Firefighters compete in annual 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.
    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.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
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.
    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.