This past April, the Presque Isle Fire Department proudly began hosting the Central Aroostook Firefighter I and II program, a training program designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of both career and volunteer firefighters throughout Aroostook County.
This regional class, which ran through the spring and summer, has been a significant step forward in ensuring that our local firefighters are equipped to meet the ever-evolving challenges of their profession and to address the critical need of staffing for both career and volunteer fire departments in Aroostook County.
Supported by the Maine Fire Service Institute, the program offered a rigorous curriculum that met and exceeded the standards set forth by National Fire Protection Association 1001: Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications. This standard is the benchmark for firefighting excellence, outlining the essential skills and knowledge every firefighter must possess.
By adhering to these standards, the Central Aroostook Firefighter I and II program has ensured that its graduates are among the best-trained in the state.
Participants in this program represented a diverse cross-section of Aroostook County’s first responder community, with students from departments including Bridgewater Fire Department, Caribou Fire and Ambulance, Mapleton/Castle Hill/Chapman Fire Department, North Lakes Fire and Rescue, Presque Isle Fire Department and Washburn Fire Department.
This collaboration among these departments underscores the regional commitment to public safety, the shared goal of protecting our communities, and the vital importance of working together — not only in training but also in responding to emergencies as mutual-aid partners.
Nineteen dedicated students successfully completed the rigorous requirements of the program. They are now preparing to undertake cognitive and skills-based exams to earn their ProBoard certification, as well as the State of Maine Firefighter I and II certification.
The success of programs like this is a testament to the countless hours of hard work and dedication from students, instructors, and community members alike. The Presque Isle Fire Department, along with all participating departments, extends its deepest gratitude to everyone involved in making this program a success.
Jesse Belanger is a firefighter and advanced emergency medical technician with the Presque Isle Fire Department.
