Chief
Coleman said this new motor unit program “is a continuation of our relationship
with CEMLEC that as a department we have enjoyed for over 15 years.” The department
currently has one Paramedic assigned to the SWAT Team who trains with them and
responds to SWAT activations to provide advanced medical care and treatment to
injured SWAT officers.
Chief
Ford who oversees the Motor Unit for CEMLEC said, “public safety partners train together regularly in order to
better enhance our response to critical incidents. Many of the CEMLEC Motor
Unit assignments involve the organized movement and control of hundreds of
people and motorist at any one time. The addition of an Emergency Medical
Services component to our Motor Unit will integrate Advanced Life Support into
our operational readiness and allow us to have highly trained medical personnel
at the ready, in an instant, should the unfortunate need for their services
arise.” Chief Ford pointed to an incident this past summer where a Motor
Officer went down during a traffic escort mission. The officer suffered serious
injuries and was in a remote community that took just over 20 minutes for an
Ambulance to arrive on the scene.
Chief
Coleman pointed out that although some may think it is unconventional for EMS
providers to deliver care from a motorcycle, there are successful EMS Motor
Units around the world and in the United States including CT. Although Auburn
is not the first EMS motorcycle unit to operate in Massachusetts, they will be
the first to operate a motorcycle at the Advanced Life Support level. “The
Island of Nantucket operated 4 EMS motorcycles for many years at the Basic Life
Support level” Coleman said. Chief Coleman went on to say, “I am so proud to
work for this community because we are looked at as forward thinking and
visionaries. We are not afraid to do something new, and we are not afraid to be
the first at something. This community and our department have a long standing
history and tradition with that philosophy.” Chief
Ford also thanked Chief Coleman for his support and said they “welcomed this
addition to the CEMLEC as we continue to work together to provide our
communities better services each day".
Chief
Coleman informed the board that the department received $21,100 in donations
and grants to upstart the Motor Unit and expects that number to climb. Coleman
expects to operate the program at the cost of the lease for $1,570 annually.
The
three department members that have been selected for the Motor Unit are Captain
Justin Brigham who will be overseeing the unit internally and Firefighters Fran
Hartnett and Scott Henderson. Chief Coleman described them all as “responsible,
conscientious riders and employees.” All three members will be attending the 80
hour Police Motorcycle training School in August at Northwestern University,
Center for Public Safety in Weymouth MA, where national trainers will put them
through an intense two week program, the same program that all CEMLEC Motor
Officers have graduated. Chief Coleman expects the program to be fully
operational on August 26, 2017.
The
Board of Selectmen applauded the efforts of the Fire Rescue Department by
continuing to find ways to improve on services and programs that are delivered.
They pointed out the unbelievable relationship between the Auburn Police and
Fire Departments that are based on admiration and respect for each other’s
work. The Selectmen were thankful that the Town is able to continue to assist
in the mission of CEMLEC and is able to provide this new program for the
protection of the Motor Officers and the public.
