RUMFORD — Fire Chief Bob Chase told selectmen Thursday that Engine 4 received considerable damage early last week when the drive shaft fell out on Route 2.

The 25-year-old firetruck, which is kept at the Rumford Point station, has roughly $30,000 damage, “and that’s without taking it apart and looking for other damage,” he said.

He said the plan was to get as much use out of the truck as possible, “but I think we’ve reached the point where it’s not cost-effective to repair. We’ve put about $30,000 in repairs to that truck in the last five years.”

Over the next two weeks, he said, he’ll look for an alternative plan “to make sure we have fire engine coverage in Rumford Point. It’s also the primary response in Hanover and Milton.”

He said the department will get another firetruck up there. “It leaves us, not in a hard spot, but a little more at risk if we have another major breakdown.”

Chase said they will establish a truck committee and will come to the next board meeting with “more clarity about what will happen.”

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In other business, Randy Therrien, president of EnvisionRumford, said the organization was recognized in the state Senate for being named the Nonprofit Organization of the Year by the River Valley Chamber of Commerce. A legislative sentiment was read by Sen. Lisa Keim, R-Dixfield.

“EnvisionRumford is a group of business leaders and community members working to make Rumford, and the greater River Valley area, a better place to live and do business,” Sen. Keim wrote. “Together these volunteers generate ideas, create an action plan to spur growth, and then through their own sweat equity, they tirelessly work the plan.

“Its main objective is to revitalize downtown Rumford, a small patch of land in the Androscoggin River known as the Island. The EnvisionRumford team recognizes that a vibrant downtown significantly benefits the greater community.

“Due to the efforts of these volunteers, I believe the whole River Valley area will be revitalized. Their efforts and their story will someday be the one that gives other rural Maine towns hope,” she wrote.

At Thursday’s meeting of EnvisionRumford, Therrien said it was voted to have the sentiment framed and displayed in the Town Office. Town Manager Linda-Jean “L-J” Briggs attended the meeting and approved of the display. 

Attending the Board of Selectmen meeting Thursday were Chairman Chris Brennick, Vice Chairman Peter Chase, Mark Belanger, who won election this week, and new member Jim Theriault.

Town offices will close at noon Friday, June 30, to close out the books for this fiscal year.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net

Rumford
Rumford


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