‘Fireman Fred’ hangs up helmet,
has more to give
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PAY IT FORWARD — Fred Parsons, of Presque Isle, recently retired after 26 years with the PIFD, but continues to serve as an EMT with Crown Ambulance. He said he enjoys giving back to the community and plans to do so for as long as he is capable. Here, he’s pictured at work in Mars Hill, checking the supply list to ensure the ambulance is well-stocked and ready for the next emergency.
PRESQUE ISLE — Though one chapter of his life has come to an end, former Presque Isle firefighter Fred Parsons said he’s not ready to put his feet up any time soon and plans to continue to give back to others as long as he is capable to do so.
“This is what I know and love — working to make others’ lives better,” said Parsons, following his recent retirement from the PIFD after 26 years as a firefighter.
Before, Parsons balanced work as a firefighter with that of an EMT with Crown Ambulance and other charitable work, including supporting Special Olympics activities and performing as “Fireman Fred” at various functions — especially for charitable fundraisers.
“My starting time was 6:30 a.m. as a firefighter. Now it’s 8 a.m. with Crown, so I get a little more rest,” said Parsons.
Parsons joined the PIFD in 1982, first serving as a volunteer.
“The ambulance service back then wasn’t hiring. I had trained in Mars Hill and wanted to put my training to use, so a friend suggested I volunteer with the fire department. It was a good move — one that led to a career I loved,” said Parsons, noting he went “full-time” in October 1984.
“Chief Pete McPherson met with me. At the time I was working at Indian Head up on the base in Presque Isle. I worked there as crew leader/foreman for four years. I left there and worked 26 years and two months for the PIFD,” said Parsons, who served most recently as A Crew’s first driver and pump operator.
Parsons said as a firefighter he was responsible for running the first engine and also subbed as a deputy chief.
“I had a lot of experience without the title,” noted Parsons.
Working shifts at the fire house allowed Parsons to pursue another love — work as an EMT.
“I’ve been with Crown since their inception in 1988 — 22-plus years. I’ve been an EMT for 33 years. I’ve worked full-time for both for much of my life,” he said.
Parsons acknowledged he’s proud to be able to work at jobs that allow him to continue to give back to the communities he’s grown to love, having been raised and lived in Aroostook County all his life. It took some prodding to get Parsons to talk about some of his more memorable accomplishments however.
“I received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Governor Baldacci for EMS in May 2010. In 2004 I was named Presque Isle’s Citizen of the Year and in 2003 I was a bone marrow donor,” said Parsons, noting that’s just who he is — someone who loves doing for others.
In his “free time,” Parsons also puts his talent with a microphone to use at local ball games and events.
“Monday-Friday, I do sports for radio station WEGP. I broadcast high school basketball even downstate, if there’s a local team playing. I also help my wife, Patti (Crooks, manager of the Aroostook Centre Mall), at the mall, providing entertainment for various events,” said Parsons, who can also be spotted at parades and festivals throughout the summer and providing his vocal talents at functions at the Northern Maine and Houlton fairs as well.
Parsons said that few extra minutes of sleep “feels good.”
“It’s relaxing. I’m getting a bit more rest than I’m accustomed to,” he said.
“Free time” is also being spent working on his camp.
“Patti and I have been working on our camp at Squa Pan. I’m able to put a bit more time in there than I had been while working as a firefighter,” Parsons said.
Not one to sit idle, Parsons said when he’s covering Crown Ambulance’s Mars Hill base, he often visits with residents of the nursing home.
“The afternoons I’m in Mars Hill — four to six times a month — when I’m here, I do an afternoon sing-along with the seniors at the nursing home. They love it and look forward to it,” Parsons said, during an interview at his home-away-from-home at the Mars Hill station. With Crown, Parsons works 48 hours a week. “I put in two 24-hour shifts a week.”
As a firefighter, Parsons said the events of 9-11 hit hard. As a tribute, when he performs he likes to do so with a “patriotic theme.”
“I performed in fireman gear, taking part in events like the Potato Blossom Festival and various parades. I don’t want people to forget the sacrifices made that day — especially the firefighters,” said Parsons, noting firefighters go in when conditions are telling everyone else they should leave a structure.
Parsons said he was sad to leave a job he loved but felt it was time to move forward.
“It was a great career. I really considered it an honor to serve the citizens of Presque Isle — not only as a worker but as a taxpayer with a vested interest in the city,” he said. “I’d like to thank all former co-workers and department officials. Thank you very much for the opportunity.”
Parsons will now keep busy working Crown’s many locations throughout The County.
“I work all Crown offices: Limestone and Fort Fairfield but mostly Presque Isle and Mars Hill. I’ve worked all areas and know all the roads,” said Parsons, noting his special technique for getting to know the people of the communities he serves. “When I go to a town, I invest in the community — go to the stores and visit with the staff and customers. It helps on calls. They know me and it makes them less scared when they see me respond with the ambulance.”
Parsons said he’s grateful for all those whom he’s worked with or for over the years.
“I’d like to thank everyone I’ve worked directly and indirectly with over the years. It’s been a pleasure — work I plan to continue to do,” he said.
Parsons said it’s in his nature to give back and, by doing so, he hopes to inspire others to do likewise.
“My philosophy is one of ‘pay it forward.’ I’ll continue to do so as long as I am capable and hope others will consider joining me in doing so. I get great pleasure out of making a difference in someone’s life. There’s no greater feeling,” said Parsons.
