Caribou Fire and Ambulance was recently recognized with a national emergency medical services excellence award, the first time a fire department from Maine has earned the honor.
Fire Chief Scott Susi accepted the award on behalf of the department from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins on April 15 in Washington, D.C.
The Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Masimo Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award recognizes best EMS practices by fire departments from around the country, according to Collins’ office.
In order to be eligible for the award, the fire department must have implemented a unique practice that enhances the delivery of EMS services in their community, and increases firefighter safety, according to the institute.
“This award is all based on the firefighters we have here,” Susi said after his return. “I’m very proud of everybody here. For them to provide the level of care that they provide is a testament to all that they do.”
Susi said education and manpower helped the department not only earn the award, but be able to provide better service to the residents of the Caribou area. The firefighters are licensed emergency medical technicians as well, but with the former staff of 12 they were unable to provide all the ambulance transports required.
“We did a manpower study, to see if it was feasible to increase staffing,” he said. “We were 12; now we have 15 — we added one person per shift. That has made it so we can have an ambulance at every fire scene, so we can assist victims or firefighters if needed. We have that capability on the ground.”
He and members of the department also believe in education, and enjoy volunteering in local schools to help train future generations of service providers.
Caribou City Manager Austin Bleess was full of praise for the department.
“It’s certainly an honor for Caribou Fire and Ambulance. They’re the first fire department in Maine to get this,” he said. “It’s a testament to all the hard work they do for the citizens of Caribou.”
Bleess said he believes Caribou’s is one of few integrated fire and ambulance units in the state. “They’re the only integrated one in northern Maine, anyway, and all our firefighters are also trained emergency medical technicians.”
“This well-deserved award for excellence in emergency medical services is a tremendous accomplishment for Chief Susi, the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department, and the state of Maine,” Collins said in a news release. “Chief Susi’s selfless service, extensive outreach, and collaborative efforts on behalf of Caribou has made my hometown a safer place to live and visit.”
Collins added, “Career and volunteer firefighters are among our nation’s brave first responders, risking their lives to protect our families and keep our communities safe. We owe each one of them a debt of gratitude.”