YOUTH MOVEMENT
New fire chief in Reserve Mines.
There’s a new fire chief at the helm in Reserve Mines.
Jeff Aucoin was installed during a ceremony at the Reserve Mines Volunteer Fire Department Saturday night.
Aucoin replaces Gary O’Brien who didn’t reoffer for the position.
“I’d like to thank Gary O’Brien for the 10 years he gave as chief to the department,” Aucoin said.
“It’s never easy giving up all the time you have to give up to fulfil this position. Anyone who is willing to take that one especially for a term of 10 years, it’s quite an achievement.
Aucoin joined the fire department nine years ago at age 21.
“I was just looking to give back to the community and get involved with the community more than anything,” he said.
“And it’s always cool to drive around in red fire trucks,” he added laughing.
Aucoin said many of the fire calls are to help someone in a devastating situation
“It’s the good feeling you get from helping people,” he said. “Members in the fire department become close like brothers and sisters. We are all good friends and you have to be as we spend so much time together.”
Over the years Aucoin has held a variety of positions including lieutenant of engine company 2009-11, captain of engine company 2011-14 and in 2014 he was elected assistant deputy chief. He also sat on the treasury and ways and means committees.
Aucoin said he hopes to make a difference in the organization.
“It’s an exciting time where we’re making a transition to a younger membership,” he said. “It seemed like the right time to step forward and help out.”
He said the department currently
“It’s an exciting time where we’re making a transition to a younger membership. It seemed like the right time to step forward and help out.” Jeff Aucoin
has 31 dedicated firefighters and his goal is to bring it to 40.
Aucoin said recruitment hasn’t been the issue it has been retaining people.
“I want to show the firefighters their service and commitment is valued and to make sure that they know so at the end of the day we are all there for each other and are helping our communities.”
He also plans to focus on the community.
“They are always there to support us when we reach out to them but I think we have to give back to the community and make sure they’re involved.”
The Reserve fire department has hosted various fundraisers over the years but in the last
few years received a financial boost when they partnered with St. Joseph Church to host a Chase the Ace fundraiser.
“The partnership with the St. Joseph Church has been astronomical in allowing us to achieve those financial goals.”
He said the department has an aging building and work will continue to improve it with the upcoming installation of three new bay doors and a major roof repair.