Dear Editor:

Congratulations to Chief Dick Stofford,  Chief Nick Upham, and the professional volunteer firefighting staffs of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport, Edgecomb, Wiscasset, Newcastle, and Damariscotta for the Open House event held in Boothbay on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

This event was part of National Fire Safety Week. Its purpose was to create awareness of effective fire suppression procedures and at-home fire preventive practices.  The day began with classroom based instruction at the Boothbay Region Elementary School and was followed by a family friendly show of equipment and training events at the Boothbay Firehouse.

The Massasoit Engine Company's Smoke Avoidance Training Trailer was a huge hit among the teens and pre-teens who coughed their way through a smoke-filled trailer. If choking is fun?

In an effort to provide first hand experiences of the realities of the road for new drivers, Rick Tarr, from Atlantic Partners EMS, provided a driving simulator.  Participants "drove" a car in an environment full of distractions to illustrate the potential hazards of the road, and the attention required to safely operate a vehicle.

Grilled food was provided by Boothbay firefighters along with many other volunteers pitching in with drinks and desserts for all. Mike Alley and fellow Bay View Masonic Lodge #196 members provided smokin' hot brats complete with diced onions, peppers and crispy fries.  This is the kind of event that benefits the youth of today and their families of tomorrow.  Job well done.

Tim and Pam Utley

Boothbay