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

Olivia Warlick, a future criminal justice college student, said, “The Alna Volunteer Fire Department, along with all volunteer departments in the state of Maine are reliant on the commitment of those in their community. Without the volunteers responding to emergency calls in Alna, the response time would be poor due to mutual aid towns having to cover.”

Beth Whitney and Roger Whitney, two of Alna Volunteer Fire Department's leaders, provided an overview of the importance of volunteering, roles and responsibilities of the fire department and equipment capabilities. There was a demonstration of the Jaws of Life, hydraulic rescue tools used primarily to extricate crash victims from vehicles.

Henry Putnam handled the advance fire rescue equipment. “It was fascinating to see the equipment used by the fire department like the Jaws of Life that are used to save people from crashes, and the infrared cameras that are used to locate fires inside homes before they can get worse.”

The students were part of WMHS Principles of Democracy (POD) and learned about the budget process and local emergency response.

Madison Tarrance understood the importance of the volunteer fire department. "I want to thank the Alna Fire Department for allowing people to help volunteer and giving younger people the skills and qualities they gain in working with them.”

Danika Osmond concluded, “Volunteer fire departments are important because not everyone is able to dedicate their full time into being a firefighter, but still wish to help their community and make a little on the side. I want to thank the Alna Fire Department for giving us this opportunity to tour their facility and learn more about their methods and equipment.”