Ryan Gallagher has been the Nobleboro Fire Chief for almost two months. This week he said operations in the department are starting to fall into place and the Minnehata Fire Department is looking to the future.
Gallagher, 37, has seven years experience as a fire fighter in Nobleboro, 21 years as an EMT. He currently lives in Damariscotta, where he was raised, and said he joined the Nobleboro department as an EMT because he saw a need there for more manpower.
He quickly rose to Nobleboro EMS Director, a position he still holds.
“Recruiting is still one of our biggest priorities,” Gallagher said. “We’re going to be getting out there and letting people know that we want their help and that there’s a position here for everybody – you don’t have to be the one running into the burning building.”
There are a lot of positions behind the scenes that are crucial to the department and during emergencies there is always a need for people to drive the trucks, man the pumps and serve as EMTs, Gallagher said.
“It takes a certain kind of person to want to be on the front lines,” he said.
Whichever role a volunteer firefighter fills, serving is always a fulfilling job, Gallagher said.
“When someone needs help, you’re part of the team that’s there to help,” he said. “They thank you and you might shrug it off, but down deep inside, you appreciate it.”
Along with recruiting, the department is focusing on maintaining their rigorous training schedule and “working to repair the relationship with the taxpayer,” Gallagher said.
That relationship has been strained following the removal of former Nobleboro Fire Chief Woodbury McLean in the face of allegations that he misappropriated fire department funds.
“It’s been hard to be a Nobleboro firefighter lately, but we’re moving forward,” Gallagher said. “I want my guys to wear their Nobleboro Fire Department shirts with pride again.”
Gallagher said he’s trying not to dwell on the past and wants the public to know that Nobleboro Fire and Rescue is there to protect them.
“We have to show the taxpayers what they’re paying for,” he said.
To that end, the department will be making appearances at public events such as the recent North Nobleboro Day and the upcoming AppleFest. Those outreach opportunities will give firefighters a chance to reconnect with the people of Nobleboro, Gallagher said.
“We’re going to get through the rest of this year, and next year make a big push for fundraisers and outreach events,” Gallagher said. So far, he’s planning to hold open houses and will continue the Toys for Tots fundraiser started by former Nobleboro Fire Chief Mike Martin.
“That’s the thing I get the most joy out of all year – delivering toys to kids around town,” Gallagher said.
Reconnecting with the public will be especially important as the department begins to need new trucks, Gallagher said.
Their current fleet is aging, and will need to be updated soon, Gallagher said. “We got our time out of them, and hopefully we’ll get another 30 years out of any new trucks we buy.”
When he first took over as acting chief in July, Gallagher was somewhat hesitant to commit to the position long term. Now he’s looking forward to the chance to serve, he said.
“The rest of this year is going to be interesting, and then we’ll see what next year brings,” he said. “So far it’s been a good run, but it’s really up to the members of the department. If they want me to, I might stick with it.”