Alna Fire Department (AFD) welcomed Wiscasset Middle High School seniors Jan. 29 to gain a deeper appreciation of civic service and the importance of volunteer fire departments in the heart of Maine communities. 

Beth Whitney, president of the fire department, stated, “Volunteer fire departments are not just about fighting fires; they are about making a difference in the community. Members of a volunteer fire department understand the importance of their role and the impact they have on people’s lives.”

Beth Whitney, Jeff Whittemore, Alex Pugh and Roger Whitney, AFD leaders, provided an overview of the importance of volunteering, roles and responsibilities of the fire department and equipment capabilities. 

The WMHS principles of democracy (POD) course is modeled after Advanced Placement (AP) civics and a place-based learning (PBL) philosophy. A PBL model connects learning and communities with the primary goals of increasing student engagement, understanding U.S. government and promoting civic participation.

Whitney said, “Being a firefighter is not just a job, it’s a calling.”