Mars Hill wins muster
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
WASHBURN — Mars Hill firefighters proved victorious this year, taking home top honors after competing in the annual Firemen’s Muster, hosted by the Washburn Fire Department as part of the August Festival.
Staff photos/Kathy McCarty
 |
| MARS HILL FIREFIGHTERS took home the top award at this year’s Firemen’s Muster, held Aug. 17 in Washburn. Here, firefighters hurry to connect two hoses during the first round of the competition. |
 |
| TEAMWORK — Presque Isle firefighters James Bradley and Trey Stewart race to connect two hoses during the first event of the Firemen’s Muster, held during August Festival on Aug. 17 in Washburn. |
 |
| MAPLETON FIREFIGHTERS hurried to unroll a hose and make it through the tire obstacle course during the first round of the Firemen’s Muster, held in Washburn on Aug. 17. An unidentified firefighter rolls out the house, while firefighter Mike Perkins makes his way through the tires, cheered on from behind by Houston Putnam in the dark T-shirt. |
 |
| EASTON’S CREW hurried through the first portion of the Firemen’s Muster Aug. 17 in Washburn, tackling the tire course and connecting hoses as they went. Making his way through the tires is firefighter Shawn Michaud, while firefighter Cody Tompkins unrolls a hose in the background. |
 |
| NORTH LAKES firefighters compete in the first event at the Firemen’s Muster, held during Washburn’s August Festival. |
 |
| FAMILY TIME is often rare for a firefighter, so Mapleton Fire Chief Geoff Skidgell and his wife, Sue, enjoyed some quality time together during the Firemen’s Muster in Washburn. |
 |
| ASHLAND FIREFIGHTERS work as a team to connect hoses during the first event at this year’s Firemen’s Muster, hosted by the Washburn Fire Department as part of August Festival weekend. |
 |
| TAP-OUT — This year fire chiefs also competed in the Firemen’s Muster. Taking part in the first round at this year’s competition, representing Mapleton/Chapman/Castle Hill was Assistant Chief Adam Rider, teamed up with Chief Darren Woods, North Lakes Fire Department. A ‘medical emergency’ arose, leaving Woods on the ground in need of assistance from several first responders in the crowd. Coming in for the tap to complete the course was Houlton’s Fire Chief Milton Cone. |
 |
| CARIBOU FIREFIGHTERS work to connect hoses during the first event of the annual Firemen’s Muster. |
Taking part in this year’s event were teams representing: Ashland, Caribou, Easton, Fort Kent, Mapleton, Mars Hill, North Lakes, Presque Isle, Van Buren and one consisting of area fire department chiefs. Representing the chiefs were: Chief Darren Woods, North Lakes Fire Department; Chief Scott Susi, Caribou; Chief Milton Cone, Houlton; Chief Don Bouley, Ashland; Assistant Chief Adam Rider, Mapleton; Chief Darrell Wilson, Mars Hill; and Chief Brian Caron, Van Buren.
Participants competed in a number of categories and took part in the town’s parade, with four of Washburn’s past and present fire chiefs serving as grand marshals — Chief Troy Heald, 2010 to present; and past Chiefs Arnie Devoe, 2003-09; Daryl Sperrey, 1995-2002; and Jasper Umphrey, 1952-95.
Awards were presented for the following:
• Best Working Unit — first, Van Buren; and second, Mars Hill;
• Oldest Working Unit — Caribou;
• Farthest Driven — first, Houlton; and second, Fort Kent;
• Best Marching Unit — first, Mapleton; and second, Ashland;
• Color Guard — Caribou;
• Dry Line Event — first, Mars Hill; second, Mapleton; and third, Ashland;
• Wet Line Event — first, Mars Hill; second, Van Buren; and third, Fort Kent;
• Search and Rescue Event — first, Fort Kent; second, Mars Hill; and third, Caribou; and
• Mystery Event (Water Line ‘Soccer’) — Mars Hill.
Mars Hill’s overall score earned them the trophy and bragging rights for the coming year. The fire chiefs’ team came in dead last, but they claimed they were sabotaged in most events, preventing them from showing off their skills, said organizers.
The location for next year’s Firemen’s Muster has yet to be determined.
