SQUAD HISTORY

Established in the Fall of 1984 by Fire Chief Ken Wagner, Squad Company 1 was created to address the growing need for specialized rescue in the Town of Cumberland and its surrounding communities.

Company responsibilities included vehicle extrication and water rescue.

Original equipment included: saws-alls, cold water suits, and hand extrication tools.

The first Squad vehicle was a van, seen below in this picture of Central Station apparatus. This vehicle was first used as an ambulance.

The vehicle was updated in 1987 to a used ambulance. This gave the company more equipment storage capacity.

A set of Vetter Air Bags was purchased in January 1988. This set of lifting bags was one of the first in the region. In January 1989 a complete set of Lukas extrication tools were purchased with funds from a public fundraiser. This included: 28in. Spreaders, cutters, 2 rams with extensions. Gas Metering equipment was added in 1994, to meet the raising number of Carbon Monoxide calls the department was receiving.

In 1998 the Cumberland Fire Department purchases a used walk-in heavy rescue. This truck had an on-board generator, 360 degree scene lighting, and electric/air reels.

Additional air packs were purchased for the truck, and its role was expanded to include search and rescue. In 2001 the Cumberland Fire Department took delivery of a Cairns Viper Thermal Imaging Camera. Because of its search and rescue role the camera was placed in service on the Squad. The camera has a transmitter attached that transmits the real time video image to a remote receiver. The receiver has an on screen display and VHS recorder. The equipment was also purchased by a town wide fundraiser.

Also in 2001 increased automatic mutual aid coverage for the truck increased. A Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) program was established with the Town of Falmouth. 3^rd Alarm coverage with the City of Portland was also established.

In March 2002 a new Ferrara Igniter Walk Around Heavy Rescue was placed into service.

This Heavy Rescue adds many additional features: 20KW Generator, 25ft 6000W light tower, Reese Hitch Receivers on all 4 sides, 6 Ton Winch w/ controls on 25ft cord, On board electric hydraulic pump, 2 - 200 Electric Reels, 1 - 150 Air hose reel, 2 - 100 Hydraulic hose reel, 3 roll out trays, air bag storage compartment, 8 man cab, 8 - roof compartments.

Additional Equipment Purchased for this truck (see truck inventory): Ventmaster, Rescue Alive Ice Rescue Sled, Dell Laptop Computer, 4-SCOTT SCBA with 60 minute bottles, SCOTT RIT Pack, additional 30 minute bottles, Electric Hydraulic Pump, and AED.

Trucks first call:

Award History

Merit Award History