I am Deputy George Bradbury. I work for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. I am a resident of Harpswell. I live and work among you.
Your monthly warning
The fine for following a fire truck within 500 feet is $152. The fine for following any other emergency vehicle within 150 feet is $154. Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle is a Class E crime that can result in arrest. The fine for following any other vehicle too closely is $152.
A reader suggested these reminders. Most of our first responders are volunteers. Give them room and let them go by, whether they’re in a fire truck or an ambulance.
And, in general, try not to follow other vehicles too closely. If you pass someone, you usually don’t make any headway, then you end up at the lights at the same time.
Volunteers needed
Our town relies on volunteers. If you have spare time and want to sign up, any help would be welcomed with open arms! Imagine if you or your family had an emergency and there was no one to answer the call.
There is also a program for younger adults to join the fire departments. It’s called FRAP, the First Responder Accession Program.
My sons have been a part of that program and they have been mentored by many local firefighters. I want to say congratulations to my oldest son, Parker, for being hired by the town of Harpswell as a per diem firefighter! I am proud of you and know you will do great things!
Scams and grass
Beware of strange phone calls or texts. Scammers will try to get money from anyone and everyone.
When you mow your lawn, use courtesy and don’t blow your grass clippings into the roadway. Grass clippings are like black ice for motorcycles and other vehicles.
Remember, let’s be safe out there! And don’t get voted off the islands.
The views above are those of Deputy George Bradbury, not of the town of Harpswell or the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
