..... nine guys stood as one. It was after a knockdown of a room and
contents fire somewhere in the west-end..... Aug 6th 2006..
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
February 16, 2006
Local 740 Members Giving Back.
Since 1942 Local 740 of The International Association
of Fire Fighters has represented the men and women who work in public safety
in Maine’s largest city. The folks that care for the citizens and visitors
of Portland are a unique bunch to say the least. Just when one thinks that
they have them figured out, this group will surprise you. Now, don’t take
this wrong. Firefighters, dispatchers, and paramedics do this kind of work
because of an inner drive to serve. And when something is going on, when
there is an emergency or crisis, the people who stand ready to protect us
cannot contain the need to be at the epicenter of the event. It’s what
compels them to do this job-the overpowering need to make a difference. It
is this drive that makes them passionate and strong-willed-just ask for an
opinion-you’ll get it! And of course, when there is an emergency it is a
high profile thing. Who can miss a fire truck or ambulance racing down a
city street, lights flashing and siren sounding, announcing their arrival?
Well, there is much that Local 740 members do behind the scenes. These past
few weeks are no different.
Aside from responding to emergencies with all the
clatter and noise of a fire truck with its lights and siren sounding, our
group responds to the needs of the public in much more quite and subtle ways
with our many philanthropic endeavors as well. And, believe it or not, Local
740 members are not comfortable taking credit for the help they provide. You
know, a bunch of strong silent types.
Every month, Local 740’s Executive Board, under
authority given to them in our by-laws, donates money to various groups and
causes. 740 helped with a Police Department Christmas party. The Local is a
Silver level donor to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a wonderful organization
that helps kids and their families. The men and women of Local 740 have
sponsored various teams competing in an array of sporting events from
softball tournaments, hockey clubs, to dart teams. All in the goal of
helping out those who have been our greatest supporters-the general public.
And they’ve done more.
This past week our Executive Board asked for approval
from the rank and file for authorization of funds to help needy families in
Portland purchase heating oil. Working in conjunction with City Councilor
Will Gorham and The Clean Oil Company, Local 740 members will help those in
need buy thousands of dollars worth of No. 2 oil.
This past weekend Local 740 members, along with other
folks from the health care community, traveled to The Camden Sno-bowl for
the 1st ever “Fire and Ice” winter weekend for kids helped by the
Portland Fire Fighters Burn
Foundation. This foundation has been created through the selfless work
of a number of 740 members and has been funded by the gracious contribution
of the Greater Portland community.
So, ya, this group is made up of a bunch of the “strong
silent types”. They won’t tell you all the good things they do behind the
scenes. They aren’t comfortable being thrust into the limelight. But it is
time to say “Thank you” to every member of this Local-for the things they do
every day that make a difference in people’s lives.
