10/20/2026
As we celebrate, we've spent time looking back at historic fires, old fire apparatus, buildings, and the many changes our department and community have experienced over the years. But there's one thing that has remained constant throughout our history: the people who make up the Ogunquit Fire Department.
Since 1901, generations of dedicated men and women have answered the call to serve this community. Some served for a few years, while others dedicated decades of their lives to protecting their neighbors. Many followed in the footsteps of their fathers, grandfathers, family members, and friends, carrying on a tradition of service that has lasted for generations.
In the early days, our department was made up entirely of volunteers. These were ordinary people doing extraordinary things. They were local business owners, tradespeople, fishermen, hotel workers, and neighbors who left their jobs, homes, and families when the fire bell rang. They didn't serve for recognition or a paycheck. They served because Ogunquit was their home, and helping their neighbors was simply what you did.
Over the years, the department has evolved from an all-volunteer organization into a combination department with career firefighters and dedicated call members. Our responsibilities have grown tremendously, from fighting fires to providing emergency medical services, technical rescue, ocean rescue, fire prevention, and so much more.
But even with all those changes, the heart of this department has never been the fire trucks, the equipment, or the station. It's always been the people.
It's the firefighter who leaves a family dinner to answer a call. The crew that responds in the middle of the night. The members who spend countless hours training, maintaining equipment, and preparing for emergencies that may never happen. It's the lifeguards who watch over our beaches, the retired members who helped build the department we have today, and the families who have supported our members through the years.
It's also the friendships, traditions, laughter, and camaraderie that make a fire department more than just a workplace. For many, it's a second family.
Throughout our 125-year history, thousands of calls have been answered, countless people have been helped, and generations of firefighters have worn the Ogunquit Fire Department name with pride.
Some of those members are still with us today. Others have retired, moved on, or passed away. But each has left a mark on our department and helped shape the organization we are today.
Our 125th anniversary isn't just a celebration of a fire department. It's a celebration of 125 years of people helping people.
To everyone who has ever worn the Ogunquit Fire Department uniform, volunteered their time, supported our members, or helped make this department what it is today, thank you. You are our history, our tradition, and our future.
We'd love to hear from you! Were you or a family member part of the Ogunquit Fire Department? Do you have old photographs, stories, or memories of the people who served? Please share them with us as we celebrate the generations who have made our department special.
