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Inside the Issue

• National Fire Academy
• MFSI Programs
• State & Federal Updates
• Fire Commission update
• MFSI Educational Brief on Prerequisites
• Farewell to a Training Program Manager
• Fire Service History
• Safety Message

Dear Fellow Maine Fire Service Members,

As we turn the calendar to August, I want to begin by thanking every firefighter, instructor, evaluator, training program manager, and fire chief who has supported the Maine Fire Service Institute throughout what has already been an exceptionally busy year.

Summer is always one of our busiest seasons. While many families are enjoying vacations and time on Maine’s lakes and coastlines, firefighters continue responding to emergencies, completing certification programs, and preparing for another demanding fall training season. Your dedication to professional development, while balancing careers, families, and volunteer commitments, continues to impress us at MFSI.

Over the past several months, we have witnessed an unprecedented demand for Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, certification testing, Basic Pumps and Emergency Vehicle Driver Training programs. That demand reflects something very positive; it demonstrates that Maine’s fire service recognizes the importance of education, leadership, and firefighter safety. It also reminds us that the expectations placed upon today’s firefighters continue to grow.

At MFSI, we remain committed to providing quality training opportunities to every corner of our state. Whether instruction is taking place in Aroostook County, Washington County, York County, or anywhere in between, our mission remains unchanged: to provide equitable, professional fire service education that supports every community we serve. We are continually evaluating our statewide delivery system to ensure our resources are used wisely while maintaining fairness and accessibility for all sixteen counties.

This fall promises to be one of the busiest training seasons in recent memory. Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, National Fire Academy, Live Fire Instructor, and numerous firefighter certification programs are already filling rapidly. I encourage departments to begin planning now and to submit applications early whenever possible.

I also want to recognize our State Fire Instructors. These dedicated men and women commit to countless hours away from their families to teach, mentor, evaluate, and prepare the next generation of Maine firefighters. Their professionalism, experience, and commitment are the backbone of our statewide training system. Every successful class is a direct reflection of their willingness to serve others.

As we continue through the remainder of the year, we are also focused on strengthening our programs through accreditation, curriculum updates, instructor development, and improvements to certification services. Fire service education continues to evolve, and MFSI is committed to remaining at the forefront of those changes while never losing sight of the traditions and values that define the Maine fire service.

Finally, I encourage every firefighter to take care of one another. Summer operations present unique hazards, including heat stress, fatigue, wildland fire potential, and increased emergency call volume. Watch out for your crew members. Train safely. Hydrate. Wear your PPE properly. Most importantly, make sure everyone goes home after every response and every training evolution.

On behalf of everyone at the Maine Fire Service Institute, thank you for everything you do each day in service to your communities. Your dedication continues to make Maine’s fire service one of the finest in the nation.

Stay safe, stay trained, and never stop learning.

Respectfully,

James A. Graves
Director, Maine Fire Service Institute