Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — Limestone Fire Chief Paul Durepo, 60, is reponsible for the operation of the Limestone, Fort Fairfield and Loring Fire Department, which involves all aspects of running a fire and rescue operation from battling blazing structure fires to remembering to take out the trash. Before becoming the full-time chief, Paul started with the Limestone Fire Department in 1969, and found the job to be exciting and interesting.
“As the years went by I began to realize that this job was very serious and dangerous,” he said. “Extensive training became the normal mode of operation instead of burning grass or old structures for the citizens.”
While the training and expectations of firefighters have changed over time, Paul’s thoughts on being a firefighter have not.
“I believe we owe a profound and lasting debt to those who have sacrificed their time and energy while serving the citizens of our area,” he said. “I respect and admire their devotion to duty and their willingness to place themselves in danger to protect the citizens of our community.”
“Throughout the years the sacrifices made by the firefighters and their families are enormous,” he added, “the public owes all such families a debt of gratitude.”
When not running the three stations, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife, Patty, and their two sons Travis and Paul II.
