Portland Fire Chief Announces Retirement After 27 Years

Portland, Maine - City Manager Jon Jennings announced today that Fire Chief David Jackson is set to retire at the end of this month. Jackson has served as Chief of the Fire Department since February 2016 and was Acting Chief for four months prior to that. Chief Jackson has been with the Portland Fire Department for more than 27 years.


“Chief Jackson has had an impressive and long career with the Portland Fire Department,” said City Manager Jon Jennings. “It’s been a pleasure working with him for the last two and a half years, and I’m really grateful that he stepped up to the Chief’s role when we needed him. I wish him all the best in his retirement and future endeavors.”


“I’m so proud and honored to have served as Chief of this great department,” said Chief David Jackson. “It’s been a pleasure to have worked everyday serving this great community and to watch our men and women provide such a crucial service. I know the people of Portland are in good hands.”


Jackson started with the Portland Fire Department in July 1990 as a firefighter. In 2000, he was promoted to Lieutenant serving mostly out of the Stevens Avenue station on Ladder 3. In 2004, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to Ladder 1 at Munjoy Hill and then back at Ladder 3 in 2005. In 2010, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and worked as Special Operations Chief which focuses mainly on the Air Rescue and Marine Division operations. In 2011, he transferred on to a platoon, focusing on emergency response along with administrative duties. In June 2014, he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Emergency Operations where he oversaw all personnel that serve and respond to emergencies and department training.


The City Manager is working to appoint an interim chief and will make that announcement as soon as possible.

Portland Fire Department Marine Division Saves Man from the Water

Portland, Maine - At approximately 9:30 pm last night Portland Fire Department personnel from the Marine Division were approached by a man who stated that someone had fallen in the water.  After asking some questions and gathering some information, the Fire Officer determined the location of the person was off the end of Custom House Wharf.

Deputy Chief Robert Thompson arrived at the end of the pier to find the man floundering in the water behind a boat stating he “couldn't do it anymore”.  An ambulance arrived almost immediately and was able to coach the man to a piling at the end of the wharf.  Engine 305 and Squad 301 arrived with life rings but chose not to throw them because the man had a secure grip on the piling.  The crew from the Marine Division arrived with their small outboard vessel and Firefighter David Crowley backed the boat into the area.  Lt. John Brooks and Firefighter Charles Loring then extricated the man from the water, pulling him into the fireboat.  Support and EMS Companies relocated to the Marine Division float and got the man onto a stretcher so Ambulance 305 could evaluate and transport him to Maine Medical Center.

“This could have had a much different outcome, had it not been for quick decision making of Lt. Brooks and being on the dock at the time”, stated Deputy Fire Chief Thompson. “The skill and expertise of the entire fire boat crew, as well as the versatility of Marine 303 in tight areas.” He went on to say, “it was amazing to watch them determine the correct positioning, maneuver the boat into the tight area, and then swiftly remove the man.”

Emergency calls for the Marine Division may be less frequent, but the threat to life and limb is just as serious as any emergency call the department responds to.

State Fire Marshal’s Office & Portland Fire Department Release Cause & Origin of Noyes Street Fire

Portland, Maine - The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Portland Fire Department today released the cause and origin of the fatal Noyes Street fire that occurred on November 1, 2014 and killed six people. The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental in nature as the result of an improperly discarded smoking material. The fire originated in a smoking receptacle (see attached picture for example) which was placed on the front porch. The smoking receptacle was improperly utilized, placed on a combustible wooden floor, and next to combustibles which included recycling containers and furniture. The State Fire Marshal’s Office worked in conjunction with the Portland Fire Department and Portland Police Department on the investigation. Scientific testing and fire modeling conducted by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) supports the conclusion of the investigators.

Because of the location of the fire and the time of day, the fire grew in intensity undetected. At the

Portland Fire Department Recognizes the Anniversary of Landmark Legislation to Protect Citizens from Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide detectors a MUST for all apartments and homes

Portland, Maine – The Portland Fire Department in conjunction with smoke and carbon monoxide alarm manufacturer First Alert will mark the 5th anniversary of enactment of a Maine Public Law that requires installation of carbon monoxide alarms in most buildings that contain sleeping facilities.

The law, which applies to apartments, single family homes and in some cases hotels, motels, inns and most student housing, requires property owners to install carbon monoxide detectors that are powered by the building's electrical service.  Carbon monoxide is a colorless odorless gas that is produced as a result of any combustion. Any fuel burning appliance creates carbon monoxide. When that appliance is used improperly or malfunctions, carbon monoxide can saturate the air in your home and cause CO poisoning.

Every year more than 150 people die as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning according to the US

Portland Fire Department Completes Investigation Into Cause and Origin of Deering Avenue Blaze

Fire Department investigators are unable to determine cause due to extent of damage

Portland, Maine - The Portland Fire Department fire investigators have determined that the origin of the blaze that destroyed a home at 40 Deering Avenue early yesterday morning started in the rear of the house on the left side. However, investigators have been unable to determine a cause due to the extent of the damage.  

“As with any major fire, the extent of the damage to the building makes determining a cause difficult, if not impossible," said Tim Nangle, spokesperson for the Portland Fire Department. "The building's structural integrity makes the building dangerous to enter or work around and our investigators safety is our paramount concern.”  

According to Jon Rioux, Deputy Director of the City of Portland's Inspections Division, due to the extent of the damage the owner has decided to move forward with demolition of the structure. Contractors were on site earlier today evaluating the building for demolition. Residents are urged to avoid the area directly in front of the building on Deering Ave. for their safety.

The fire was reported at about 5:00 AM on Tuesday and required a 3rd alarm response from the Portland Fire Department. There were no injuries as a result of the fire. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for an unrelated medical issue and was discharged a short time later.  The family of four is being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Portland Fire Department Captain Michael Kucsma Dies While Scuba Diving near Back Cove

PORTLAND, Maine – Captain Michael Kucsma, a decorated 21-year veteran firefighter, died off-duty while on a recreational scuba dive. Kucsma, an avid and experienced diver, was reported missing by a diving partner around 3:40 PM.

Members of the Portland Fire Department responded to the scene and worked to locate, extricate, and resuscitate Kucsma. He was pronounced dead at the scene and then taken to a local funeral home.    

Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria spoke of the tragedy saying, “Rescues of this nature are never easy, but when it’s a co-worker it is that much harder on everyone involved.” Counselors and peer support personnel have been called in to provide support to the family, the responding crews as well as Kucsma's co-workers who are off duty today. “When you spend this amount of time with someone and place the kind of trust in each other as we do, we become a big family. It’s just a devastating loss for everyone. We will provide whatever support is needed for his family at home and his co-workers here in Portland,” continued LaMoria.

Kucsma joined the department in 1993 as a firefighter and was most recently promoted to the rank of captain in 2006.  He was assigned to Engine 6 at Bramhall Station on Congress Street in Portland.

Funeral arrangements have not been determined at this time and will be released as they become available.

Portland Police & Fire Simulate Car Accident for Portland High School Students

Portions of Cumberland Avenue to be closed tomorrow morning

PORTLAND, Maine – The City of Portland Police and Fire Departments will respond to a simulated car accident tomorrow morning for the benefit of Portland High School sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students will attend to see the consequences of destructive decisions. The accident, which typically features a two vehicle crash with a fatality and two-to-three injuries, is being put on by the Portland High SADD (students against destructive decisions) group. Local businesses are donating services and vehicles to make the accident as realistic as possible. Police and Fire officials will respond to the scene as they would in a real life situation.

The accident will occur at approximately 9:15 AM. Cumberland Avenue will be closed from Elm Street to Chestnut Street starting at 8:15 AM for approximately three hours.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 9:15 AM.

WHERE: Portland High School, 284 Cumberland Avenue, Portland.

Investigators Attribute Blaze to Electrical Circuit Problem

Portland Fire Department investigators determine the preliminary cause of 3 alarm fire yesterday on Columbia Road
Portland, Maine - Portland Fire Department investigators have completed their preliminary investigation and determined the cause of an intense 3 alarm fire to be accidental in nature attributed to an electrical circuit.

The Fire, reported around 9:00AM yesterday by a passerby, required a third alarm response from the Portland Fire Department.  The fire was under control in about 90 minutes, but, the home was left uninhabitable.

According to Chief Jerome LaMoria of the Portland Fire Department “Any improperly installed, maintained or overloaded electrical system could present fire hazards”. Chief LaMoria indicates “Any electrical work should always be performed by a qualified and licensed electrician to ensure safety”.

One firefighter sustained a minor leg injury during the fire, but, returned to duty later in the day

Results of 84 Irving Street fire investigation inconclusive

Portland Maine – The Portland Fire department has concluded its investigation into a fast moving 3 alarm blaze that destroyed an Irving St apartment building January 19th.

Captain Keith Gautreau, the lead fire investigator for the Portland Fire Department, states “The cause will be undetermined due to a lack of physical evidence.”

Investigators had made several attempts to gather evidence, but, the damage to the building was so severe that investigators were unable to safely enter the remnants of the building.  

Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria indicates that city officials have “deemed that the building is dangerous and individuals should not enter.  Anyone entering the building does so at their own risk.”  LaMoria also reasserts that working smoke detectors in the building prevented a real tragedy that night.  I can’t stress this enough: smoke detectors save lives.”  City officials continue to work with the owner to ensure that the building and premises meet minimum safety requirements.

The fire was reported shortly after 9:30 PM on Sunday January 19th, 2014 requiring a three alarm response from the Portland Fire Department.   No injuries were reported.

Portland Fire Responded to propane leak caused by snow plow

Portland Maine – The Portland Fire Department responded to 141 Preble St after a plow truck operator called 911 indicating he hit a propane tank located at that address with his plow.  The tank had been knocked off the pedestal and broke off the purge valve allowing liquid propane to pour out of the tank.

Fire Department hazardous material technicians responded and immediately installed a plug, significantly slowing the leak.  Portland Deputy Chief Scott Thomes indicated “initially 141 Preble St was evacuated, but once our hazardous materials technician plugged the leak, and confirmed the gas had dissipated, we allowed the occupants to return inside and get out of the cold."
 
Suburban Propane used a heavy lifting boom truck to position the tank so only a small amount of propane gas vented out and safely dissipated in fresh air.  Fire crews and hazardous material specialists remained on scene monitoring gas levels in the area while the propane company prepared the tank for transport. The tank was then moved to Suburban Propane’s facility on Thompsons Point in Portland to continue the process of  pumping the liquid propane off and recovering as much of the fuel as possible.

No injuries were reported and fire department personnel left the scene at approximately 12:45 PM.

Portland Fire responded to ruptured gas line on Riverside Street.

Portland, Maine - The Portland Fire department responded at approximately 11:00 am to the area of 405 Riverside Street in Portland due to a ruptured natural gas line.

A contractor struck the line while excavating in the area to install a water line.

Portland Deputy Fire Chief David Jackson indicates that “there was a fairly heavy odor of gas in the air, but, the wind was blowing hard enough to disperse the gas quickly.”

Firefighters evacuated one business for precautionary purposes. The 25 employees in the affected building were able to return to the building after firefighters determined the building was safe to occupy.   Fire department personnel determined that no other buildings required evacuation.  

Riverside Street was closed briefly while Until secured the leak.  No illness’s or injuries were reported to fire department personnel on the scene.

Portland Fire Department and Maine Fire Marshals Office continue investigation historic building fire.

Portland Maine - The Portland Fire Department continued to assist the Maine State Fire Marshals office on the investigation into the multi-million dollar fire on Great Diamond Island.  The fire, noticed around 4:30am Saturday, by the Casco Bay Bridge tender, gutted the former Army barracks which is the largest remaining building on the historic Ft. McKinley grounds.

Firefighters from Portland, Long Island and Great Diamond Island responded and worked for over 12 hours to extinguish the blaze on the Island community off the coast of Portland.

Sgt. Joel Davis of the Maine State Fire Marshals office, along with investigators from the Portland Fire Department, continued interviews with contractors and witnesses as well as viewing the site of the fire Monday.

“At this point the city has determined the structure is unsafe; the next step is for the developer to secure the property in an order to make the area as safe as possible while the investigation continues” said Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria.  LaMoria added “Investigators are working quickly as possible to determine the cause which may require days or even weeks to conclude.  The massive size of the building, extensive damage and conducting the large number of interviews required will take some time”.   Investigators interviewed over 60 employees and witnesses at Ocean Gateway in Portland on Monday.

Portland City Manager Mark Rees indicated “the army barracks is an important part of Portland’s history, the City wants to work with the owner for the best possible outcome in response to this tragic fire.”

The building, which was in the final stages of being redeveloped into a hotel, was unoccupied at the time and there were no injuries reported. Preliminary damage estimates are between 5 and 9 million dollars. ”

Portland Fire Department Weathers Dangerous Lightning Storm

Lightning storm sets off multiple fire alarms around the city and a person on Peaks Island is injured when his home was struck by lightening
Portland, Maine - A fast moving and severe lightning storm moved through Portland at approximately 3:45 PM.  The storm caused multiple fire alarm activations and suspected lightning strikes called into the Portland Dispatch Center.

An alarm sounding at the former St Joseph’s Convent at 605 Stevens Avenue was investigated.  No damage or injuries were reported.  Fire crews also responded to 149 Allen Avenue, an elderly housing complex in the North Deering section of Portland.  Crews are currently on scene investigating the cause of the alarm.  Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria indicates, “It is important to investigate each alarm thoroughly to determine there is no fire, injuries or damage to a building that would put the public at risk.”

The marine division and an ambulance crew also responded to a person who was injured by a lightning strike to his home while he was inside.  The injuries are not life threatening and he is currently being transported to a local hospital.

The Fire Department reminds the public that if you can hear thunder, you are likely in striking distance of lightning.  The National Weather Service indicates “when thunder roars, go indoors.”  There is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm.  Powerful winds can bring down power lines. Always avoid downed lines and call 911. Professionals will check and secure the line. For more information about thunder and lightning storms, visit http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/.

Mayor and City Council Recognize Life Saving Efforts of Firefighters Taking Care of One of Their Own.

Veteran Fire Lieutenant Steve Henderson, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest at work, will be at the presentation of the proclamation.

Portland Maine – On Monday September 9th, 2013, Mayor Michael Brennan and the Portland City council will recognize 15 Fire department responders and dispatchers for their quick action and teamwork in the resuscitation of Steve Henderson, a decorated fire lieutenant with over 26 years of service with the Portland Fire Department.

Henderson was found without a heartbeat and not breathing slumped over a computer keyboard by David Crowley, a fire fighter/EMT-Intermediate on the morning of July 20th.  Henderson was completing required end of shift documentation when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest.  Crowley called 911 and performed CPR until other members, including Paramedics of the Portland fire department arrived.

“This was a team effort, too often this type of event ends with a sad outcome, and I am delighted to say that Steve is home with his family and friends because we were trained, present and prepared.”  Chief LaMoria indicates that the department has placed a great deal of emphasis on cardiac care and cardiac arrest resuscitation.  “The department has made sure that our crews are trained, prepared and ready to do what needs to be done to ensure the best possible outcome.”

The Portland Fire Department has been recognized in several local and national media outlets for tripling the cardiac arrest survival to discharge from the hospital rates.  “New protocols, Training and equipment have made a measurable difference in our response to cardiac arrest victims and Steve’s recovery is the latest and very gratifying example of this hard work”

Chief LaMoria indicates that plans are being made to launch a new initiative to train the public in CPR.    “The most important piece of a successful outcome is public involvement. Seconds make a difference, which is why it is so critical that the public understand and are comfortable with administering CPR. The department will begin planning to offer CPR training to the public. I hope that through this effort, today’s story about Steve will become common place.”

Recently, the American Heart Association (AHA) revised its training program to emphasize compressions only CPR, with the hope that the public will be more likely to take action when they find someone without a heartbeat.  AHA research indicates that compressions only CPR is just as effective as the traditional method of chest compressions with rescue breathing.  Nearly 383,000 people experience sudden cardiac arrest every year.  Eighty-eight percent of them occur at home.  As the AHA says, “The life you save with CPR is most likely to be someone you love.”

Where:    Portland City Hall

               Council Chambers

When:   September 9th 2013

Time:     Approximately 7:00 PM

“Maine Helps” and Portland Fire Department Announce Sandy-Nemo Relief Effort

Portland, Maine - A group of Maine volunteers supported by the Portland Fire Department has launched a Hurricane Sandy relief project offering desperately needed rebuilding tools and supplies to storm victims who are still struggling to reclaim and rehabilitate their damaged homes – a project that has taken on new urgency in the wake of the blizzard called Winter Storm Nemo.

On Saturday, March 23, all of the fire stations in the city of Portland will serve as collection points, and citizens can drop off any of the needed items.

The new initiative, dubbed Maine Helps, is timed to overcome “disaster fatigue,” the lapse of interest by outside parties once the immediate dangers have passed, news coverage subsides but long-term issues remain unresolved.

“Disasters, of course, have an immediate response phase, and there always is an outpouring of support in the days following the event,” noted Portland Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria. “But victims often face lengthy delays before they can even get back into their homes to assess damages and begin repairs, and as the weeks and months pass, the relief supplies begin to dwindle just when some of the harder work begins.

“The aim of Maine Helps is to replenish those supplies, and get them into the hands of the victims to support their long-term recovery efforts,” Chief LaMoria said. A website describing the local effort is available at www.mainehelps.org.

The aid will be distributed to heavily damaged areas of Rockaway, Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island. Maine Helps is coordinating its efforts with two major relief organizations operating in the recovery zone: World Cares Center (worldcares.org) and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation (http://tunneltotowersrun.org).

The list of needed items requested by relief teams in the five boroughs area includes:

  Goggles that fully protect eyes

  Commercial grade dehumidifiers

  Pet supplies

  Non-perishable food

  Propane space heaters

  Utility knives

  Flatbars

  Straight claw hammers

  Contractor bags

  Pump sprayers

  Bleach

  Work gloves

  Brooms

  Paint supplies

  Rollers

  Brushes

  Trays

  Tray Liners

  Sandpaper

  Carbon monoxide detectors

The collected materials will be shipped to distribution centers in metro New York by crews operating trucks donated by Bisson Moving & Storage Company, of Westbrook.

The effort is an outgrowth of an earlier Maine-New York City relationship formed in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy which honors Fire Department of New York (FDNY) members and their families with free weeklong stays at “9/11 Family Camps” offered by Camp Kieve at Damariscotta Lake. Designed to provide a healing time to relax and refresh along the Maine coast, the camp also hosts families affected by 9/11 losses at the Pentagon and Ground Zero.

“It’s like Katrina here. Our whole town is devastated,” said FDNY veteran Steve O’Sullivan of Rockaway, NY, whose family has been coming to Camp Kieve since 2002. Many FDNY families live in the impacted neighborhoods, which have now suffered the effects of 9/11, Hurricane Sandy and Winter Storm Nemo.

“Some people may have forgotten this, but Hurricane Sandy was at one point supposed to hit as far north as Maine,” said Russ Williams, a representative of Camp Kieve (http://www.kieve.org/sept11_camp/index.htm.) “We all dodged a bullet up here, and Maine Helps is an opportunity to share our good fortune with people who have been dealing with months of frustration, delays and severely cold weather.”

Maine Helps organizers include retired FDNY Lt. Kevin Hogan of Portland, who raced to the World Trade Center site on September 11, 2001.

“I can’t tell you how much this means to the people who are the victims of these disasters,” said Hogan, himself a former Ladder 3 firefighter. “We hope to continue these efforts to demonstrate that even in the long term, there are people who will be there over the long haul.”

Those wishing to make online cash donations may support the Maine Helps initiative at:

(Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation) https://www.tunneltotowersfoundation.org/hsrl-donate.aspx