https://www.lebanon-me.org/fire-ems

Lebanon Fire-EMS, 3 Upper Cross Road, Lebanon, ME (2026)

04/02/2026

From the Chief’s Desk: Community Financial Planning and Our Shared Future

Last night, while watching the Lebanon Budget Committee meeting, I heard the phrase: “It is what it is.”

I want to speak directly to that.

Those words carry weight. To me, they sound like resignation—as if the challenges we face are simply too large to address. I do not believe that reflects who we are as a community, and I do not believe it reflects what Lebanon is capable of achieving.

Yes—our challenges are real.
Our school budget, road conditions, and fire station infrastructure are significant issues. They are complex, and in many cases, they have developed over years of deferred decisions. But let me be clear:

These problems are not beyond our ability to solve.

What they require is not surrender—but structure, discipline, and commitment.

A Path Forward

Strong communities are not built by reacting—they are built by planning.
If we are going to move forward together, we must focus on three key principles:

1. Define the Destination
We must clearly identify what success looks like. Whether it is safe, modern facilities, reliable infrastructure, or sustainable budgets—our goals must be clearly stated and shared.

2. Establish Measurable Waypoints
Large challenges are not solved all at once. They are solved step-by-step.
We need realistic, measurable milestones that allow us to track progress and hold ourselves accountable.

3. Commit to Long-Term Financial Planning
Capital planning cannot be reactive. It must be intentional.
We need a structured framework that prioritizes needs, schedules improvements, and spreads costs responsibly over time—protecting both today’s taxpayers and future generations.

The Role of the Community

Lebanon is not defined by a single meeting or a single decision.
It is defined by the people who live here.

Each of you plays a role in shaping the future of this town:

Through your input
Through your engagement
Through your vote

Your voice matters. Your involvement matters. And your decisions matter.

Moving Forward Together

We cannot afford to accept “it is what it is.”
We must choose to say:

“This is where we are—and here is how we move forward.”

Lebanon has the ability to improve, to grow, and to meet these challenges head-on. With thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement, we can build a stronger, more resilient future.

Thank you for your continued support, your commitment to this community, and your willingness to be part of the solution.

Kevin Bataran
Interim Fire Chief

03/08/2026

From the Fire Chief’s Desk
Community Safety Update – Route 202 / Long Swamp Road Intersection

Lebanon Fire-EMS would like to inform the community that the traffic warning lights at the intersection of Carl Broggi Highway (Route 202) and Long Swamp Road are currently not functioning following a serious motor vehicle accident earlier today. Motorists should use extra caution when approaching and crossing this intersection until repairs can be completed.

This morning at 11:19 AM, Lebanon Fire-EMS was dispatched to a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident at the Route 202 and Long Swamp Road intersection. At the time of the call, the department had a three-person duty crew working the day shift.

Staff responded immediately in Engine 5 and Ambulance 3, arriving on scene at 11:25 AM.

While units were responding to the crash, a simultaneous Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) was received elsewhere in town. Due to the active crash response, mutual aid coverage was requested, and the Acton Fire Department was dispatched at 11:23 AM to handle the second emergency medical call.

Upon arrival at the crash scene, crews found two vehicles involved, located on opposite sides of Route 202. One of the vehicles had struck a telephone pole and rolled over, creating a large debris field across the highway. A total of four occupants were involved in the incident.

In addition to the initial three-member duty crew, three Lebanon Fire-EMS call members also responded and arrived on scene to assist with patient care, traffic control, and securing the incident scene.

Lebanon Fire-EMS personnel immediately secured the scene, shut down Route 202, and began patient triage and treatment. Due to the number of patients, a second mutual aid ambulance was requested, and Frisbie EMS was dispatched to assist.

Lebanon Fire-EMS treated two patients in Ambulance 3.

Frisbie EMS treated two additional patients upon their arrival.

During the incident, Central Maine Power (CMP) was requested to the scene to address a low-hanging power line caused by the collision. CMP crews safely removed the hazardous line.

Unfortunately, the damaged line powered the traffic warning system at the intersection—the flashing lights located on both sides of Route 202 that alert drivers to the crossing traffic at Long Swamp Road. As a result, those warning lights are currently not operational.

Crews completed debris removal, both vehicles were towed from the scene, and Route 202 has since been reopened to traffic.

⚠️ Important Safety Reminder:
Because the intersection warning lights are currently out of service, drivers should slow down, remain alert, and use extreme caution when approaching or crossing Route 202 at Long Swamp Road.

On behalf of Lebanon Fire-EMS, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to all of the assisting mutual aid and supporting agencies that helped ensure this incident was handled safely and efficiently. We appreciate the support and cooperation of the Acton Fire Department, Frisbie EMS, York County Sheriff’s Office, Central Maine Power, and Kenney Automotive.

Their partnership and professionalism are a strong example of the regional cooperation that helps keep our community safe.

Kevin Bataran
Interim Fire Chief
Lebanon Fire-EMS
“Dedicated to Lebanon – You Call, We Answer”

03/05/2026

From the Fire Chief’s Desk

Lebanon Fire-EMS Community Update

Yesterday, Lebanon Fire-EMS proudly received eight (8) new sets of protective turnout gear for members of our department. Turnout gear is critical personal protective equipment that helps keep our firefighters safe while operating in Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environments such as structure fires, vehicle accidents, and other emergency incidents.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Ray Gosselin Foundation for their generous charitable donation, which allowed the department to purchase seven of these new sets of gear. The Foundation has supported our department and community for many years, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued commitment to helping protect the firefighters who serve Lebanon.

The eighth set of turnout gear was purchased through the department’s Turnout Gear Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Our CIP program helps ensure that we are planning responsibly for the replacement of critical safety equipment while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers of Lebanon.

High-quality turnout gear is essential to firefighter safety and is built to protect firefighters from extreme heat, flame exposure, steam burns, and hazardous environments encountered during emergency operations. However, this specialized protective equipment has a maximum service life of 10 years from the date of manufacture. After that time, the gear can no longer be used in an IDLH environment due to the gradual degradation of the protective materials and the safety standards designed to protect firefighters. For this reason, fire departments must continuously plan for the replacement of turnout gear to ensure personnel are protected with equipment that meets current safety standards. Through long-term planning, responsible budgeting, and community partnerships, Lebanon Fire-EMS is working to replace gear on schedule so that every firefighter responding to emergencies has reliable and safe protective equipment.

Thanks to the generosity of community partners like the Ray Gosselin Foundation, along with the Town of Lebanon’s continued support, we are able to keep our firefighters properly equipped while they serve our community.

On behalf of the entire Lebanon Fire-EMS Department, thank you for helping us keep our firefighters safe while they protect Lebanon.

Interim Fire Chief Kevin Bataran

Dedicated to Lebanon
You Call, We Answer

02/27/2026

From the Desk of the Interim Fire Chief

Lebanon Fire-EMS
When I first assumed the role as Interim Fire Chief of Lebanon Fire-EMS, I met with our department members and delivered a very clear directive:
“Community First.”
That message was not a slogan. It was a standard.
Community First means:
• We serve our community with professionalism and integrity.
• We remain engaged and visible in our community.
• We are accountable to the people we serve.
Every decision we make must reflect that commitment.
________________________________________
Fiscal Responsibility: Two Core Principles
At my first Selectboard meeting, I spoke about fiscal responsibility and emphasized that it exists in two essential forms.
1️⃣ Operating Within a Realistic Budget
First, we must operate within a realistic budget. The funds entrusted to us by the taxpayers of Lebanon are not taken lightly. They represent hard-earned dollars from families, businesses, and property owners throughout our town.
Being good stewards means:
• Operating efficiently
• Avoiding unnecessary expenditures
• Managing personnel and equipment responsibly
• Delivering the highest level of service possible within available resources
Fiscal responsibility begins with disciplined operations.
________________________________________
2️⃣ Planning for the Future
The second form of fiscal responsibility is long-term planning.
A community that plans for the future protects itself from instability. A department that plans ahead avoids crisis-driven spending.
Planning is not just about the Fire Department.
It applies equally to:
• The Highway Department
• Municipal infrastructure
• Equipment replacement
• Capital improvements
• Every department serving the Town of Lebanon
A community-wide planning mindset creates fiscal equilibrium as we move forward together.
________________________________________
Why Strategic Planning Matters
To form a plan, we must first establish a clear goal — a defined end result.
Once we identify where we want to be, we can:
• Establish incremental goals
• Create measurable steps
• Track progress strategically
• Adjust thoughtfully when necessary
Without a plan:
• We are reactive.
• We operate in crisis mode.
• We struggle year to year.
• We experience spikes and dips in budgets.
With a plan:
• We are proactive.
• We are strategic.
• We are disciplined.
• We build stability.
________________________________________
The 5-Year Strategic Plan
On my first day addressing the Selectboard, I presented a 5-Year Strategic Plan for Lebanon Fire-EMS. I have not stopped emphasizing its importance.
That plan was designed to:
• Stabilize equipment replacement cycles
• Forecast apparatus needs
• Plan for turnout gear, tools, and protective equipment
• Address infrastructure needs
• Provide incremental, manageable steps toward improvement
Strategic planning prevents large financial surprises.
When equipment, gear, clothing, apparatus, or paving must be replaced, it should never come as a sudden, overwhelming burden to the community. Those costs should be anticipated, forecasted, and responsibly phased in over time.
That is what protects taxpayers from sudden spikes.
________________________________________
Community First Means Planning First
Being “Community First” is not only about emergency response.
It is about responsible leadership.
It is about transparency.
It is about stewardship.
It is about stability.
Strategic planning allows us to:
• Maintain operational readiness
• Protect fiscal balance
• Avoid reactive decision-making
• Ensure long-term sustainability
When we plan together, we succeed together.
Lebanon deserves a Fire-EMS department that is prepared — operationally and financially — not just for today, but for the future.
As Interim Fire Chief, I remain committed to that vision.
Community First. Always.

02/05/2026

From the Interim Fire Chief’s Desk – January Community Summary
As we close out the month of January, I want to take a moment to share a snapshot of the activity and operational demands faced by Lebanon Fire-EMS.
During January, we completed 63 total calls for service, broken down as follows:
• Fire: 4
• Hazardous Situations: 10
• Medical: 34
• Public Service: 9
• No Emergency: 6
We experienced six incidents involving simultaneous (stacked) calls, requiring crews to manage multiple emergencies at the same time. These situations highlight the dynamic and unpredictable nature of emergency response in our community.
Our busiest day of the week was Tuesday, with 12 calls, followed closely by Friday and Sunday, each with 10 calls. The busiest hour of the day was 14:00, with 7 calls, followed by increased activity around 13:00 and 17:00, as well as early morning and late morning hours.
It is important for the community to understand that we only have a third provider on shift between 08:00 and 16:00 hours. Outside of those hours, our crews operate with limited staffing while covering a geographically large town. We are continually challenged to provide high-quality, professional fire and EMS services due to Lebanon’s size and current staffing limitations, particularly during peak call times and stacked incidents.
The FY2027 Fire Department Budget is currently being processed as we move toward the June vote. I encourage community members to stop by the station to discuss the proposed budget or reach out to me directly by phone with any questions. Transparency and fiscal responsibility are critical core values as we move forward as one community, one department, and one town.
Despite the challenges we face, our commitment remains unwavering. We believe in placing our community first, and we demonstrate that commitment every day through responsible fiscal management, transparency, and a continual pursuit of excellence in service to Lebanon.
Thank you for your continued support of Lebanon Fire-EMS and the dedicated men and women who proudly serve this community.
— Interim Fire Chief Kevin Bataran

01/25/2026

🚨 Storm Safety Reminder – Please Stay Home if You Can ❄️

With the upcoming storm expected to bring snow and hazardous conditions, we ask residents to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary. Limiting travel helps keep you safe and allows emergency responders to remain available for true emergencies.

Additionally, please remember to check and keep your furnace exhaust and intake vents clear of snow and ice. Blocked vents can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, furnace malfunctions, or loss of heat during extreme cold.

✅ After and during heavy snowfall:
• Clear snow, ice, and debris from all exterior furnace and dryer vents
• Recheck vents throughout the storm
• Ensure carbon monoxide detectors are working with fresh batteries

A few simple precautions can make a big difference for your family and your community.

Stay safe, stay warm, and stay home if you can. ❤️🚒
— Lebanon Fire & EMS

01/22/2026

🚨 Community Weather Update – Warming Shelter on Standby 🚨

Due to severe weather conditions forecasted for this weekend, Lebanon Fire-EMS has placed the community warming shelter on standby beginning Friday, January 23 at 6:00 PM through Monday, January 25 at 8:00 AM.

If you or someone you know is in need of a warm, safe place during this period, please contact the fire department to activate the opening of the warming shelter.

📞 Call: 207-457-6556 - Station Phone Number
📞 Call: 207-608-3356 - Lebanon Assistant EMA Director: Janice Church
💬 Or send us a direct message here on the Lebanon Fire-EMS page

We encourage everyone to plan ahead, check on neighbors, and stay safe during the expected cold temperatures and winter weather. Additional updates will be shared if conditions change.

— Lebanon Fire-EMS 🚒❄️

01/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/19Mc1bp3L8/

01/12/2026

From the Interim Chief – Community Message

Today at 06:36 AM, Lebanon Fire-EMS was toned out for a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident on Carl Broggi Highway. At that time, we had two members on duty, who responded immediately with Ambulance 3 and Engine 5.

Before our crews arrived on scene at 06:43 AM—just 7 minutes later—we were dispatched to a second, stacked call across town on Jim Grant Road for a vehicle fire with a garage exposure.

To manage both incidents simultaneously, two call members responded in their personal vehicles to the motor vehicle accident scene, while Car 1 responded to the vehicle fire. Due to the nature of the fire, we requested mutual aid assistance from Rochester and Berwick. Two additional call members responded directly to the fire scene, and one member responded to the station and brought Engine 2 to the incident.

Upon arrival with Engine 2, our crews immediately began fire extinguishment operations. Rochester arrived with Engine 4 and Tank 7 and assisted with suppression efforts. Berwick Engine 3 also responded and was later released from the scene.

These incidents underscore the daily challenges of providing emergency services across 56 square miles of our community. Today’s outcome was positive—but it also highlights how critical adequate staffing is during emergencies. At one point, we were managing 6 potential patient transports while simultaneously conducting active fire suppression on the opposite side of town.

So far this month, Lebanon Fire-EMS has already completed 27 calls, and we have experienced stacked incidents—multiple emergencies occurring at the same time—on four separate occasions. This operational tempo further emphasizes the importance of having enough personnel available to respond quickly, safely, and effectively when our community needs us most.

Emergency services are called when emergencies happen. They do not wait for convenience, and they do not conform to a schedule. Adequate staffing ensures we can respond to multiple incidents simultaneously while maintaining the safety of both the public and our responders. When staffing is limited, the margin for error narrows—not just for responders, but for the people we are here to protect.

I am incredibly proud of the professionalism, teamwork, and commitment shown by our members today, as well as the support provided by our mutual aid partners. Thank you to our community for your continued understanding and support as we work every day to ensure we have the personnel needed to meet emergencies whenever—and wherever—they occur.

— Interim Chief, Lebanon Fire-EMS

01/10/2026

A Message to Our Community from the Interim Fire Chief
As Interim Fire Chief, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication of the men and women of Lebanon Fire-EMS. Our crews work very hard for this community and serve each day with compassion, integrity, and professionalism. These values are not just words—they are reflected in how our members show up for our residents and for one another.
Being good stewards of what we are entrusted with is a core value of this department. Our personnel understand the importance of taking care of our equipment, our facilities, and our resources so we can continue to provide reliable, high-quality service to the community we are proud to serve.
Station 1 has recently undergone meaningful changes through organization, modification, and a great deal of hands-on work by our crews. These efforts have helped improve how we operate and better position us to serve our community. While we are aware that there are building issues that will need to be addressed in the future, our commitment remains the same—giving our very best today to our patients, our community, and our home.
I am very proud of this fantastic group of people I serve side by side with, and I am grateful for the dedication they show every day.
Thank you for your continued support and trust in Lebanon Fire-EMS. It is an honor to serve this community as your Interim Fire Chief.

01/04/2026

🚒 Lebanon Fire-EMS | 2025 Year-End Community Summary 🚑

As we close the books on 2025, Lebanon Fire-EMS would like to share a full snapshot of the year—highlighting our call volume, response performance, and how we continue to serve our community.

📊 2025 Call Volume

Total Calls: 851

EMS Calls: 585

Fire Calls: 48

Other Calls: 218
(Motor vehicle accidents, trees/wires down, service calls, and more)

🤝 Regional Cooperation

Automatic Aid Responses: 10

Mutual Aid Received: 46

Mutual Aid Given: 24

Strong partnerships with surrounding departments remain essential to serving a large, rural community.

⏱️ Response Times (2025)

Average First Apparatus Travel Time: 7 minutes, 44 seconds

90th Percentile Travel Time: 13 minutes, 55 seconds

For reference, NFPA 1710 standard for arrival is 5 minutes, 20 seconds on 90% of calls. Lebanon’s response times reflect the reality of protecting 56 square miles from a single, non-central fire station, a challenge we continue to evaluate as we plan for the future.

🚑 Simultaneous (“Stacked”) Calls

Total Stacked Calls: 128

Second Ambulance Staffed: 72 calls (55%)

Mutual Aid Required: 56 calls (45%)

🏥 Patient Care & Transport

Total Patients Transported: 361

ALS: 235 (65%)

BLS: 126 (35%)

Hospitals Served:
Sanford • Biddeford • Maine Medical Center (Portland) • Frisbie • Wentworth-Douglass • Portsmouth Regional

📅 December 2025 Snapshot

The year concluded with a busy winter month:

Total Calls: 89

EMS: 57

Fire: 5

Other: 27

Automatic Aid Received: 3

Mutual Aid Received: 1

Mutual Aid Given: 1

Average First Apparatus Travel Time: 9 minutes, 47 seconds

90th Percentile Travel Time: 17 minutes, 59 seconds

📆 The December call calendar shown in this post highlights just how busy—and unpredictable—our days can be. Calls don’t arrive on a schedule. Some days are quiet, others see multiple emergencies back-to-back, often overlapping and requiring quick coordination, staffing, and regional support.

💙 Looking Ahead to 2026 — Our Vision & Core Values
As we move into 2026, Lebanon Fire-EMS remains firmly guided by the core values that define who we are and how we serve:

Community Engagement: Building strong, visible, and trusted relationships with our residents through outreach, education, and everyday presence.

Transparency: Openly sharing our performance, challenges, and progress so our community understands its fire-EMS system.

Good Stewardship: Responsibly managing the resources entrusted to us, ensuring decisions reflect fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.

Every statistic represents a neighbor in need. Thank you for your continued support, confidence, and partnership. We are proud to serve Lebanon—committed to these values today, throughout 2026, and into the future.

12/31/2025

As we prepare to close out 2025, all of us at Lebanon Fire-EMS want to extend our sincere gratitude to our community for an incredible year. Your trust, kindness, and continued support mean more to us than words can express.
As you celebrate and welcome the New Year, we wish you and your loved ones a warm, safe, and joyful New Year. Please take a moment to be cautious and look out for one another while enjoying the festivities—your safety is always our greatest priority.
Thank you for allowing us to serve this community we are proud to call home. Here’s to a healthy, safe, and hopeful year ahead, and to many more moments together in 2026.
From our Lebanon Fire-EMS family to yours—Happy New Year!

Lebanon Fire-EMS

04/02/2026

03/08/2026

03/05/2026

02/27/2026

02/05/2026

01/25/2026

01/22/2026

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12/31/2025

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