Senator Collins Delivers Remarks at Rumford Fire Station Dedication and Open House

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Rumford, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at a dedication and open house at the new Rumford fire station. The new station is dedicated to Peter Chase, a former Deputy Fire Chief and Town of Rumford Selectman who passed away in 2022. Members of the Chase family, including his wife Rhonda and his son, Auburn Fire Department Chief Bob Chase, were in attendance for the ceremony, which was held on the same day as Deputy Chief Chase’s birthday.

“This is a celebration of more than a modern facility for firefighters. As we dedicate this building to Peter Chase, we honor an inspiring life of service,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “From Deputy Fire Chief, to Selectman, to his work on several town and county commissions, Peter devoted himself to his community. This is a wonderfully touching way to mark what would have been Peter’s 72nd birthday.”

“Rhonda, Bob, and all members of his wonderful family, please know that this new fire station is a fitting memorial to a remarkable example of the spirit of Maine,” she continued. “Bob, let me congratulate you for carrying on your father’s legacy in Auburn and for your recognition as Maine’s Fire Chief of the Year for 2024. That spirit lives on in the firefighters who selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our families, our homes, and our businesses.”

After touring the old station—which was constructed in 1923—in May of 2022, Senator Collins secured $1 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support the construction of the new station in the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus appropriations package. The new station includes two additional bays and additional clearance for trucks, as well as a decontamination area, and sleeping space for the firefighters.

Senator Collins has long been an advocate for Maine’s firefighters and first responders. Through her role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, she secured more than $31 million in Congressionally Directed Spending through the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process for projects across the state that will support local law enforcement, fire and rescue stations, and emergency response services.

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