Gardiner Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2303

10/01/2026

Following our earlier statement, we had the opportunity to speak with PFFM leadership about both their perspective and ours. We may not agree on every point, but the conversation was respectful, honest, and a good reminder that disagreement does not have to become division.

We were reminded of the call to walk “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

We also recognize that leadership is not easy. An Executive Board cannot make every decision in a way that satisfies every member or every Local, and we respect the responsibility they carry in doing what they believe is best for the organization.

Our position has not changed, but neither has our respect for the PFFM, the IAFF, or those who serve in leadership. One disagreement should not overshadow the many victories we have achieved together.

There are no hard feelings. We appreciate the opportunity for honest conversation and open dialogue, and we pray for wisdom, humility, discernment, and grace for all of us as we move forward together.

In solidarity and brotherhood,
Gardiner Professional Firefighters Local 2303

10/01/2026

In response to the recent political endorsement announced by the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine, we have heard concerns from firefighters both within our Local and elsewhere in the fire service. We believe it is important to clarify where Gardiner Professional Firefighters Local 2303 stands.

Local 2303 as a general rule does not endorse political candidates. We believe the choice of whom to support and vote for is a personal decision belonging to each individual member. Likewise, an endorsement made by another labor organization or its executive board should not be interpreted as an endorsement by Local 2303 or by each individual firefighter it may represent.

We are also concerned with combining a political endorsement event with the remembrance of fallen firefighters. In our view, memorial observances honoring those who died in the line of duty, from occupational illness, or while serving others should remain separate from political campaigns and candidate endorsements. Their remembrance belongs to the entire fire service and should remain a place where firefighters, families, and communities can come together regardless of political affiliation.

We respect the right of every firefighter to make their own political choices and to speak for themselves. We ask for that same distinction to be respected for our Local and our members.

Gardiner Professional Firefighters Local 2303

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago today, our nation changed forever.

On September 11, 2001, 343 FDNY firefighters gave their lives answering the call. Alongside them, law enforcement officers, EMS professionals, members of our military, and ordinary citizens demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable evil.

They ran toward danger while others were trying to escape it.

For those of us in the fire service, that sacrifice is deeply personal. They were firefighters doing what firefighters have always been called to do…showing up when others need help, putting the needs of strangers before their own, and standing shoulder to shoulder with the brothers and sisters beside them.

Scripture reminds us:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13

Few moments in our nation’s history have demonstrated that kind of sacrificial love so visibly.

And the sacrifice did not end on September 11.

In the 25 years since, many more firefighters, police officers, EMS professionals, recovery workers, and others who served at Ground Zero have suffered and died from illnesses connected to their service. Their families continue to carry a burden that did not end when the smoke cleared.

Today, we remember them all.

We remember the lives lost.
We remember the 343.
We remember those who answered the call.
We remember those who have died in the years since.
We remember the families who still carry their loss.

And we remember how, in the darkness of that day, Americans cared for one another. People prayed together, served one another, comforted strangers, and gave whatever they had to help their neighbor.

That is something worth remembering too.

The fire service is built upon service before self. At its best, it is an expression of something even greater: loving our neighbors enough to step forward when they are hurting, afraid, or in danger.

May God comfort the families who still grieve, strengthen those who continue to bear the wounds of that day, and help each of us remain faithful to the calling to serve others with courage, humility, compassion, and love.

From the members of Gardiner Professional Firefighters Local 2303, we honor all who were lost and all who gave so much.

Twenty-five years later, we remember.

We will never forget. 🇺🇸

09/09/2026

Congratulations and well deserved.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1L1vCmoqrd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Congratulations to Kelly Meehan-Coussee, MD, FACEP, NRP, Associate Medical Director at MHMMC Biddeford, who was recently named Medical Director of the Year by Maine Emergency Medical Services (EMS)! The awards are meant to highlight the dedication, professionalism and impact of EMS workers across Maine. We're proud to have her on our team!

09/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Fee6Q8Qxv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/19/2026

This pup was found on Lincoln Ave, by Oakland Farms. If you know where it belongs please call dispatch at 207-624-7076 ext 9. Thank you!

06/13/2026

https://www.investigatetv.com/2026/06/11/volunteer-firefighter-shortage-threatens-communities-nationwide/?fbclid=IwZnRzaASaagRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEevNvy05Ue1DK27AVHLoyzeOFuQyfjFIAN-2uIfW7LZOl93ZqhCKfQr3qiQ7U_aem_tk0NmPPVv5_4COm-xV2mxA

Departments struggle to recruit as number of unpaid firefighters drops to lowest level since 1991

02/24/2026

https://www.theyardfoundation.org/mayday/lewullis

IAFF member and Marine Corps veteran Bobby Lewullis is a fireman with Wilson Borough FD in Easton, Pennsylvania. He suffered intense injuries in the line of duty and needs our help.

12/19/2025

Good evening, community of Gardiner Local 2303.
We don’t post often, but tonight seemed like a perfect opportunity to review some very advanced science and physics.

When it rains all day and the temperature suddenly drops below freezing, the water on roads, sidewalks, and driveways does something truly remarkable: it turns into ice. Ice, for those keeping score at home, is extremely slippery. Remember—objects in motion tend to stay in motion… and ice reduces friction, allowing those objects to stay in motion much longer than intended.

Road crews are working hard clearing downed limbs, power crews are doing their best to keep the lights on, and all of this makes sand and salt application… let’s say challenging. Please use extra caution if you absolutely must travel. Otherwise, staying home and admiring the weather from indoors is a highly recommended life decision.

As always, we’re here if you need us, and like every other crew out there tonight, we’ll do our best to reach and assist you in your time of need. Stay safe—and upright.