The acquisition of military surplus equipment benefits not only the state and local agencies acquiring items but the residents of the municipalities they serve as well.
“We recently donated three sets of computers to the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Since animal control is part of our department’s responsibility, it makes it easier for our staff when there. Their (staff at CAHS) record keeping with dogs does wonders for us and what Dan (Corey, animal control officer) does,” said Chief Matt Irwin, Presque Isle Police Department.
Irwin said through his department’s connections with the military surplus program, he was able to provide the shelter with newer computer systems than what they had been using. He said additional laptops, monitors and computers were picked up at the same time, for use by officers and as spares to replace older equipment.
Betsy Hallett, shelter manager, said the new technology will help speed up the paperwork process, among other things.
“We were doing everything by hand, then had to photocopy paperwork. We’re in the process of obtaining software we’ll use to perform daily duties,” said Hallett. “We’ve entered the 20th century at least.”
The donation included three monitors, three keyboards and three towers. Setup was handled by the PIPD.
“They gave Sgt. Eric Erickson a day to come over and set up for us. They’re networked. We can exchange information with Dan,” said Hallett.
Hallett said the computers are also used to post pet information to their Facebook and PetFinder accounts.
“The computers were new, in the box. They were manufactured in 2007 and required updates, but Eric took care of all that for us. We’re now able to incorporate intake with PetFinder procedures. It saves time,” Hallett said.
Hallett said they also use the computers for cashup.
“When we do intake, we have to create a card for each animal. We can use the computer for that rather than hand-print cards,” said Hallett. “In every way, shape and form this will speed things up.”
“It’s just a matter of finding which programs we need, training staff and getting used to using them,” said Hallett.
Hallett said for now, programs are being added as funds become available to purchase them and that donations are welcome to cover the cost for software.
Irwin said the PIPD has also obtained an F150 truck through the surplus program.
“It cost nothing except to get it in running shape. It’s a nice vehicle to have for animal control. It has a shell on back and is better situated for picking up animals,” he said. “We got documentation from the miltiary so we could license it in the city’s name.”
The police department also acquired a couple snowmobiles.
“They’re housed at the Rec Center. When the PIPD needs them, we have access. Or if the Rec Center wants to use them, they can. They’re Polaris, with less than 300 miles each,” said Irwin.
The Maine Forest Service has also taken part in the military surplus program, picking up several vehicles in the last year.
“The vehicles were acquired through our federal excess loan program. A five-ton engine was acquired last year from the Maine Military Authority in Limestone,” said William Greaves, regional forest ranger with the MFS.
Greaves said nine vehicles were picked up for use by the MFS and other agencies.
“We’ll use them or loan them to fire departments throughout the state. These vehicles are valued at over $650,000,” said Greaves. “They’ll be converted to fire apparatus with an allowable payload of 10,000 pounds.”
He said the MMA has been a “great supporter of the MFS and local fire departments with not only acquisition, but parts and repairs.”
“As you know, local fire departments provide initial attack for wildland fires in their communities and should be recognized for their outstanding work,” said Greaves. “These vehicles will help in these efforts.”
