Rockland Maine Fire & EMS Department

06/10/2026

Over the last several weeks, crews across all four shifts have been putting in the work building skills and trying new techniques all in between responding to calls. RFD is currently running over 90 calls ahead of where we were at this same time last year. Things have been busy!

• A Shift took advantage of an acquired structure before demolition to practice forcible entry techniques and firefighter bailout skills.

• B Shift trained with FF/Medic Park Swan on confined space rescue operations, utilizing Tower 3 to build rope systems, practice different rigging setups, and work through rescue scenarios from multiple angles. B Shift also spent time working on SCBA efficiency after watching techniques shared by Nick Martin, challenging themselves to improve their ability to mask up quickly and effectively while wearing gloves.

• C Shift continued confined space training inside the station, working through different rescue techniques, equipment setups, and problem-solving scenarios.

• D Shift focused on hose advancement into multi-story buildings, along with flowing water and continuing to become familiar with pumping operations on the new Squad 2.

Each shift also has a newer member learning the ropes of the department, making these trainings a valuable opportunity to build confidence, share knowledge, and pass along experience.

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06/05/2026

Rocky's Food Shack provided lunch to the duty crew today and it was delicious.

Thank you for thinking of us!

06/04/2026

🚨 MEET YOUR FIREFIGHTER 🚨

Skip Hallett serves as a Firefighter on the Call Division and has been with the Rockland Fire Department since January of 2017.

Skip lives in Owls Head and is originally from Rockland, where he grew up and continues to stay closely connected to the local community.

Before his current career, Skip worked for many years as a Plumbing and Heating technician, owning his own plumbing and heating company. He later transitioned into the corporate world and currently works as a National Account Manager for Lowe’s.

Skip joined the Rockland Fire Department to gain additional training opportunities and experience in the fire service. Prior to joining RFD, he had already built a long career in the fire service, serving with the Owls Head Fire Department since 1999, where he worked his way through the ranks and now serves as Owls Head Fire Chief.

Skip says his motivation for joining the fire service was simple: “I wanted to help my community.”

One of his favorite parts of the job is helping people in their time of need, “And fighting fires with my son, father-in-law, and now son-in-law.”

His favorite piece of equipment is the pump, and when it comes to apparatus, Skip says he enjoys working with any engine or pumper.
The best piece of advice he has received during his career is: “Strive and train to be the firefighter you would want coming to your house in an emergency.”

Skip and his wife share a busy family life with their son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandson, two dogs, and a cat.

Outside of the firehouse, Skip enjoys traveling and playing golf.

One of his favorite parts of the fire service is the moments after the emergency. “When the emergency is under control and we are all working together to complete whatever task we were sent to. Also, I enjoy going to early morning calls and then once everything is finished, we sit down and have coffee together.

Skip says there isn’t much about him that would surprise people, as he considers himself pretty much an open book.

06/04/2026

7.4.26

06/03/2026

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06/02/2026

Rockland Fire & EMS joined thousands of firefighters from around the country to honor fallen Boston Firefighter Bobby Kilduff Jr. What an amazing show of respect for one of Boston’s Bravest.

05/31/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Open House and the dedication of Squad 2 to AC Horace Benner and BC Jeff Benner. It was a wonderful day celebrating two people who have dedicated so much to our department and community.

Before the event even began, AC Benner found himself with a flat tire when he arrived at the station. Some of our newest firefighters stepped up to change it for him. It was a small moment that spoke volumes about the culture, tradition, and family that make the fire service so special.

Thank you all for helping make the day one to remember! It was great seeing community members, family, friends, and current and past members of Rockland Fire!

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05/30/2026

🚨 OPEN HOUSE — 10:00 - 12:00 🚨

Doors are open and coffee is on! Dedication for AC Benner and BC Benner will be at 11:00.

05/29/2026

Tomorrow! We hope to see you there!

Join us this Saturday, May 30th, from 10am to 12pm, for our open house!

At 11am, we will be dedicating our new Squad 2 to retired Assistant Chief Horace Benner and his son Battalion Chief Jeff Benner for their combined 90 years of service and dedication to the city of Rockland.

We hope to see you there!

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