| Emergency Management Agency 111 High Street Caribou, Maine 04736 |
Chief Michael Gahagan, Director Phone: (207) 493-3301 |
Caribou Emergency Management Agency
Annual Report for 2022
Caribou Emergency Management would like to welcome our newest Emergency response team (EARS) “Caribou Emergency Amateur Radio Service”. This is a great group of citizens that provides or supplements communications during emergencies where normal communication systems have sustained damage. It may be used in a wide variety of situations, including Natural Disasters and Technological Disasters, including Terrorist Incidents and Bomb Threats.
The group meets twice a week at the Emergency Operation Center where over the past year, they cleaned and salvaged the radio room, removed excess weight of unused antennas from the radio tower, installed a New High Frequency radio and antenna system that were donated by its members. They also installed a new digital D-STAR repeater which is the only one north of Portland and provides worldwide digital communications. The group held one Technician License class resulting in 3 new licensees. They also had a General Level License class underway with 9 students. Ninety-Five percent of all equipment and supplies have been donated or provided by members of the group and without a cost to the citizens.
I believe that this group will be a great benefit to the community and its citizens in time of need.
The Agency was fortunate to receive a Maine Emergency Management Agency Generator Grant in the amount of $78,550. This will be used at the Fire Station to upgrade the one they now have; this will provide emergency power to the complete Fire Station in case of loss of power.
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues, being a local training center for First Responders and Emergency Personnel, providing a location that both Police and Fire agencies can complete their mandated training required by the state.
The Caribou Emergency Management Agency works closely with the Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency, which is also in Caribou. I would like to thank that Agency for all the help throughout the year, it truly is a team effort when it comes to a disaster.
In closing, I would like to remind the citizens of our community to be prepared for any disaster by having a “GO” kit available in cases of any emergency. The kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food, candles, battery, a portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries. Remember, being prepared could save you or your loved one’s life.
The Caribou Emergency Management Agency stands by our citizens in time of need, “Working together, we can make a difference”.
Respectfully Submitted,
Chief Michael W. Gahagan
Director of Caribou Emergency Management Agency
Pictured here is Caribou EMA’s 1959 International feed wagon set up for use at Thursdays on Sweden (bottom right). This is the last operational EMA feed wagon in the state.