
	History From Horse Drawn Engine To Crack 25 – Member Force The first fire house was built in 1903 on land donated by David Getchell on a lot north of the Episcopal Church on the bank of Little River, now known as Limestone Stream. The material and labor for the fire house was donated by interested citizens. After the building was completed, the fire company purchased fire pails and hose-reel on wheels. They built a wagon to be pulled by horses. The wagon carried a gasoline – engine pump suction hose, nozzles and ladders. George Leighton was appointed the first fire chief. Guy Durepo was elected chief engineer. At this time, the fire department consisted of 20 members. Due to the fact that the town had no fire signal horn, the bell on the Episcopal church was used as a fire alarm. The installation of fire hydrants in 1912 provided a better source of water supply for fighting fires within the town limits. On Dec. 1, 1921, a meeting was called by P.B. Knight, first selectman, to reorganize the fire department. Dr. A.H. Damon was appointed fire chief and B.G. Wright was appointed assistant fire chief and secretary. Members were D.F. Getchell, foreman; Edward Foster, foreman; M.L. Orser, commander of ladder crew; Alec Bellefleur, driver; Fred Albert, hydrant man; Fred Brinkman, hydrant man; Warren Brooker, axe man; George Curry, axe man; Sherman Butler, axe man; Alexander Brinkman, nozzle man; Edward Tardy, nozzle man; Ward Brawn, nozzle man; Omar Doody, nozzle man; Edward Lagassey, nozzle man; Raymond Ramsey, nozzle man; Frank St. Peter, ladder man; Basil Hurd, ladder man; William Brown, ladder man; John Gallagher, nozzle man; Luke Albert, nozzle man; A.L. Caswell, property man. The first piece of motorized equipment owned by the fire department was a used Hudson car purchased in 1924 from L.A. Cyr, Sr. The car was rebuilt and used for a ladder and chemical truck. In 1925, members brought a Model T. Ford truck for a hose truck. The first commercial fire truck was not purchased until 1928, a LaFrance, 500-gallon pumper. As equipment was added to the fire department, it became necessary to build a new fire house. In 1946, the present building was constructed at 27 Church Street, the ground floor to be used by the fire department and the upper story to be used as municipal offices. From 1964 to 1967 the department maintained ambulance service. Members also help with the annual Halloween party and repair toys that are delivered to needy families at Christmas. In 1968, the Junior Volunteers became a part of the department. Paul Poitras, chief; Glen Michaud, assistant chief; Bruce Harvey, secretary; Mark Durinski, Michael Parent, Michael Kelley, Allen Bouiler and David Grivois became the first members. In 1968, the department has 17 men, including the chief and the eight Junior Volunteers. Equipment includes five pieces of fire-fighting equipment; approximately 350 feet of 2.5 inch hose; 800 feet of 1.5 inch hose, the capacity to carry about 2,000 gallons of water. Fire chiefs have been George Leighton, Joe McCormack, Dr. A.D. Damon, James Leighton and the present chief Burns Phair. Citizens who have been or still are members of the department since it started in 1903 are Perley Adams, Fred Albert, Luke Albert, Wilfred Albert, Manuel Andrade, Kenneth Ballard, Fredrick Beale, George Beale, Hubert Beale, Gene Beaulieu, Lazare Beaulieu, Ludger Beaulieu, Alex Bell, Charles Bell, Gilbert Bell, William Bell, Alex Bellefleur, Amos Bellefleur, Clifford Bellefleur, Edmund Bellefleur, William Bellefleur, James Bernier, Lester Brawn, Ward, Brawn, Ephiriam Briggs, Alex Brinkmen, Fred Brinkmen, Ambrose Brooker, Dale Brooker; Perley Brooker, Warren Brooker, Ben Brown, William Brown, Waldo Burgess, Peter Burgoyne, Kenneth Butler, Sherman Butler, Andrew Caswell, Charles Cote, Noel Clipperton, George Curry, Nathan Curry, Robert Curry, Emile Cyr, Louis A. Cyr, Sr., Romeo Daigle, Dr. A.H. Damon, Hobart Damon, John Damon, Harold Davenport, George Derrah, Omar Doody, Sr., Claude Durepo, Guy Durepo, Harry Durepo, Richard Edgecomb, Delmar Embelton, Arthur Fenlason, James Fitzsimmons, Edward Foster, Roger Foster, Fred Gagnon, Sykvio Gagnon, Jessie Gallagher, Denis Getchell, Wallace Getchell, Ralph Hamilton, Sterling Hamilton, Alton Harmon, Nobe Hammond, Clifford Harvey, Hollis Hitchcock, Ira Hitchcock, Aubrey Hurd, Charles Hurd, George Hurd, Herman Johndro Jr., Michael Johndro, Thomas King, Harold Laksell; Andrew Lauritsen, Luke Levasseur, Verne Leavitt, Bert Leduc, Edward Legassey, Eugene Legassey, A.C. Leighton, David, Leighton, George Leighton, James Leighton, John Leighton, Ralph Leighton, Romeo Levesque, Joseph McCormack, Merrill McKing, Lawrence McMennamin, Fred Marquis, Harry Martin, Albert Mazerolle, Emile Mazerolle, Simon Mazerolle, Claude Michaud, Joseph Michaud, George Michaud, Patrick Michaud, George Mitchell, Merbert Montgomery, Richard Moreau, William Morrell, Raymond Mulherin, Jack Neal, Anthony O’Neal, Bernard O’Neal, M.L. Orser, Fred Paradis, Alyre Parent, Dan Parent, Leo Pelky, Albert Poitras, Frank Poitras, Irving Poitras, Raymond Ramsey, Richard Rubidoux; Clifford Rossignol, Elmer Rossignol, Richard Rossignol, Leonard St. Pierre, Bernard Shaw, George Shaw, Vaughn Shaw, Allen Sloan, Linwood Somers, Rodney Spearin, Ike Stewart, Ivan Stewart, Maynard Stewart, Stewart Stockford, Thomas Talmadge, Edward Tardy, Fred Tardy, Elisee Theriault, Archie Thompson, Beecher Thompson, Clyde Thompson, Rene Turcotte, Dale Weatherhead, Vernon Weatherhead, Elwood Webster, Robert Webster, C.L. Woodbury, B.G. Wright, James Wright, Robert Wright. Memorable Fires{ 1903 – 1968 } 1911 – Twin barns of Wallace Getchell burned with complete loss. 1912 – Upper sawmill, owned my A.L. Noyes. L.A. Cyr Stone and Charles Perry building. Dec. 22, 1921 – Webster’s Garage and H.N. Jenkins Funeral Home. May 14, 1922 – Limestone’s largest fire. Twenty – two buildings burned. Fire started at 11:30 a.m. and was declared under control by Chief A.H. Damon at 7:30 p.m. The fire departments from Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, Washburn, Caribou, and Grand Falls offered assistance. Apr. 27, 1923 – Starch factory owned by A.L. Noyes. Loss $40,000. Mar. 17, 1924 – Garage and apartments owned by W.B. Ward and Phair Co. store. Caribou Fire Department sent a La France pumper over on a B&A. flat car. Loss, $54,000. Apr. 20, 1924 – Fire damaged the Masonic Building which housed the bank, lodge rooms and barber shop. Damage, $10,000. Dec. 24, 1924 – Main Street stores and homes Joseph and Said Meelan. Loss, $18,000. Nov. 15, 1925 – Limestone Elementary School. Loss, $ 20,000. Nov. 10, 1927 – Howard Nichols’ Barn. Aug. 29, 1966 – Five potato storage houses burned and two others damaged. Loss, $106,200. Aug. 9, 1968 – Four potato storage houses burned and five others damaged. Firemen from Fort Fairfield, Caribou, Loring and Van Buren aided the local fire department. Loss, $197,140. In 1969, Chief Phair and Assistant Poitras ordered a new fire truck. A new radio system was received with the antenna being placed on the water tower. Bret Poitras was appointed as the day man to take care of the fire station. The annual carnival, picnic, oyster stew, and Christmas party were held. The new truck arrived December 18th. In 1970, on March 23, Burns Phair retired as Chief. Bert Poitras was appointed Chief with Clifford Harvey as Assistant Chief. The annual picnic, oyster stew and Christmas party were held. In 1971, a Donkey-ballgame was held against the Lion’s Club. The annual picnic, oyster stew and Christmas Party were held. Chief Poitras and Assistant Harvey were in charge. In 1972, no carnival or oyster stews were held. The annual picnic and Christmas party did take place. Chief Poitras and Assistant Harvey were in command. In 1973, the department had a tragic fire where a child was killed in a fire. The department also bought a ring saw for cutting into buildings. Honorary fire Chief Burns Phair died in October. The annual picnic, oyster stew and Christmas party were held. Chief Poitras and assistant Harvey ran the department. During 1974, Chief Poitras and assistant Harvey were in command. The department rewrote the by-laws. During 1975, Chief Harvey was the leader. The annual picnic was held. The plectron system came into effect in late November. However, the new system would not be operated until February, 1976. In 1976, Chief Harvey completed the plectron system. The Muster Team brought back a trophy from Mars Hill. The department painted the hydrants for the Centennial. The annual picnic and Christmas party were cancelled for the year. During 1977, Chief Harvey was in command. Dale Brooker was appointed assistant chief. The annual picnic and Christmas party were held. In 1978, the change of chiefs took place in June. Chief Harvey resigned and Dale Brooker was appointed chief. Paul Poitras was appointed as assistant. A summer carnival was held. The Muster Team brought back a 1st place trophy for best truck and a 2nd place trophy for wet-line hookup. The annual picnic and Christmas party were a success. The Muster Team in 1979 brought home one 1st place trophy, two 3rd place trophies and a plaque. The department held a carnival and had its annual picnic. The department brought 4 barbeque pots and 4 picnic tables for the swimming area at the town pond. The Christmas party and dance was held. Chief Brooker and assistant Poitras were in command. In 1980, Chief Brooker and assistant Poitras ran the department. The annual picnic and Christmas party were held. The department held a summer dance which was successful. In 1981, there was no change in command. The annual picnic, Christmas party and summer dance were held. In 1982, Chief Brooker resigned and Paul Poitras was named chief. Paul Durepo was named assistant chief. The department received a new fire truck which replaced truck #1. The department put a bid on the fall 1983 fire chief’s meeting. We received a bid. The annual summer dance, picnic and Christmas party were held. During 1983, department under went training in the Maine Forest Service school, fire investigation and electrical hazards. The department sponsored the Fire Chief’s fall meeting in October whish was successful. The annual summer dance, picnic, and Christmas dance were held. Chief Poitras and assistant Durepo were in command. In 1984, the department accepted a new set of by-laws, sponsored a Little League Team, and ran a finger-printing clinic for children. ©LimestoneFire2008

History

From Horse Drawn Engine To Crack 25 – Member Force

scan The first fire house was built in 1903 on land donated by David Getchell on a lot north of the Episcopal Church on the bank of Little River, now known as Limestone Stream. The material and labor for the fire house was donated by interested citizens. After the building was completed, the fire company purchased fire pails and hose-reel on wheels. They built a wagon to be pulled by horses. The wagon carried a gasoline – engine pump suction hose, nozzles and ladders.

George Leighton was appointed the first fire chief. Guy Durepo was elected chief engineer. At this time, the fire department consisted of 20 members. Due to the fact that the town had no fire signal horn, the bell on the Episcopal church was used as a fire alarm.

The installation of fire hydrants in 1912 provided a better source of water supply for fighting fires within the town limits.

On Dec. 1, 1921, a meeting was called by P.B. Knight, first selectman, to reorganize the fire department. Dr. A.H. Damon was appointed fire chief and B.G. Wright was appointed assistant fire chief and secretary. Members were D.F. Getchell, foreman; Edward Foster, foreman; M.L. Orser, commander of ladder crew; Alec Bellefleur, driver; Fred Albert, hydrant man; Fred Brinkman, hydrant man; Warren Brooker, axe man; George Curry, axe man; Sherman Butler, axe man; Alexander Brinkman, nozzle man; Edward Tardy, nozzle man; Ward Brawn, nozzle man; Omar Doody, nozzle man; Edward Lagassey, nozzle man; Raymond Ramsey, nozzle man; Frank St. Peter, ladder man; Basil Hurd, ladder man; William Brown, ladder man; John Gallagher, nozzle man; Luke Albert, nozzle man; A.L. Caswell, property man.

The first piece of motorized equipment owned by the fire department was a used Hudson car purchased in 1924 from L.A. Cyr, Sr. The car was rebuilt and used for a ladder and chemical truck. In 1925, members brought a Model T. Ford truck for a hose truck. The first commercial fire truck was not purchased until 1928, a LaFrance, 500-gallon pumper.

As equipment was added to the fire department, it became necessary to build a new fire house. In 1946, the present building was constructed at 27 Church Street, the ground floor to be used by the fire department and the upper story to be used as municipal offices.

From 1964 to 1967 the department maintained ambulance service. Members also help with the annual Halloween party and repair toys that are delivered to needy families at Christmas.

In 1968, the Junior Volunteers became a part of the department. Paul Poitras, chief; Glen Michaud, assistant chief; Bruce Harvey, secretary; Mark Durinski, Michael Parent, Michael Kelley, Allen Bouiler and David Grivois became the first members.

In 1968, the department has 17 men, including the chief and the eight Junior Volunteers. Equipment includes five pieces of fire-fighting equipment; approximately 350 feet of 2.5 inch hose; 800 feet of 1.5 inch hose, the capacity to carry about 2,000 gallons of water.

Fire chiefs have been George Leighton, Joe McCormack, Dr. A.D. Damon, James Leighton and the present chief Burns Phair.

Citizens who have been or still are members of the department since it started in 1903 are Perley Adams, Fred Albert, Luke Albert, Wilfred Albert, Manuel Andrade, Kenneth Ballard, Fredrick Beale, George Beale, Hubert Beale, Gene Beaulieu, Lazare Beaulieu, Ludger Beaulieu, Alex Bell, Charles Bell, Gilbert Bell, William Bell, Alex Bellefleur, Amos Bellefleur, Clifford Bellefleur, Edmund Bellefleur, William Bellefleur, James Bernier, Lester Brawn, Ward, Brawn, Ephiriam Briggs, Alex Brinkmen, Fred Brinkmen, Ambrose Brooker, Dale Brooker;

Perley Brooker, Warren Brooker, Ben Brown, William Brown, Waldo Burgess, Peter Burgoyne, Kenneth Butler, Sherman Butler, Andrew Caswell, Charles Cote, Noel Clipperton, George Curry, Nathan Curry, Robert Curry, Emile Cyr, Louis A. Cyr, Sr., Romeo Daigle, Dr. A.H. Damon, Hobart Damon, John Damon, Harold Davenport, George Derrah, Omar Doody, Sr., Claude Durepo, Guy Durepo, Harry Durepo, Richard Edgecomb, Delmar Embelton, Arthur Fenlason, James Fitzsimmons, Edward Foster, Roger Foster, Fred Gagnon, Sykvio Gagnon, Jessie Gallagher, Denis Getchell, Wallace Getchell, Ralph Hamilton, Sterling Hamilton, Alton Harmon, Nobe Hammond, Clifford Harvey, Hollis Hitchcock, Ira Hitchcock, Aubrey Hurd, Charles Hurd, George Hurd, Herman Johndro Jr., Michael Johndro, Thomas King, Harold Laksell;

Andrew Lauritsen, Luke Levasseur, Verne Leavitt, Bert Leduc, Edward Legassey, Eugene Legassey, A.C. Leighton, David, Leighton, George Leighton, James Leighton, John Leighton, Ralph Leighton, Romeo Levesque, Joseph McCormack, Merrill McKing, Lawrence McMennamin, Fred Marquis, Harry Martin, Albert Mazerolle, Emile Mazerolle, Simon Mazerolle, Claude Michaud, Joseph Michaud, George Michaud, Patrick Michaud, George Mitchell, Merbert Montgomery, Richard Moreau, William Morrell, Raymond Mulherin, Jack Neal, Anthony O’Neal, Bernard O’Neal, M.L. Orser, Fred Paradis, Alyre Parent, Dan Parent, Leo Pelky, Albert Poitras, Frank Poitras, Irving Poitras, Raymond Ramsey, Richard Rubidoux;

Clifford Rossignol, Elmer Rossignol, Richard Rossignol, Leonard St. Pierre, Bernard Shaw, George Shaw, Vaughn Shaw, Allen Sloan, Linwood Somers, Rodney Spearin, Ike Stewart, Ivan Stewart, Maynard Stewart, Stewart Stockford, Thomas Talmadge, Edward Tardy, Fred Tardy, Elisee Theriault, Archie Thompson, Beecher Thompson, Clyde Thompson, Rene Turcotte, Dale Weatherhead, Vernon Weatherhead, Elwood Webster, Robert Webster, C.L. Woodbury, B.G. Wright, James Wright, Robert Wright.

Memorable Fires{ 1903 – 1968 }

1911 – Twin barns of Wallace Getchell burned with complete loss. 1912 – Upper sawmill, owned my A.L. Noyes. L.A. Cyr Stone and Charles Perry building.
Dec. 22, 1921 – Webster’s Garage and H.N. Jenkins Funeral Home.
May 14, 1922 – Limestone’s largest fire. Twenty – two buildings burned. Fire started at 11:30 a.m. and was declared under control by Chief A.H. Damon at 7:30 p.m. The fire departments from Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, Washburn, Caribou, and Grand Falls offered assistance.
Apr. 27, 1923 – Starch factory owned by A.L. Noyes. Loss $40,000.
Mar. 17, 1924 – Garage and apartments owned by W.B. Ward and Phair Co. store. Caribou Fire Department sent a La France pumper over on a B&A. flat car. Loss, $54,000.
Apr. 20, 1924 – Fire damaged the Masonic Building which housed the bank, lodge rooms and barber shop. Damage, $10,000.
Dec. 24, 1924 – Main Street stores and homes Joseph and Said Meelan. Loss, $18,000.
Nov. 15, 1925 – Limestone Elementary School. Loss, $ 20,000.
Nov. 10, 1927 – Howard Nichols’ Barn.
Aug. 29, 1966 – Five potato storage houses burned and two others damaged. Loss, $106,200.
Aug. 9, 1968 – Four potato storage houses burned and five others damaged. Firemen from Fort Fairfield, Caribou, Loring and Van Buren aided the local fire department. Loss, $197,140.

In 1969, Chief Phair and Assistant Poitras ordered a new fire truck. A new radio system was received with the antenna being placed on the water tower. Bret Poitras was appointed as the day man to take care of the fire station. The annual carnival, picnic, oyster stew, and Christmas party were held. The new truck arrived December 18th.

In 1970, on March 23, Burns Phair retired as Chief. Bert Poitras was appointed Chief with Clifford Harvey as Assistant Chief. The annual picnic, oyster stew and Christmas party were held.

In 1971, a Donkey-ballgame was held against the Lion’s Club. The annual picnic, oyster stew and Christmas Party were held. Chief Poitras and Assistant Harvey were in charge.

In 1972, no carnival or oyster stews were held. The annual picnic and Christmas party did take place. Chief Poitras and Assistant Harvey were in command.

In 1973, the department had a tragic fire where a child was killed in a fire. The department also bought a ring saw for cutting into buildings. Honorary fire Chief Burns Phair died in October. The annual picnic, oyster stew and Christmas party were held. Chief Poitras and assistant Harvey ran the department.

During 1974, Chief Poitras and assistant Harvey were in command. The department rewrote the by-laws.

During 1975, Chief Harvey was the leader. The annual picnic was held. The plectron system came into effect in late November. However, the new system would not be operated until February, 1976.

In 1976, Chief Harvey completed the plectron system. The Muster Team brought back a trophy from Mars Hill. The department painted the hydrants for the Centennial. The annual picnic and Christmas party were cancelled for the year.

During 1977, Chief Harvey was in command. Dale Brooker was appointed assistant chief. The annual picnic and Christmas party were held.

In 1978, the change of chiefs took place in June. Chief Harvey resigned and Dale Brooker was appointed chief. Paul Poitras was appointed as assistant. A summer carnival was held. The Muster Team brought back a 1st place trophy for best truck and a 2nd place trophy for wet-line hookup. The annual picnic and Christmas party were a success.

The Muster Team in 1979 brought home one 1st place trophy, two 3rd place trophies and a plaque. The department held a carnival and had its annual picnic. The department brought 4 barbeque pots and 4 picnic tables for the swimming area at the town pond. The Christmas party and dance was held. Chief Brooker and assistant Poitras were in command.

In 1980, Chief Brooker and assistant Poitras ran the department. The annual picnic and Christmas party were held. The department held a summer dance which was successful.

In 1981, there was no change in command. The annual picnic, Christmas party and summer dance were held.

In 1982, Chief Brooker resigned and Paul Poitras was named chief. Paul Durepo was named assistant chief. The department received a new fire truck which replaced truck #1. The department put a bid on the fall 1983 fire chief’s meeting. We received a bid. The annual summer dance, picnic and Christmas party were held.

During 1983, department under went training in the Maine Forest Service school, fire investigation and electrical hazards. The department sponsored the Fire Chief’s fall meeting in October whish was successful. The annual summer dance, picnic, and Christmas dance were held. Chief Poitras and assistant Durepo were in command.
In 1984, the department accepted a new set of by-laws, sponsored a Little League Team, and ran a finger-printing clinic for children.