I hope this edition of the Bugle’s Echo finds you all well and each of you was able to enjoy the summer as it is short here in Maine. We at MFSI have been working hard to see improvements made across all our programing, including new offerings, and have been thrilled to welcome Region ll’s Training Program Manager, Chris Azevedo to the MFSI team! In August, we had an opportunity to work with an excellent group of Maine Fire Service personnel during our weeklong Fire Officer II Academy. Like all programs, our goal is to enhance the experience of each delivery, so we are taking time to review evaluations and make course adjustments. We plan to run another Fire Officer II program next summer, location TBD. Some staff were asked why we picked the summer to run these programs. The honest answer is cheaper lodging at the dormitories at MFSI HQ on the Southern Maine Community College Mid Coast campus. Keeping costs as low as possible for individuals and municipalities is vital, while still providing a positive, quality learning environment.
The academy/immersion model is a way to support a candidate’s focus and limit outside distractions during an intensive curriculum. The feedback received from most all the graduates said that they enjoyed being together and requested that we extend the academy duration so that they could have more time to network and get to know their cohort members. The networking was impressive to witness; the first day folks were a bit standoffish and by the end of the program we saw classmates shaking hands and exchanging phone numbers and email contacts as they had created a new professional relationship that will last decades.
Myself, part of MSFO Class of 2001, remain in contact with many fire service leaders from my academy class: Chief David Groder – Augusta Fire Department, Chief Darrell White – Presque Isle Fire Department, Lt. Gerry Gay – Sanford Fire Department and the PFFM, Lt Harold Smith – Sanford Fire Department, Lt. Francis (Rick) Johnson – Rockland Fire Department (Retired) and MFSI Deputy Director, Jim Roy. The relationships built in all our academy programs have served many of us well and one of the spillover benefits is the advancement of the Maine Fire Service. Please consider being part of this amazing program in the future.
In closing, it is fair season here in Maine, and I hope all of you get a chance to enjoy all that fall has to offer: cool nights, colorful sights, pumpkin spice, and maybe a trip into the backcountry for some sporting adventures. Stay safe out there. We need all of you.
Jimmy Graves