Thomaston Fire & EMS

09/11/2026

On this day in 2001, 2,977 people were killed after both World Trade Centers and the Pentagon were attacked by hijackers using Airplanes as well as another hijacked plane crashing in a field in Pennsylvania after a hijackers realized they were about to be overtaken by a few brave passengers. 343 of those deaths were FDNY Firefighters and EMS personnel along with 60 NYPD Officers who died helping others escape the Trade Centers. We honor them on this day and remind folks to NEVER FORGET the sacrifice that was made on that day.

08/22/2026

THOMASTON FIRE ACADEMY — CLASS 001

What a journey it has been for Class 001!

This class has been over a year in the making, and watching these members grow in confidence, knowledge, and ability has been incredible. From the beginning, the goal was simple: build firefighters who are more confident, capable, and prepared to operate safely on the fireground.

Over the course of this academy, Class 001 has:

Operated multiple apparatus, including engines and a ladder truck
Practiced apparatus driving and maneuvering through cone courses and on the road
Learned basic water supply operations and fireground terminology
Advanced and operated large-diameter hose (LDH)
Completed forward and reverse lays from hydrants
Learned hydrant hookups and hydrant assist valve operations
Advanced handlines using multiple techniques
Worked on hose advancement throughout the training building
Worked with and gained familiarity with fireground tools and equipment
Worked on communication and operating as a team
Built confidence working together under pressure
Put individual skills together into realistic fireground evolutions

And perhaps most importantly, they learned that repetition matters.

Every hose advancement, every ladder raised, every pump operated, every apparatus driven, and every evolution completed adds another layer of confidence when the pressure is real.

This academy wasn’t about simply checking boxes. It was about doing the work, making mistakes in a controlled environment, learning from them, and getting better with every repetition.

Class 001 has put in the work, and they should be proud of what they’ve accomplished.

We are extremely proud of this group and excited to see where they take these skills next.

Train hard. Be ready.

08/21/2026

What a great day!

Today we got some great hose advancement reps in! The crew used different techniques to move hose lines and reach different areas of the training building, working through the challenges that come with advancing hose in real-world conditions.

Every rep builds confidence, improves muscle memory, and gets these firefighters more comfortable performing critical skills when the pressure is on.

Great work, everyone! Keep putting in the reps!

08/20/2026

We were called for a report of an outside debris fire today. E-3, Ambulance and C-3 responded. The fire was extinguished and there was no extension to any of the other equipment on site.

Now, the coolest part…

These two women have been working extra in the background with our Thomaston Academy. Today it payed off! FF Bouchard and FF Spearin arrived on scene, pulled a hose line and put this debris fire out without any hesitation.

Great work! Training pays off!

08/19/2026

Thomaston Fire Academy 001

After a night in the classroom discussing the history of water supply and basic water supply operations, Class 001 put that knowledge to work tonight!

They worked with large-diameter hose (LDH) used to supply large volumes of water to a fire scene. Members were taught how to perform a forward lay from a hydrant, properly hook up to a hydrant, and utilize our hydrant assist valve, which gives crews several options to support a fire scene.

Tonight was Night 1 of 2 dedicated to water supply operations. We’ll continue building on these skills and putting the pieces together during the next session.

Great work!

Train hard. Build confidence. Be ready.

08/16/2026

Thomaston Fire Academy 001

Today crews worked on basic apparatus maneuvers through a designated cone course. Every member had the opportunity to drive two different styles of fire engines, as well as a ladder truck.

This afternoon, crews rotated through drive time on the road and got some valuable experience behind the wheel.

There’s plenty more practice to come before anyone is driving to calls, but everyone did a great job today! Great work, Academy 001!

08/14/2026

Thomaston Fire Academy 001

After a year or more of planning, preparation, and hard work, Thomaston Fire Academy 001 is finally here!

The goal of this academy is to build confidence, knowledge, and teamwork within our members while giving them the skills they need to operate effectively with Thomaston Fire.

Throughout this academy, members will:

Build confidence working with Thomaston Fire

Operate and gain a basic understanding of all department apparatus

Work with handlines and large-diameter hose (LDH)

Set and operate ground ladders

Understand and become familiar with the tools used on the fireground

Learn how all of these skills come together as a crew

Finish with a full day of reps, repetition, and putting it all together

This academy has been a long time in the making, and we couldn’t be more proud of the 5 members who have chosen to put time aside from their already busy lives to make this happen.

We’re building a culture! Training builds confidence. Repetition builds competence. Teamwork builds a fire department.

Welcome to Thomaston Fire Academy 001.
Let’s get to work!

08/03/2026

Elliot is running to support a great cause! Donate if you can!

This September, Rockland Firefighter Elliot Stanley will take on the 50K Megunticook Trail Festival. It is one of Maine's toughest trail races. On September 12, 2026, he'll traverse more than 90% of the trail system in Camden Hills State Park, taking on miles of rugged terrain.

Elliot will be running to raise money for the Portland Firefighters Children's Burn Foundation, an organization that supports burn survivors and their families through financial assistance, education, recovery programs, and experiences that help children and adults heal long after they leave the hospital.

One of their programs is the Foundation's Fire & Ice Camp, which brings young burn survivors together each winter for a week of healing, confidence-building, and unforgettable experiences. Each year, campers make a special stop at the Rockland Fire Department, where they're welcomed by our members and get to spend time with the crews. It's a tradition we're proud to be a part of!

Another reason we have chosen to support their Foundation is because of the significant support they provided to everyone affected by the Searsmont explosion. Foundation members were waiting at the hospital, covered hotel stays for family members, and helped provide support during an incredibly difficult time. They are a Maine-based foundation that shows up for Mainers in some of their hardest moments, and we want to support the incredible work they do.

At Americus Hook and Ladder, we're honored to support Elliot's efforts.

From now through September 11, 100% of all cash and check donations made to Americus Hook and Ladder will be donated directly to the Portland Firefighters Children's Burn Foundation in support of Elliot's fundraiser.

Every donation, big or small, helps provide hope, support, and resources to burn survivors and their families.

Please join us in cheering Elliot on as he prepares for race day, and if you're able, consider making a donation to this incredible cause. Thank you for helping us support burn survivors, their families, and our fellow firefighters throughout Maine.

Donations can be mailed or dropped off at:
Attn: Americus Hook and Ladder
118 Park Street
Rockland, ME 04841

If donating by check, please make checks payable to:
Americus Hook and Ladder.

Online Donations:
https://donorbox.org/embed/50k-for-portland-firefighters-children-s-burn-foundation?