Mexico has agreed to a cooperative arrangement with Rumford that could be a real lifesaver.

Rumford’s ladder truck is out of service until sometime in August. Until then, Mexico’s truck, along with one firefighter, will answer calls for structure fires in the neighboring jurisdiction. Once on the scene, the mutual aid agreement between the two towns kicks in. Estimates suggest that the Mexico truck will be needed an additional two or three times a week because of this deal.

Rumford provided similar assistance to Mexico a while back when its ladder truck was out of service.

There’s a lot of buzz these days about regionalization. The governor is pushing the idea as a cost saver and as a way to increase efficiency. The example of cooperation between Mexico and Rumford is certainly not unique. Towns and cities around the state depend on one another for a host of activities, not least of which is help during an emergency.

It’s a testimony to the strength of extended community that Mexico’s selectmen unanimously offered to help their neighbors, even if it creates an, albeit temporary, extra burden.


Lost, then found


We can think of little worse than discovering that a child is missing. Fear, hope, paranoia, grief, determination.

Searchers found 9-year-old Grant Thompson at 2:15 a.m. Thursday after scouring the woods near Bowdoinham most of Wednesday. The boy was cold, but otherwise unharmed.

More than 60 game wardens, police officers, firefighters and volunteers, along with a Navy helicopter, took up the search. Warden Ron Dunham and his dog, Grace, found Grant and returned him to his family.

Grace, what a great name for a rescue dog – and a fitting title for the efforts of a tireless community looking for a lost little boy.


Close to home


A Maine Army National Guard Kiowa helicopter crashed Wednesday in Piscataquis County after flying a mission on the Canadian border. Luckily, the pilot walked away from the crash with no serious injuries.

The Kiowa was made famous during the 3rd Infantry Division’s dash through Iraq. The speedy reconnaissance craft helped lead the way to Baghdad. Day after day, we are reminded of the sacrifices young men and women in the armed services are making while serving on a foreign battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This week’s crash should remind us all that we put our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in harm’s way in a thousand places, in a thousand different ways every day. As the search for Grant Thompson and the crash in Piscataquis illustrate, much of that danger happens close to home.


[email protected]