Several media outlets have done stories about the mom and baby that we helped out on New Year's Day. We are so thankful they are doing well and got to go home today. Here is the story from NBC-Boston that was aired this evening: https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/Maine-New-Year-Baby-Born-Parking-Lot--467930433.html?amp=y&__twitter_impression=true

***Updated with link to WABI TV5 story on the baby, link below*** Our crews continue to be busy with the cold weather dealing with several fires, alarms and broken pipes. We even had the chance to ring in the New Year earlier today by helping to deliver a baby boy! http://www.wabi.tv/content/news/New-Years-Day-Baby-Born-in-EMMC-Parking-Lot-467574653.html Pictured here is E6/T6 moments ago at a dryer fire on Essex Street that has left two people and a pet being assisted by the American Red Cross of Maine #staysafe

As another day and another year comes to an end so does the career for another one of our members. FF Doug Holland retired today after more than 29 years of service to the City of Bangor, Maine - City Hall and its' citizens. A few retirees stopped this morning at Station 5 to have coffee with Doug as he started his last day shift. The crew met this afternoon at Central Station to send Doug off with cake, ice cream and a few stories from back in the day after a small fire on Parker Street, Doug's last call here at the Bangor Fire Department. Please join me in wishing Doug a long and happy retirement!

A few more tips and some info from the BWD:

This probably isn't the best week to be out shoveling but fires don't wait for warmer weather either. If the bank is big enough you'll even stay warm! The Bangor Water District does a pretty good job getting around to the hydrants shortly after storms but if you some snow still around one feel free to help clear it out. Maybe even check on your elderly neighbors if you have to walk to your closest hydrant during this extreme cold, it'll warm them up too! Stay warm and #staysafe

Please use extreme caution if you are outside for any length of time this week. The US National Weather Service Caribou ME has already been talking about windchills near -30°F in our area in the coming days and nights. Here is their handy dandy chart for you to sit inside and figure out just how cold is it out there. Stay inside, stay warm and #staysafe

We wish everyone a safe and happy holidays!

As many of our members are headed to the service for Captain Everett Lancaseter (Ret.) tonight we have learned that another former Bangor firefighter has passed away this week. Chief Higgins states "It is with sadness to announce that another former firefighter for the City has passed way. Larry Thies worked from the early 1970s to the late 1980s." He also mentions that the family may be planning a service for later in the spring.

Tonight we are saddened to pass along that two of our retired brothers passed away last night. Our thoughts are with the (Ret) FF James Green and (Ret) Captain Everett Lancaster families.

1755 hours...and Ron Green has taken his gear off the truck for the last time. Please join me in congratulating Ron on his career of over 27 years. Ron started here at the Bangor FD on November 19, 1990 and has recently decided today would be his last shift. He had many visitors today including several other retirees and his family. The crew enjoyed a taco lunch with Ronnie and shared a few stories before he went on one of his last calls where he was seen running a squeegee. We wish Ronnie the best and many more holidays at home with his family. Congrats, Ron!

Keep yourself informed and make sure you and your family are ready for the first storm of the year. I won't write you the list but I'll mention to make sure you allow extra time if you have to drive and use caution. One of our busiest days every year with car accidents is during the first snow storm/slippery road conditions. #staysafe

One of our members had a very thankful Thanksgiving. FF Ryan Taylor and his wife, Megan, welcomed a new addition to their family. Ryan sends me this info inbetween naps and feedings, I'm not sure if he meant for him or the baby. Congrats to the Taylor family! Maxwell Skye Taylor. 10 lbs 9 oz. 21.5" long. Born on 11/21/17. With her brother Beckett sister Piper and missing sister Finely.