Sipayik Fire Department

09/11/2026

Today, Lieutenant Francis, Firefighter Grimes and Firefighter Newell walked the streets of Sipayik in remembrance of September 11, 2001.

That day, 343 firefighters answered the call and never made it home. Today we walk in their memory, honor their courage and remember their ultimate sacrifice.

🇺🇸 We remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

#343

08/17/2026

🔥 Training Put to the Test! 🚒

This weekend a small group of Sipayik firefighters took part in Basic Pumps Training on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday morning, before we even made it to lunch we received a call for a fire in the woods. Talk about timing we were able to put that pumps training to use the very same day! Thankfully, it was a small fire and our firefighters were able to knock it down quickly and safely.

On Sunday, it was all hands on deck for hands on training at the Sipayik Boat Landing, giving our firefighters more time behind the pumps and building the skills and teamwork we depend on when the call comes in.

A special thank you to our MFSI instructor and Perry Fire Assistant Chief Jay Pearson for taking the time to train and work alongside our department.

Most importantly, thank you to the men and women of the Sipayik Fire Department who continue to show up, train, learn and serve our community. Every hour of training makes our department stronger and our community safer.

Train hard. Work together. Be ready when the call comes. 🚒🔥

08/16/2026

08/13/2026

CPR training. Thank to Asst Chief Lee.
SFR will be doing CPR trainings and drills every 4 months.

08/04/2026

Sometimes, seconds make all the difference.

Today, Sipayik Fire Department responded to a water rescue after a sailboat capsized in Passamaquoddy Bay.

Fire Chief Adam Newell was at the fire station performing administrative duties when he received a phone call from Passamaquoddy Tribe CFO Tim Joyce, who was having lunch at Gleason Cove. Tim witnessed the sailboat roll over and immediately reported seeing two people in the water.

At the station, Firefighter Dawson Toney was washing his ATV when the call came in. Drawing on years of experience as a commercial lobster fisherman, Chief Newell knew every second mattered. He and FF Toney immediately went to the boat launch, launched the Chief’s skiff, and headed to the last known location provided by Tim Joyce.

Upon arrival, Chief Newell located both individuals in the water. Thankfully, they were alive and in good condition. After ensuring the victims were safe, Chief Newell secured the capsized sailboat until F/V Diligence, captained by Tyler Francis, arrived on scene. Captain Francis then took over towing the sailboat to shore while Chief Newell and FF Toney safely transported the two survivors back to the dock.

Today’s rescue is a powerful reminder that preparedness, local knowledge, and decisive action save lives.

The Sipayik Fire Department would like to thank Tim Joyce for making the immediate phone call, Captain Tyler Francis for his assistance on the water, and everyone involved in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion.

A special thank you goes to Chief Bassett, who made restoring a paid part-time Fire Chief position one of his top priorities. Investing in emergency services means having leadership available during the day to handle training, inspections, administration, and most importantly being ready to respond when an emergency happens. Today’s incident is an example of why that investment matters.

Today, because people acted without hesitation, two individuals made it home safely. That is what public service is all about.

07/16/2026

We’re making some much needed improvements to the floors at the station. Anyone who has been inside knows how much the old floor has been flaking away over the years.

We likely won’t be repainting the entire floor but we will be adding guide lines to help our drivers back the apparatus into the bays safely and consistently.

One step at a time, we’re continuing to improve our station for our firefighters and our community. 🚒

07/15/2026

Sipayik Fire Department Incident Update

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the Sipayik Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Ballpark Road.

Sipayik Fire was first on scene and established command while maintaining communication with RCC. During the incident, our department experienced significant radio communication issues, making it difficult for RCC to hear our transmissions. Clear communication is critical during emergency incidents, and this event highlighted the need to continue improving our communications capabilities.

Due to the size of the incident, Chief Adam Newell requested mutual aid from the Perry Fire Department, followed by assistance from the Eastport Fire Department.

As part of the first comprehensive hose testing conducted by the department in years 1,300-foot supply hose was identified as having failed testing and was unavailable for use in establishing a hydrant water supply. Fire attack continued using available onboard water until the Perry Fire Department established a hydrant connection. This reinforces why routine equipment testing is essential and highlights the value of dependable equipment and our strong mutual aid

Assistant Chief Jay Pearson served as Incident Commander during the initial stages of the incident. Once conditions were brought under control and deemed safe, Eastport Fire Department was released from the scene, followed by Perry Fire Department. Lieutenant Karina Barnes then assumed command for overhaul and scene operations.

We would like to thank the Perry Fire Department, Eastport Fire Department, RCC Dispatch, and everyone who assisted during this incident. Your professionalism and teamwork were greatly appreciated.

Reports have been made regarding the possibility of arson. The Sipayik Fire Department will be working directly with the Maine State Fire Marshal's Office as the investigation moves forward. The safety of our community remains our highest priority.

This incident reinforced the need for continued investment in our fire department. Reliable apparatus, dependable equipment, and effective communications are essential to protecting our community. We remain committed to improving our department and appreciate the continued support of the people of Sipayik as we work toward the highest operational standards. Together, we can continue building a stronger and safer fire department for everyone.

Thanks,
SFD Command staff.

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06/08/2026

Dear community of Sipayik let’s all say Congratulations to one of our own Jordan Barnard on reaching such an incredible milestone! Graduating high school is a major accomplishment, and we are all proud of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance you have shown. Balancing school while serving as a firefighter speaks volumes about your character and commitment. We are honored to have you as part of our department and look forward to seeing all the great things your future holds. Congratulations once again, and thank you for representing our fire family with pride. Stay safe, keep striving for excellence, and enjoy this well-deserved achievement!

06/07/2026

Today, Sipayik Fire Department Chief Adam Newell checking Lt. “Mother Hen’s” blood pressure during EMT class training.

A big thank you to Lt. Mother Hen for donating his Saturday to help the EMT class and support the next generation of EMS providers. That kind of dedication, patience and leadership is what builds strong departments and stronger communities. We appreciate everything you do.

05/29/2026

Congratulations to our very own LT Erik Francis on being named Entrepreneur of the Year!

The Sipayik Fire Department is incredibly proud of you and all that you continue to accomplish. Your hard work, leadership, and dedication are a true inspiration to our community and especially to the younger members of our department.

Thank you for showing what commitment, determination, and giving back to your people truly looks like. Keep leading the way, LT Francis well deserved! 🚒👏