Police updates for Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, State Police, and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
just now
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Bar Harbor Historical Society.
BAR HARBOR—A rollover crash on the Park Loop Road at approximately 1:30 p.m., on October 15, shut down the road between the Base of Cadillac Mountain and the Bubble Pond parking lot for approximately two hours.
The overturned vehicle forced traffic on either side of it to have to turn around and return from the way that they came on a sunny fall day during a busy October for the national park.
According to scanner traffic, the Bar Harbor Fire Department ambulance cleared the scene without transporting anyone.
BAR HARBOR AND MOUNT DESERT POLICE LOGS
The following incidents occurred in Bar Harbor and Mount Desert last week according to the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department police logs, which is publicly released information.
Monday, October 12, 2026
Sgt. Doug Brundrett took a report from a Bar Harbor resident that some juveniles were trespassing on private property.
Following a reported parking issue on Peabody Drive in Mount Desert, Officer Ted Cake issued a vehicle a ticket for parking in a no-parking zone.
Officer T. Cake performed a vehicle identification number verification for a tow company in Bar Harbor.
After someone in Bar Harbor reported a vehicle blocking a driveway, Sgt. Soren Sundberg located the vehicle and authorized it to be towed.
Sgt. Jerod Hardy received a report of someone in Bar Harbor being the victim of an online scam and made a referral to the Federal Trade Commission’s Internet Crimes Complaints Center.
Officer T. Cake checked on a motorist whose vehicle was broken down on Sound Drive in Mount Desert and learned that they were all set and had called AAA for a tow truck.
Following a report of a motor vehicle being operated in an erratic manner in Bar Harbor and almost forcing another vehicle off the road, Officer Judson Cake was unable to locate the offending vehicle.
Sgt. Hardy responded to a parking complaint in Bar Harbor, but the issue had resolved itself prior to his arrival.
Officer Nathan Formby assisted someone in Bar Harbor.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Officer Formby assisted with the removing of a broken-down motor vehicle from the roadway in Bar Harbor.
Officer Zach Alexander arrested Renee Cohen, 68, of Dixmont, in Bar Harbor, on an active arrest warrant charging failure to appear.
Officer Alexander assisted the ambulance in Bar Harbor on a medical call.
Officer Amie Cake is investigating a report of vandalism to construction equipment which occurred in Northeast Harbor.
Officer A. Cake took a report of a dead coyote in the roadway in Mount Desert, but the coyote was gone when she arrived.
Following the report of a man hitchhiking in Mount Desert and a request to check on the man, Officer A. Cake was unable to locate the man.
Officer Tim Frost spoke with someone in Bar Harbor about a fraud issue.
After investigating a reported parking issue on the pier in Bar Harbor, Officer T. Cake issued the offending vehicle a parking ticket.
Officer A. Cake performed a requested well-being check on a woman in Mount Desert and was advised by family members that she was fine.
Officer Frost spoke with someone in Bar Harbor regarding motor vehicle concerns with a family member.
Someone from a Bar Harbor housing complex called the Bar Harbor Police Department and reported hearing a loud noise. The person was advised by Officer Frost to contact the managing company of the housing complex and make them aware of the noise.
Officer J. Cake checked on a house that was being worked on in Mount Desert after someone reported lights being left on by the construction company, but he did not see any lights on.
Following a domestic disturbance complaint and investigation in Bar Harbor, Officer Alexander arrested Heather Kohler, 47, of Detroit, Michigan, for operating under the influence. Kohler was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
After receiving multiple reports of trees down in Mount Desert, the Mount Desert Highway Department responded and took care of the trees.
Officer Formby assisted someone in Bar Harbor who was having some mental health issues.
After receiving information that someone was in Bar Harbor and had an active arrest warrant, Officer T. Cake arrested Ralph Knowlton, 27, of Ellsworth for the warrant. Knowlton was then transported to Ellsworth and relinquished to the control and custody of the Ellsworth Police Department.
Sgt. Sundberg took a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor regarding a large tour bus.
Sgt. Hardy fingerprinted someone in Bar Harbor.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Troy Stanwood summoned a juvenile for operating without a license. The juvenile was released to a guardian.
Sgt. Chris Dickens provided someone in Bar Harbor a ride to their residence.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Officer Stanwood issued a juvenile in Bar Harbor a traffic citation and released him to his guardian.
Sgt. Sundberg spoke with someone in Mount Desert about an abandoned vehicle on private property.
Officer T. Cake spoke with a Mount Desert resident about abandoned vehicles on his private property. Officer T. Cake advised the man that he could have the vehicles towed at his expense.
Sgt. Sundberg searched for reported suspicious activity in Bar Harbor but could not locate any issues.
Officer Elias Burne received some “police information” in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Dickens responded to a report of a commercial bus parked in the travel lane of Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor and directed the driver to move the bus from the area.
Officer Justin Burnett had someone ride along with him in Bar Harbor.
Officer Zack Kline assisted someone in Bar Harbor who was locked out of their apartment.
By request, Officer Stanwood assisted the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department with a traffic stop of a vehicle that was being sought by the Bangor Police Department. The driver of the vehicle, no name given, was arrested by the sheriff’s department and the car was impounded by the Bar Harbor Police Department at the request of the Bangor Police Department.
Friday, October 16, 2026
Someone provided Sgt. Sundberg with some information in Mount Desert about a protection order issue.
Sgt. Sundberg assisted on a medical call in Bar Harbor.
A man called to report a possible theft in Mount Desert to Officer A. Cake. After investigation, it was determined that it was not a theft but a civil issue.
Officer A. Cake took a complaint regarding an ongoing neighbor dispute in Mount Desert.
Sgt. Dickens responded to a report of a dog wandering onto a neighbor’s property in Bar Harbor, spoke with the people involved, and developed a plan going forward.
Officer Alexander performed a requested well-being check in Bar Harbor and was able to contact the person being checked on by telephone.
Sgt. Dickens spoke with someone in Bar Harbor about the town’s signage ordinance.
Officer Formby documented some information regarding a civil issue in Bar Harbor.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Alexander arrested Danielle Baker, 25, of Bar Harbor, for operating under the influence. Baker was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Someone in Mount Desert notified Officer Formby about a traffic hazard in Mount Desert.
Sgt. Brundrett provided traffic control, security, and an escort for the kids’ fun run in Mount Desert.
Someone called the Bar Harbor Police Department about their electricity being turned off and was advised to call the electricity provider to rectify the issue.
Sgt. Sundberg had a vehicle towed from Main Street in Bar Harbor because it was obstructing the public way and creating a safety hazard.
Officer T. Cake took a report from someone in Bar Harbor of some signs on private property that were small and hard to see. The complainant said that they had spoken with the business about the signs but they seemed unreceptive so the complainant wanted the police to know about the signs.
Someone in Bar Harbor reported a bicycle that appeared to have been abandoned. Officer T. Cake checked on the bike and found that it was on private property.
Officer T. Cake is investigating a reported theft in Bar Harbor.
Officer A. Cake responded to a report of a possible domestic disturbance in Mount Desert and found that it was only verbal and that the people involved had separated for the night.
Someone reported an animal issue in Bar Harbor, but the animal in question had left the area prior to Officer Alexander responding.
Officer Alexander performed a bail conditions compliance check on someone in Bar Harbor and found them to be in compliance.
While on patrol, Officer Formby encountered two people who appeared to be in a domestic argument in the street in Bar Harbor. The two people were warned for disorderly conduct and “a plan was formed for the evening for both of them.”
Officer Formby transported an intoxicated person to their hotel in Bar Harbor.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Alexander arrested someone, no name given, for operating under the influence. After further investigation, the person was released without charges.
Sgt. Dickens gave someone a ride to their hotel in Bar Harbor.
Officer Alexander gave someone a ride to their lodgings in Bar Harbor.
Officers and parking enforcement officers of the Bar Harbor Mount Desert Police Department assisted with the MDI Marathon in Bar Harbor and Mount Desert.
Sgt. Sundberg is investigating a report of vandalism in Mount Desert.
Someone in Bar Harbor reported that their vehicle had been taken from where they parked it. Officer Frost helped them determine that they had actually parked it in a spot different from what they remembered.
Officer A. Cake checked a residence in Bar Harbor to see if a particular vehicle was there on behalf of the Southwest Harbor Police Department. The vehicle was not at the residence.
Officer Kline documented the report of a dog bite in Mount Desert.
Officer Kline assisted someone with locating their vehicle in Bar Harbor.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR AND TREMONT
The following incidents occurred in Southwest Harbor or Tremont last week according to the Southwest Harbor Police Department police log, which is publicly released information.
Monday, October 12, 2026
Officer Bradley Russell attempted to perform a bail check on someone in Tremont but the person to be checked was not at home.
Someone in Southwest Harbor reported another person who seemed to be lost and confused at a Southwest Harbor business. Officer Russell responded and was able to get the person back to their residence.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Officer Abigail Armistead assisted the Tremont Consolidated School with a juvenile issue.
Officer Armistead is investigating a report of fraud from someone in Southwest Harbor.
After a Tremont resident reported that someone was currently trespassing on their property, Officer Armistead responded and discovered that the complainant had mistaken a piece of yard décor for a trespasser. No other trespassers could be located.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Officer Eli Brown assisted Acadia National Park law enforcement rangers with a hit and run that occurred in the parking lot of Wonderland on the Seawall Road in Southwest Harbor.
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Chief John Hall checked on a member if the Good Morning Quietside program in Southwest Harbor who was not answering her phone. Chief Hall found the woman to be not at home.
A Southwest Harbor business reported that some family members of the previous owner of the business were at the business and refusing to leave. Chief Hall responded and found that some of the family members had left and issued a no trespass warning to the remaining member who left without incident.
Officer Russell assisted that ambulance service with a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Friday, October 16, 2026
Sgt. Rick Graham assisted with an issue involving a juvenile in Tremont.
A Tremont resident went to the Southwest Harbor Police Department and spoke with Sgt. Graham about an incident involving their child at the Tremont Consolidated School earlier in the day. Sgt. Graham informed the parent that the issue had been dealt with and a plan was in place.
A Southwest Harbor business reported that a construction company had left heavy equipment on the business property. Sgt. Graham contacted the construction company and they moved the equipment.
Sgt. Graham delivered a message to a Tremont resident on behalf of the Bar Harbor Police Department.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Sgt. Graham located an unsecure business in Southwest Harbor. The owner was contacted and the business was secured.
Officer Armistead received a motor vehicle complaint in Tremont.
Officers performed an event detail for the “No Kings” protest on Main Street in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Armistead performed a well-being check on a Southwest Harbor resident and found them to be in good condition.
Officer Armistead assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Armistead received a complaint of harassment in Tremont.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Officers performed an event detail in Southwest Harbor for the MDI Marathon.
Sgt. Graham responded to a medical alert in Tremont and discovered that the alert was false and that the person was fine.
Sgt. Graham received a report of a camper van that was illegally parked at the intersection of Herrick Road and Clark Point Road in Southwest Harbor.
Sgt. Graham performed a well-being check on a Southwest Harbor resident and found them to be safe and healthy.
Following the report of a vehicle in Tremont being operated in an erratic manner, Sgt. Graham responded and looked for the subject vehicle without success.
Someone reported a barking dog in Southwest Harbor. Sgt. Graham located the dog’s owner who brought the dog inside.
Sgt. Graham performed a well-being check on someone who was staying at a campground in Tremont and found them to be safe and healthy.
Monday, October 19, 2026
Chief Hall summoned Donald Murphy, 70, hometown not given, in Southwest Harbor, for operating a motor vehicle after license revocation and is investigating the incident.
Due to time constraints, we do not write about car/deer crashes or minor vehicle crashes such as parking lot or parked vehicle/moving vehicle collisions. We do realize that many readers are interested in car/deer collisions, so we will be listing them by town and roadway here.
BAR HARBOR — (2) Route 3 / Route 102
MOUNT DESERT — (1) Route 102
SOUTHWEST HARBOR — None reported.
TREMONT — (1) Tremont Road
STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASES
These are the Maine State Police press releases from the last few days. The Bar Harbor Story will include these each week though most (and sometimes all) do not occur on Mount Desert Island.
Maine State Police Seek Information After Construction Worker Injured on I-95
PITTSFIELD—On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at approximately 8:17 a.m., the Bangor Regional Communications Center received a report of a crash in the single-lane construction zone near mile marker 150 northbound on Interstate 95 in Pittsfield. A silver pickup truck hauling a black dump trailer struck a concrete Jersey barrier on the right side of the roadway and an orange construction barrel. The barrel was propelled into a Northeast Construction employee who was working with a crew unloading Jersey barriers.
The employee, 56-year-old Richard Smart, of Westfield, was transported by Sebasticook Valley Ambulance Service to Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The pickup truck continued northbound without stopping. Investigators believe the male operator of the pickup truck was aware of the crash. Witnesses reported seeing the driver turn around in his vehicle as the crash occurred before speeding away.
Maine State Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the vehicle or operator to contact the Bangor Regional Communications Center at 207-973-3700, extension 9, and ask for Trooper Klayton Peckham.
MDEA Arrests Two in Bangor for Aggravated Drug Trafficking
BANGOR—On Thursday morning, October 15, 2026, agents assigned to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency’s North Central District Task Force with assistance from the Bangor Police Special Response Team, executed a search warrant at an apartment located at 73 First Street in Bangor. The search warrant was based on a month’s long investigation into the trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine base (crack), which included undercover purchases of cocaine base.
As a result of the search warrant, agents located and seized 65 grams gross weight (ggw) of cocaine base, 9.8ggw of fentanyl and $4630 in suspected drug proceeds. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $7,000.
Anthony Diaz, 21, of Malden, Massachusetts, and Morgan McNealy, 23, of Bangor, were taken into custody at the apartment without incident and transported to the Penobscot County Jail.
Diaz was charged with three counts class A aggravated trafficking schedule W drugs (cocaine base and fentanyl).
McNealy was charged with two counts class A aggravated trafficking schedule W drugs (cocaine case and fentanyl).
More arrests and charges are expected based on this investigation
During the investigation agents were assisted by the Bangor Police Department, USDEA, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The MDEA stands committed to working with all federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners in order to continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking organizations who are attempting to distribute illicit drugs in the State of Maine.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you suffer with substance use disorder please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.
If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in your community, you are urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to you or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fatal Fire in Bangor
BANGOR—The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal fire that occurred Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at a two-unit apartment building at 72 Cedar Street, in Bangor.
At approximately 6:36 a.m., the Bangor Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered an active fire and learned that one occupant was unable to escape the building. One person died as a result of the fire. Two other occupants were transported to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center for smoke inhalation. Both were treated and released.
Investigators with the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and conducted interviews and an examination of the fire scene. The building sustained substantial damage to both floors.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and the investigation is ongoing. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending an examination by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Structure Fire in Paris
PARIS—The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a structure fire that destroyed a single-family home in Paris on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The fire was reported at approximately 3:28 p.m., The residence was deemed a total loss.
Several pets died in the fire, but no people were injured. Due to the extensive damage, the cause of the fire has been classified as undetermined. Investigators have not ruled out several possible electrical causes. The fire is not considered suspicious at this time.
The American Red Cross is assisting the property owners. The Paris, Norway, and Hebron Fire Departments responded to the scene, along with PACE Ambulance and the Paris Police Department.
Driver Seriously Injured in Turnpike Crash
FALMOUTH—State Police continue investigating a crash that occurred October 17, just before midnight, southbound on the Maine Turnpike in Falmouth. Troopers say Devon Thomas, 24, of Vassalboro, was critically injured when he lost control of a 2008 Hyundai Elantra, striking multiple guardrails before becoming disabled in the middle of the highway.
A Ford Explorer, driven by Pruxelles Mujinga, 36, of Portland, and a Ford Fusion, driven by Madeleine Camaran-Moyers, 22, of Lewiston, both struck the Hyundai.
Traffic was diverted off exit 63 as fire and EMS treated the injured drivers, who were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland. A State Police Reconstruction Team responded to assist troopers at the crash scene.
The Falmouth and Cumberland Police Departments assisted State Police.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Lisbon Fire
LISBON—At approximately 3:00 a.m., on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the Lisbon Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 51 Gould Road in Lisbon. Upon arrival, firefighters found the residence fully engulfed in flames and beginning to collapse.
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire. Fire investigators, along with members of the Lisbon Police Department and the Lisbon Fire Department, remained on scene throughout the morning.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and the investigation is ongoing.
The residence had recently been sold and was unoccupied when the fire occurred.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office tip line at 1-888-870-6162.
Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Gorham Incident that Left 84-Year-Old Man With Serious Burn Injuries
GORHAM—On October 18, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Gorham Fire Department responded to 62 Barstow Road after receiving a report of a man with burns.
Emergency responders located the man with extensive burns to multiple areas of his body. He was transported to Maine Medical Center for treatment.
The preliminary investigation indicates the man was burning paper on a stove when his clothing caught fire, causing serious burn injuries.
Investigators responded to the residence and documented the scene. Investigators classified the incident as accidental.
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents to exercise caution when burning paper or other materials and to keep combustible items and clothing away from open flames and other heat sources.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Castle Hill Fire, Reminds Mainers of Woodstove Safety
CASTLE HILL-On Saturday, October 17, 2026, at approximately 1:09 p.m., the Mapleton Fire Department, which provides fire suppression services to the town of Castle Hill, was dispatched to a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions. Fire crews were able to suppress the fire, which caused substantial damage to the residence. The sole occupant of the mobile home, a 60-year-old male, sustained a hand injury while attempting to extinguish the fire.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Following an examination of the scene, investigators determined that the fire originated in the immediate area of an operating woodstove. The woodstove ignited combustible wall materials located behind it, resulting in the fire spreading throughout the mobile home. State Fire Marshal investigators classified the fire as accidental.
With the heating season now underway, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents of the importance of ensuring that woodstoves and other heating appliances are properly installed and maintained. Residents should verify that all heating appliances have the required clearances from combustible materials, including walls, furniture, and other nearby items.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office emphasizes that maintaining proper clearances between heating appliances and combustible materials is essential to preventing residential fires and protecting lives and property.
Medway Man Arrested for Arson
MEDWAY—The State Fire Marshal’s Office announces the arrest of a Medway man following an investigation into two separate fires that occurred in Medway and Woodville.
On September 30, 2026, at approximately 10:46 p.m., the Medway Fire Department responded to 271 Turnpike Road in Medway for a reported fire involving a camper. The fire destroyed the camper and caused damage to a nearby mobile home and storage shelter. Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene at the request of the Medway Fire Department to investigate the origin and cause of the fire.
On October 1, 2026, State Fire Marshal investigators were called to a gravel pit in Woodville to investigate a separate vehicle fire. During the investigation, State Fire Marshal investigators determined that both the camper and the vehicle were owned by 41-year-old Paul York, of Medway.
As a result of the investigation fire investigators determined York was responsible for setting both fires. The State Fire Marshal’s obtained an arrest warrant for York. On Monday, October 19, 2026, York was arrested by the East Millinocket Police Department on the warrant obtained by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
York is facing the following charges:
· Two counts of arson
· Aggravated criminal mischief
· Violation of conditions of release
York is currently being held at the Penobscot County Jail.
The East Millinocket Police Department, which provides law enforcement services to the town of Medway, assisted State Fire Marshal investigators throughout the investigation. The State Fire Marshal’s Office would also acknowledges the assistance of the Medway Fire Department and East Millinocket Ambulance.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Residential Structure Fire in China
CHINA—On Sunday, October 18, 2026, at approximately 11:13 p.m., the China Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire located at 19 41st FireRoad in China. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions involving a garage/workshop attached or adjoining to a two-story, single-family residence. The fire caused near-total destruction of the garage and extended into the residence, resulting in significant damage to the exterior walls, windows, and portions of the upper level.
During firefighting operations, a firefighter from the Albion Fire Department sustained a leg injury involving a fire department vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Investigators from Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators identified the garage as the reported area where the fire originated. A woodstove operating inside the garage was identified as a potential ignition source. However, other possible ignition sources, including electrical equipment and electric bicycles stored in the garage, could not be ruled out. The exact cause of the fire has not been determined, and the investigation remains ongoing.
During the incident, three horses escaped from an enclosure on the property. The horses remained loose for several hours before all three were safely located and returned to their enclosure. The China Fire Department received mutual aid assistance from the Albion, Winslow, Waterville, Sidney, Palermo, and Windsor Fire Departments.
*As the heating season begins, the Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents to ensure woodstoves and other heating appliances are properly installed and maintained, with adequate clearance from combustible materials. Residents should also ensure that garages, workshops, and other areas containing heating appliances are kept free of unnecessary combustible materials.
Multiyear Fire Service Research Project Nearing Completion
The Maine Office of the State Fire Marshal and the University of Maine’s Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center are nearing completion of a multiyear research project examining Maine’s fire service and community safety needs.
The effort grew from a 2019 Hancock County pilot, with statewide planning and grant applications underway in 2022 and statewide surveys conducted in 2025. Funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, the project represents hundreds of hours of research, data collection, interviews and analysis.
The study surveyed 219 fire departments, along with code enforcement officers and municipal administrators. UMaine researchers independently conducted interviews with 25 fire chiefs across 14 counties to better understand these challenges and their effects on local communities. Challenges identified by local departments include an aging fire apparatus fleet, aging firefighters, daytime staffing shortages, and barriers to training and participation caused by lost wages and competing family obligations.
State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler credited the UMaine research team, former State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas, former State Fire Marshal Rich McCarthy, Maine Senior Planner Richard Taylor and participating fire service leaders for their contributions to the project.
“This work will help lawmakers make informed decisions affecting Maine’s fire service for years to come,” said Esler. “It documents the challenges our firefighters face and gives us a clearer understanding of the support they need to continue protecting their communities.”
“Maine’s volunteer fire departments are facing staffing challenges at a time when apparatus and equipment costs continue to rise,” said Dominic Piacentini, a research associate at the University of Maine’s Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center. “Many are working to reduce costs to taxpayers through grants, fundraising and delaying equipment replacement, but new investments are needed to ensure volunteer firefighters can continue serving their communities.”
The project’s recommendations focus on three areas:
- Maintaining reliable statewide firefighter workforce information.
- Improving access to training by addressing distance, time, and cost barriers.
- Strengthening employer support so volunteer firefighters can participate in training and respond to emergencies.
A PowerPoint presentation summarizing the project and its findings is available on the Maine Office of the State Fire Marshal’s website. A comprehensive report will be published in early 2027.
HANCOCK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
The following are the public releases from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Each image can be clicked on and expanded.
HELP SUPPORT THE BAR HARBOR STORY
When we started The Bar Harbor Story, we didn’t know if anyone would read it. But you showed up. You shared. You sent tips. Now—over 400,000 views every month later—it’s clear: people here care about their community and each other.
We’ve kept everything free because news should never be out of reach, but every one of our stories takes time to write, and your support keeps The Bar Harbor Story going.
If you value our work, please consider a paid subscription, a founding membership, or a sponsorship.
It truly helps us cover one more meeting, tell one more story, shine one more light.
Even $5 a month makes a difference. Click here to become a one-time supporter now.
Thank you so much for being here.
Founding member information can be found here.
Have questions about sponsorships? Just send Shaun an email at sfarrar86@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you.
Discover more from Bar Harbor Story
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.