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What an incredible story about Meriel Longley! I grew up with her parents, and her dad was like a brother to me. He would be so proud of her, and so am I.

I have been an active member of Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue since 1979. That's 46 years. To say that I've seen changes would be an understatement. I also serve on my department's Board of Directors and on the town's Fire and Rescue Planning Committee, and I'm retired from a career fire department. I am writing to encourage support for the central fire station on Mountain Road.

Initial response to a fire alarm requires a minimum crew of three — a fire officer and two firefighters. To provide this coverage 12 hours a day, five days a week, Harpswell employs a fire administrator, two full-time firefighters, one part-time firefighter, and several per diem firefighters who respond to calls from either Orr's Island or Harpswell Neck.