First responders across more than two dozen York County municipal departments and within the county government are receiving an accounting of their health through diagnostic screenings. The screenings were made possible by a $311,000 award through the State Fire Marshal’s Office, an arm of the Maine Department of Public Safety, under the Public Safety and Wellness Reimbursement Fund.

“York County has a county-wide mutual aid agreement,” Clements said. “We all need to train together so we can operate together when a critical incident happens anywhere in the county. The training center will provide uniform training for all of us. This facility is exactly what we need in York County.”

Students completing the 240 hour firefighter 1 and 2 courses learned search and rescue techniques, firefighter health and safety, fire behavior, personal protective equipment, forcible entry, fire attack, ground ladder operations, ropes and knots, hose advancement, ventilation, use of tools and appliances and more.

York County volunteer CERT members are trained to help others following emergencies until professional responders arrive, to assist with basic first aid, traffic control, search and rescue operations, operating a shelter during an emergency, animal shelter, and more! The next CERT Basic Training is planned for late summer or early fall. Watch for for an announcement on York County Emergency Management Agency (YCEMA) to join the Community Emergency Response Team.