Introduction

The Caribou Fire Department was created in 1883 when the Town Council voted to buy Caribou's first Hook and Ladder Truck at a cost of $75.00. In 1891, the first Volunteer Fire Department was formed. The first Fire Chief was Herschel D. Collins. The first full-time Fire Chief was Donald E. Woods in 1950.

The Caribou Fire and Ambulance has been engaging in expanding and improving the level of service our customers receive for several years now. In 1984, the department added the Ambulance Service in addition to the Fire Service, with a reduction in personnel, and the amount of calls per year has greatly increased.

The functions of the department are divided into four areas;

1. Administrative
2. Fire and EMS Education and Training
3. Fire Suppression and Emergency Care including Transfers
4. Non-Emergency and Support Services

The Mission Statement

The department is responsible for delivery of Advanced Life Support Emergency Medical Services; the response to and control of Hazardous Materials Incidents and other large scale disasters; the performance of all rescues and their related activities; the reduction of incident of Fire and Emergencies through Fire Control, Prevention and Public Education Programs; and provisions of Non-Emergency Support Services as a secondary activity.