post 5) which allows Jr. High and High School age students an opportunity to explore a career in the fire service. This age group are between 12-20 years old. Explorer Post 5 is a part of Boy Scouts of America. Several of the Explorers joined us already certified in FF1/2. They accomplished this through the Firefighting program offered at the Sanford Region Technical Center.
We are looking to update our current apparatus. A new Brush truck is on order with an early 2026 due date, and we’re looking to spec a new fire engine to retire an aging unit. The replacement date is not until 2027, however, the process to specify, design, approve, and purchase fire apparatus takes several years to complete, including an average of 20 months to build the physical truck.
The firemen’s field day takes place annually the 3rd weekend in August. We invite you to take part in this event beginning with the parade, and firemen’s muster. The 2024 Annual Field Day is being dedicated to retired Chief Balentine.
The partnership we enjoy with the Volunteer Veterans Firemen’s Association (VVFA), locally known as the “Redshirts”, remains very strong. Their continued support of our department and our goals is greatly appreciated. The colorful participation of the Redshirts in our parades is an integral part of our history.
Each year, we provide fire prevention activities to school age children. Our firefighters log hours of public relations to preschool facilities as well. The support we receive is appreciated.
May 2024, we held our last Chris Conners Fund Salty 5K road race in which all proceeds go to a children’s water & boating safety program offered to all elementary students. The Chris Connors Fund is part of our fire department and sponsors this event with assistance involving committee members from our local community. This support includes local marine support companies, local businesses, York’s Lifeguards, York Harbormasters, The Agamenticus Yacht Club and family members and friends of the late Chris Connors. We will continue raising money through other community activities and promotional events.
All activities of this group are in memory of Chris Connors who developed the water rescue team concept for the YFD. See www.thechrisconnorsfund.com for more information.
Thank you to all of our fellow area firefighters and friends who support us each year.
We appreciate the support we receive from all of our partners in emergency services and local municipal departments.
We are “Ever Ready” to assist our residents should needs arise.
As always, do not hesitate to contact us for safety information or to provide comments or suggestions.
David Apgar
Chief of Department
dapgar@yorkmaine.org
“The easiest fire to fight, is the one that is prevented!”