News
126
years of Leadership
Text of Rep. Susan Austin's remarks at
the Celebration.
(The 125th Celebration was scheduled for last September
but was re-sehduled to this year due to Hurricane
Ophelia. Hence the reference to 126 years.)
Today
is about our history and the memories around the Fire
& Rescue services of Gray.
I'd
like to share a personal memory from our history:
The year was 1969…I was fresh out of college
and working at St. Mary's General Hospital in Lewiston
in their emergency room.
In
March I went to Gray's town meeting with my folks.
That year one warrant item was the consideration of
purchasing the town's first rescue unit.
The
debate went on for a very respectable amount of time,
with townspeople stating all the pros and cons of
such an expenditure and the responsibilities that
would stretch into the future.
By
this time I was being exposed to the daily occurrences
of the emergency room with car accidents, heart attacks
victims, infant deaths, work place injuries and had
become more and more concerned for our community because
I was witnessing the critical element that response
time played on successful rescue and recovery!
I
can still see Newbegin Gym that Saturday filled with
towns people. I can hear the voices of those who spoke.
Folks such as Morrill and Dr. Kenneth Russell; considered
the town doctor at that time.
I
wanted to stand and speak but I was young, with little
experience, emotional, frustrated and terribly tongue-
tied all due to the reality I felt we faced regarding
this very important decision. Thankfully, after due
deliberation, the article passed…
That
memory is just one in a long line of so many important
memories where issues have been addressed and decided
upon in the last 126 years. Decisions made by the
department, the town's leadership and you, the people
of Gray!
Those
decisions have brought us to this day, to our present
department, staff, safety committee and many, many
volunteers. Think about 126 years of leadership that
has delivered fire, rescue response and care that
we have come to rely upon today…that is there
for us whenever we are in need!
What
a tremendous sense of security that gives us as we
go about our lives, going to work, raising our families
and enjoying the quality of life in Gray!
At
this time I would like to present a proclamation from
the Governor of the state of Maine to Chief Barton.
Today
let us celebrate making a new memory for tomorrow.
Let us look to the strength of our past and cascade
that strength into our future. Let us be ever mindful
of teamwork and collaboration as we all strive and
struggle for the success of Gray in all that she faces
and embraces!
Rep.
Austin represents District #109
