Talk of the Towns 1/28/11

Producer/Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Studio Engineer: Amy Browne

Topic: Recruiting and Retaining Volunteer Firefighters

What are the key requirements for being a firefighter in small towns in Maine in 21st century? What are you looking for as you recruit? How can citizens can get involved in your efforts to educate, prevent and fight fires and contribute to public safety? (what are the options for volunteering?) Describe the ongoing training required of current volunteer firefighters? What are the trends you have observed and where is it all leading? What do you want citizens and tax payers most to know about the work of your fire departments?

Guests:
Mike Bender, Fire Chief, Mount Desert, Maine; Dave Rand, Fire Chief, Bar Harbor, Maine; Dennis Robertson, Fire Chief, Blue Hill, Maine