Woolwich Selectmen agreed to hire an Augusta firm to letter its new ambulance and authorized the purchase of a new extrication tool for the fire department Monday night, Oct. 19.

Selectmen asked the town administrator to see whether the fire department’s broken extrication tool was covered under its MMA insurance policy. The tool is used to free people trapped in motor vehicle accidents. It was damaged during a recent call.

Geoffrey McCarren, who is serving as acting fire chief, said a new unit would cost approximately $6,000. Selectmen authorized the purchase hoping the town’s insurance would cover most of the expense. Repairing the tool was estimated at over $3,000.

McCarren stepped down as fire chief during the summer, he returned as acting fire chief until such time as selectmen fill the position. Three candidates were interviewed but no final decision had been made. Selectmen were looking for input from McCarren and the fire department’s officers.

McCarren said he greatly appreciated an email from Selectman Jason Shaw thanking him for returning as acting fire chief. He said sometimes just a simple thank you goes a long way towards boosting moral.  

Selectmen authorized Julia Gillespie, acting EMS director, to hire Minuteman Signs of Augusta to letter the new ambulance. Minuteman Signs submitted the lowest of three bids, $1,176.

A discussion followed concerning the challenge of attracting more people to become part of the town’s emergency services.  Both Gillespie and McCarren said their departments were fortunate to have a dedicated core group. In the case of the ambulance service, Gillespie said with only 15 or so members, it was impossible for the department to provide 24/7 coverage. She said nearly all the members had full-time jobs and families to support. New members were always welcome she added.

McCarren stressed the importance of the fire department continuing to do programs in the community. The fire department recently provided a fire prevention program at the elementary school. This past Wednesday, Oct. 14 the fire and ambulance departments held their annual open house at the fire station. McCarren said a lot of kids attended the event noting someday maybe some of these young people would join the town’s fire or ambulance departments. The fire department hosts its annual Halloween event Saturday at the firehouse from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

“Don’t think we don’t appreciate everything you do,” Chairman David King Sr. said. “It is appreciated. We do value your service and dedication to the town.”

King noted all of the town’s committees and boards were having trouble attracting volunteers. “It’s partly due to the fact that Woolwich and Maine have an aging population,” he said. Woolwich and other smaller communities might one day need to consider banding together to combine their emergency services he added.

The next regular meeting of the board is 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.