EASTON, Maine — Gregory White has been settling into his new job as Easton’s volunteer fire chief since April, setting a mission of maintaining a strong firefighting force while raising awareness about prevention.
“It’s been a very technical, busy time,” White said, adding that the period has been free of major fires. “There are a lot of written, training and reporting requirements.”
White has been on the Easton fire force since 1981 and comes from a family of firefighters. His father and brother were both previously leaders of Easton’s fire department and another brother, Darrell, is the current Presque Isle fire chief.
“It’s second nature to our family,” White said.
Looking ahead, White said he’s excited about a couple of fire prevention initiatives the department is involved with.
Starting at the Easton Field Days event July 8, the fire department will supply residents with free smoke detectors via a Red Cross program. Residents can also sign up in July at the town office. An Easton Fire Department member will help with installation, White said, and there is no cap on the number of detectors available.
“In the past, we knew there was a huge need for detectors,” he said.
When Easton kids head back to school later this year, the fire department will be coming to classrooms with the Learn Not To Burn program.
The youth fire prevention program includes in-school presentation and activities, as well as fire prevention drills that students are asked to complete at home with their families, White said.
