The Boothbay Fire Department recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Boothbay Center Station to celebrate the arrival of its new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). SCBA equipment, which is worn by firefighters, is essentially highly technical air packs, allowing firefighters to breath clean air while operating in extremely volatile and dangerous environments. The event served as an opportunity to thank the elected officials, local businesses, residents, and department members who made this critical safety upgrade a reality.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Chuck Mahaleris from Senator Susan Collins' Office, Scott Wilkinson from Senator Angus King's Office, Ken Desmond, President of the Maine State Federation of Firefighters, and Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer. Regional support was also on display, with Fire Chief Gerry Gamage of Southport and firefighters from a number of other departments in attendance.

In 2025, the department was awarded a $228,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to fund the procurement of new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

The acquisition of this transformative grant was bolstered by the advocacy of Maine's senior senators, Susan Collins and Angus King. Collins and King were instrumental in the nearly 9-month submission and award process, working hand-in-hand with Boothbay Fire and writing letters of support to FEMA and the AFG team. Throughout the 8-month federal review period, both Collins and King, alongside their dedicated staff, provided crucial assistance by responding to the department's questions and ensuring the extensive application was received and thoroughly reviewed at the highest levels.

“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and it is essential that they have the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Senator Collins. “That is why I led the enactment of the bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act, legislation that reauthorized the grant programs that help fire departments purchase lifesaving equipment like these new breathing apparatuses. I am pleased that the Boothbay Fire Department secured this funding, which will better protect their firefighters as they respond to emergencies and work to keep Mainers safe.”

“This new equipment represents an investment in the safety of Boothbay’s firefighters and the entire community, ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to carry out their job for years to come,” said Senator King. “It is a tremendous example of what can be accomplished when federal support, local leadership, and the community come together for the safety of all. I’m grateful to everyone who worked to make this critical investment a reality.”

During his address, Boothbay Fire Chief Tim Pinkham highlighted the critical nature of replacing the department's 21-year-old, failing gear. "These SCBA units are designed to operate in the harshest conditions and environment imaginable, with zero visibility and temperatures routinely running between 500 and 800 degrees," Pinkham said. He described the department's emergency responses as a "zero fail mission," emphasizing that the new gear is the single most important piece of life-saving equipment firefighters rely on to rescue trapped individuals and protect property.

While the grant was awarded specifically to Boothbay Fire, the benefits of this state-of-the-art equipment extend far beyond the town's borders. The Boothbay peninsula operates within a tightly integrated mutual aid system, meaning major emergency responses frequently rely on collaboration between neighboring departments. By upgrading to these highly reliable SCBA units, Boothbay Fire enhances the safety and operational readiness not only for its own crew but also for its mutual aid partners in Boothbay Harbor, Southport and Edgecomb. The presence of the neighboring fire chiefs and firefighters at the ceremony underscored this unified, regional approach to emergency response and community safety.

Acquiring the new equipment was a major undertaking that began in 2024. A dedicated group of Boothbay firefighters spent over 700 hours writing the grant application and evaluating key SCBA manufacturers. The meticulous 40-page application detailed the region's economic status and critical infrastructure, such as Bigelow Labs, Washburn & Doughty and Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Following the award, the department spent hundreds of additional hours issuing requests for proposals before ultimately selecting the new packs from the 3M Scott company.

While the FEMA grant covered the bulk of the cost, securing the award required a local match of funds. Boothbay firefighters volunteered their time to led a fundraising effort to cover the $12,500 required co-pay. With the generous support of local businesses and residents, the department successfully raised the needed funds. This resulted in no local funds from the town of Boothbay being required.

Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer said “Congratulations to the Boothbay Fire Department on this well-deserved $228,000 award that will save money for our local taxpayers. And thank you to our firefighters for your dedication, and service to our community.”

Before officially cutting the ribbon, the celebration featured a live demonstration of the new SCBA equipment. A team of Boothbay firefighters—including the husband-and-wife team of Assistant Chief Alex Arsenault and Lieutenant Chantalle Arsenault, competed in a gear-donning drill. Officiated by Ken Desmond, the drill showcased the speed and precision required to safely equip for an emergency. As the firefighters raced, Chief Pinkham pointed out the significant financial investment in personnel safety, noting that fully outfitting a single firefighter with Personal Protective Equipment and a new SCBA unit costs over $18,000.

The ceremony highlighted the immense dedication of the region's first responders, bringing attention to the fact that 82% of Maine fire departments are volunteer based, and the vast majority of firefighters have full time jobs in a range of occupations, answering the call 24/7, 365 days a year. The acquisition of these SCBA units secures the safety and capability of the Boothbay Fire Department for the next decade.