Pine Point
Fire Company
Engine Four
Scarborough Fire
Department
246 U. S. Route One,
Scarborough, Maine 04074
emergency call 911 /
business phone 207-883-4542
Welcome to the Home Page of the
Pine Point Fire Company
Engine 4 ~ Marine 4 ~ Tank 4
Please select from the choices below to learn more about our company. We hope you enjoy your visit and look forward to your comments.
The Officers & Members of Engine 4
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 History |
Company
Officers |
| Previous Captains |
Deceased
Members |
| Run
Statistics |
Membership Information |
| Our
Apparatus |
Marine
Four |
| Training Calendar
|
The
Firemans Prayer |
| Last Alarm
|
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The Pine Point Fire Company was formed by a group of residents from Pine Point in 1937. The best description of our history can be found in a speech written by Charlie Lyons for the open house that was held in 1988 at the dedication of our new station. The text of that speech follows:
In the early 1930's, both paved roads and fire engines were rare commodities in Maine. Locally, many of the smaller communities took advantage of the fact that the McCann Company of Portland built soda-acid tanks on a model T Ford chassis. This was a relatively affordable vehicle and was, for that time in history, a real assistance in fighting fires.
The much greater effectiveness of the pump truck was first demonstrated in this area during the 30's by our brothers in the Gorham Fire Dept. Gorham, at the time, had a Chief named Ira Alden who was an automobile mechanic. Chief Alden built a combination pumper and hose carrier on a stripped-down Pierce Arrow chassis. With this pumper the Gorham Fire Dept. often made runs of 20 miles or more. If water was available at the site of the fire, the excellent performance of the forerunner of our modern pumpers was made evident to all that witnessed its operation.
In Scarborough, as water mains were extended into the Town, hose companies were formed, including one on Pine Point. By 1934, however, most had languished and died. The Pine Point company was still organized and active, but had no equipment or building. In about 1935 the remnants of the companies united and petitioned the Town to raise a sum of money to purchase fire equipment. The petition was successful and led to the reorganization of the Pine Point Hose Company into the Point Volunteer Fire Company two years later.
On January 18, 1937, the first meeting of the new company was called with Benjamin Baker as chairman and chief. On January 22, 1937, the company met again to consider the establishment of a building to house the Company. As we stand here today, with this new building, it is interesting to note that at this meeting a committee, chaired by Asa Douglass, was formed to determine the cost of a "building 22 feet X 40 feet with a room upstairs with a kitchen". At the next meeting, on January 29, 1937, a committee was formed to call on all the people of Blue Point and Pine Point "to see if they would pledge 10 cents a week for one year, to finance the building of a firehouse". The total cost of the building was projected to be $850.00.
It should also be noted that at the January 29, 1937, meeting the untimely death of Benny Baker, who was just elected Chief eleven days earlier, was noted with sadness.
As soon as financing was assured, the structure was commissioned, with Harry Lothrop as boss carpenter. He supervised the volunteers as well who assisted him in the construction project. Meanwhile, fund raising continued by the operation of whist parties, beano, and dinners.
With construction of the barn well underway, members turned their attention to equipment. In early April of 1937, another committee was formed. Its task, from the minutes of the April 2, 1937 meeting was, and I quote, "to go see the man who has a body he wants to sell and report back at the next meeting". After reading this, I finally determined that the body in question was actually a truck chassis!
A fire truck was procured. It was an 85 H. P. V-8, Ford chassis, with a Pine board body. Some old hose and a nozzle were eventually found, and the truck actually recorded two saves during the first year it was in service. Shortly after this, Pine Point won from the Town, funding for a Diamond T with a Maxim built body.
The Pine Point Volunteer Fire Company now had a building, a pumper, and a viable organization. Money, however, was still needed to maintain the operation. While gift solicitations, whist, and beano helped, other sources were necessary. Dances were a primary source. An old Victrola was obtained, and the members took turns cranking it to keep the records playing. Baked Bean and other suppers were also a good source of income. Sometimes the suppers and dances were run on the same evening. On April 28, 1938, a lobster stew supper was put on. This included cake and coffee and the price was 40 cents. In July of that year, a clambake was held. The price for all you could eat was $ 1.00, but those who dug the clams were only charged 50 cents. On April 20, 1939, a baked bean supper and a dance were held. Price for both was 50 cents or 25 cents for whichever of the two you chose to attend.
Shortly after Pearl Harbor, the military arrived on Pine Point. A detachment of soldiers was bivouacked on the beach grass across from the Pillsbury House, where Hurd Park is now located. December of 1941 is remembered in the Company's logbook as bitterly cold, and the soldiers were not standing it well at all. Someone invited them to use the firehouse, and once they found the warmth of the recently purchased stove, spent the better part of the winter there!
In the early 50's, a rescue squad was formed using the firefighters from Pine Point. While the purpose of the squad was primarily to use a resuscitator on potential drowning victims, the squad can truly be said to be a precursor of Scarborough's town-wide rescue service.
Also at this time in history, a second bay was added to the fire station. On April 15, 1954 two young men from Pine Point, having finally turned 16 were appointed members. Bruce Thurlow and Buddy Sampson probably can't even remember back that far now!
Meanwhile throughout the sixties and seventies, the equipment was continually being modernized and upgraded. In 1963 a '63 Ford 750 gpm pumper was purchased, and remained in service until 1981, when the present custom American LaFrance arrived. During this entire period we witnessed the procurement of two tank trucks for use primarily with grass and woods fires, the establishment of a sea rescue capability with the acquisition of the boats, the establishment of a solid first-responder capability in medical emergencies, and a response time which rarely exceeded three minutes.
In fifty years, the Pine Point Volunteer Fire Company has gone from a cast-off truck to a $ 100,000 pumper. Even with inflation, we've done pretty well. The men who had the vision to initiate all of this deserve much more credit than we usually remember to give them. Many were fathers, brothers, and husbands of many of you here today. Some are still with us. To name names is never very productive, since you inevitably leave out someone, but names such as Benny Baker, George Skillings, Harold Lothrop, Tom Cockroft, Haswell Turner, Bill Derby, Lloyd Turner, Ray Collins, Asa Douglass, Earle Thurston, Bill Collins, Paul Sterling, Walter Jordan, Bob Longfellow, Ambrose Lothrop, Neil Thibeau, Pete Dennis, Ken Parker, Vance Turner, Lloyd Douglass, Neil Douglass, Ken Lucy, Joe Lothrop, Al Jordan, Mel Lothrop, Eddie Collins, Don Googins, Ronnie Carter, Oscar Young, Don Thurlow, and Jack Conroy, all come to mind.
For their foresight, dedication, and effort, we are all grateful. Thank you.
The officers of Engine 4 are grouped into two categories, Line Officers and Staff Officers. Line Officers are appointed by the Fire Chief. The Line Officers are directly responsible for the day to day operations of the fire company. They are the local company links to the chain of command of the department. Staff Officers are elected by the fire company at the annual meeting in December. These officers run the company meetings, and keep the company records.
2002 Line Officers
Captain
Gary
Sandler
Lieutenants
Gary Tapley ~ Richard Lamontange
2002 Staff Officers
President
Phil Hunt
Vice
President
Travis Lamontagne
Secretary
Mike Wood
Treasurer
Stan
Payson
Training Officer
Glen Reed
Student Advisor
Karl Finley
The captain of the company is our leader. He is responsible for the day to day operations of the company, as well as the safety of it's members. Over the years the Pine Point Fire Company has been fortunate to have had the service of the following extraordinary people who have been chosen by our members to serve as our Captain. note: due to the loss of some company records there are some names missing between Joe Lothrop and Ben Baker.
Gary
Sandler (current)
Gary Tapley
Sherm Lahie
Tim Nichols
Michael Thurlow
Jim Conroy
Robert Carson
Lloyd Douglass
Peter Dennis
Neil Douglass
Ed Collins
Donald Thurlow
Lee Downs
Asa Douglass
Harold Lothrop
Joe Lothrop
Ben Baker
The
following is a list of our departed brothers and the cemetery
that they are buried in:
please excuse
any omissions, this was the most comprehensive list available.
If you know of any additions please e-mail us.
Name CemeteryHoward Skillings Black Point Lloyd Turner Black Point Earl Thurston Black Point Al Hurd Black Point Joseph Bostwick Black Point Edward Collins Brooklawn Edward Bayley Brooklawn Garrett Vandevere Brooklawn Asa Douglass Sr. Eastern (Gorham) Ernest Barker Laurel Hill (Saco) George Skillings Evergreen William Derby Massachusetts Edward Barker Dunstan Ben Baker Dunstan Cliff Melman Dunstan Mel Lothrop Dunstan Tom Crocoft Dunstan Freeman Meaur Dunstan Harry Lothrop Dunstan Donald Sullivan Dunstan George Leavitt Dunstan Robert Longfellow Dunstan Lloyd Douglass Scarborough Memorial Tim Nichols Connilais Georgia Pete Dennis Biddeford (2nd Cemetery) Asa Douglass Jr. Scarborough Memorial Donald Thurlow Scarborough MemorialNeil Douglass Scarborough MemorialNeil Thibeau Scarborough MemorialCarl Turner Black PointJack Conroy Jackson Laurel HillT
The Pine Point Fire Company's first alarm district includes all of Pine Point, Blue Point, the village of Dunstan, Broadturn Road to the Holmes Road, and the Scarborough Industrial Park. Our company is also activated on almost any second alarm in the Town of Scarborough. As an incentive to the members of our company to turn out we keep an attendance chart on the wall of the station. Here we track our calls and who responded to them. Each year we publish the results so each member can see how he did throughout the year. Below is our company response report for 2001.
Engine 4 Runs 2001
Pine Point Station was called to service 210 times.
Engine Four responded to 178 calls.
Tank Four responded to 67 calls.Marine Four responded to 59 calls.
The Pine Point Fire Company is always looking for new recruits. If you think you might be interested in joining please contact the Fire Chiefs office at 883-4542. They will give you an application and explain the process to join. You will find membership in our company to be a lot of fun, as well as being extremely rewarding. We will train you to work safely and efficiently within our organization. You will learn life saving rescue techniques that will stay with you for a life time. Best of all you will belong to an organization of top quality individuals protecting life and property all over the world.
If you enjoy a challenge, are looking for self improvement, and would like to help a neighbor in need, then the Pine Point Fire Company is for you. Call us Today!
The fireman's prayer is a traditional part of many services for our fallen comrades. As a tribute to all Firefighters killed in the line of duty, and to all the members of our company that have passed on, we are proud to reproduce it here.
When I
am called to duty, God
Wherever Flames may rage
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert and
Hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me
To guard my every neighbor
And protect their property
And if according to your will
I have to lose my life
Please bless with your protecting hand
My children and my wife
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Page Keeper: Glen Reed sfd420@maine.rr.com |
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