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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-10 RecognitionRECOGNIZING CHIEF THOMAS HIGGINS AS 2018 FIRE CHIEF OF THE YEAR WHEREAS, Chief Higgins has served as the Bangor Fire Chief for over four years. Prior to his tenure as Fire Chief, Chief Higgins served for over 20 years in a variety of positions in the Bangor Fire Department; and WHEREAS, In his last four years as Chief of the Bangor Fire Department, Chief Higgins has instituted a number of substantial changes that have resulted in superior service and value for the Citizens of Bangor; and WHEREAS, These changes include life safety inspections of thousands of rental units throughout the city; advocacy for safety equipment and training; acquisition of upgraded engines, ladder trucks, ambulances, and safety equipment, safety improvements to the regional training facility at Bangor International Airport; and obtaining a SAFER grant for five-year funding of four firefighter/EMT positions; and WHEREAS, During the October 2017 windstorm that left parts of the city without power for more than a week, Chief Higgins worked with Emera, the Red Cross, and City staff to identify the scope of the problem, effectively advocate for neighborhoods in need, set up temporary shelters for those with prolonged power outages, and proactive�y work to identify strategies to mitigate the impact of the outages; and WHEREAS, As a result, Chief Higgins was asked to testify on behalf of the City and Fire Department on the response of Emera during the storm, resulting in better emergency protocols and communications strategy for the communities throughout the state when dealing with regulated utilities; and WHEREAS, Chief Higgins is a true asset to the City of Bangor and the community he serves. He puts the safety and wellbeing of the people first and is constantly looking to improve operations to better benefit them. He has served his community and his profession with the highest level of integrity and professionalism; and WHEREAS, For his work, Chief Higgins has been recognized by the Maine Fire Chiefs' Association, a leading advocacy group for Fire Services in Maine, as the 2018 Fire Chief of the Year. NOW, THEREFORE, 1, Benjamin A. Sprague, Mayor of the City of Bangor, on behalf of the City Council and the citizens of Bangor, do hereby recognize Chief Thomas Higgins for his achievements and contributions to our Community. , #,±'11"(4'4.,.1,-' - Given this the 101h day of October, 2018. Benjamin Afbpragu�eMayor