MADAWASKA, Maine — A fireman’s muster and speakers on various public safety and health issues were among the highlights of this year’s Northeast Public Safety Expo Aug. 19 and 20. Approximately 300 people visited the expo at Madawaska’s Multi Purpose Center on both days, according to organizers.
“It’s going good,” said Jessica Pelletier, a paramedic with Madawaska Ambulance and one of the event organizers said Saturday morning. “We are having a better turnout than last year.”
The weekend started off with a parade Saturday morning, followed by a “mini-muster” for children, in which they used a small hose to knock down a ball with water.
This was a prelude to the Aroostook County Fire Muster, in which several fire departments competed for bragging rights and their name on the trophy. In the end it was the Fort Kent Fire Department who came out as the top overall finisher.
Firefighters competed in various challenges from hose rolling to seeing who could attach hoses to hydrants and knock down targets the fastest.
Vendors and groups inside the center included the Maine Association of Search and Rescue and Frecheville-based Autotronics, which supplies and repairs ambulances to many communities in Maine.
Outside the expo, KTC’s Brain Freeze was on hand serving sweet treats and Valley Mustangs boosters were serving up hot dogs, burgers and fries.
The expo included public presentations on propane safety, child seat safety, pediatric life support and a K9 demonstration from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
For EMS providers, police and fire personnel, expo presentations included Narcan administration, an overview of organ and tissue donation programs, and a demonstration of a human patient simulation lab.
The sponsors of the 2017 Northeast Public Safety Expo include Madawaska’s recreation, police, fire and ambulance departments, the St. John Valley Chamber of Commerce, Aroostook Region 5 EMS, and Twin Rivers Paper.
