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

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

06/06/2026

Community Budget Update #3 – Air Pack Replacement

As part of my commitment to transparency and keeping our community informed, I would like to provide additional information regarding another Lebanon Fire-EMS budget proposal that will be presented to voters on June 9th.

At Lebanon Fire-EMS, our guiding principle is Community First. Every budget request is evaluated through that lens: How does this investment improve the safety of our residents, support our firefighters, and ensure we remain prepared to respond when our community needs us most?

One of the items included in the budget is a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) request to fund the purchase of four Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units and one Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) Pack.

SCBAs, commonly referred to as air packs, are one of the most critical pieces of life safety equipment used by firefighters. These units provide breathable air while operating inside burning buildings, hazardous atmospheres, confined spaces, and other environments that are immediately dangerous to life and health. Without a properly functioning SCBA, firefighters cannot safely perform interior firefighting, search and rescue operations, or many other emergency tasks required to protect our community.

Lebanon Fire-EMS currently maintains 18 SCBA units in service. Of those units, 8 were purchased in 2013 and 10 were purchased in 2022. According to our equipment inventory, the 2013 units were manufactured in September 2013 and are compliant with NFPA 1981 (2007 Edition) standards. The remaining 10 units were purchased in 2022 and comply with NFPA 1981 (2018 Edition) standards.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regularly updates standards governing firefighter breathing apparatus to improve firefighter safety, communications, reliability, and performance. The SCBA units purchased in 2013 are compliant with the 2007 edition of NFPA 1981 and are now two major revision cycles behind current standards. Since NFPA typically updates SCBA standards every four to five years, these units are approaching two decades behind modern safety benchmarks.

As a result, the department must begin replacing these older units. The eight SCBA units purchased in 2013 will need to be removed from front-line service next year, creating a significant replacement need.

Additionally, Lebanon Fire-EMS will be placing a new pumper/tanker into service later this year. The apparatus has seating positions for six firefighters requiring assigned SCBA units, creating an additional equipment need to ensure the vehicle is fully operational and properly equipped when it enters service.

When these needs are combined, the department requires:

Replacement of 8 aging SCBA units
6 additional SCBA units for the new pumper/tanker
1 Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) Pack for firefighter rescue operations

This represents a total need of 14 SCBA units and 1 RIT Pack over the coming year.

Recognizing the significant cost associated with replacing this equipment, the Fire Department worked collaboratively with the Selectboard and Budget Committee to develop a fiscally responsible replacement plan. Rather than purchasing all required equipment in a single year, the agreed-upon strategy is to purchase five units per year through the Capital Improvement Program.

This phased approach allows the department to:

Maintain firefighter safety and operational readiness.
Replace aging equipment before it becomes obsolete.
Properly equip new apparatus entering service.
Spread costs over multiple budget cycles.
Minimize the annual impact on taxpayers.

Most importantly, this approach allows us to continue putting Community First by ensuring that the firefighters responding to your emergencies have the equipment necessary to safely protect lives and property while also respecting the financial investment made by Lebanon taxpayers.

This proposal reflects the shared commitment of the Fire Department, Selectboard, and Budget Committee to balance firefighter safety with responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Lebanon Fire-EMS remains committed to transparency, accountability, and long-term planning. Replacing aging SCBA equipment is not about expanding services or increasing inventory; it is about ensuring that firefighters have the modern, reliable life safety equipment necessary to safely protect the residents and visitors of Lebanon.

When you call 911, you expect firefighters to arrive equipped, trained, and ready to respond. Maintaining modern breathing apparatus helps ensure we can continue to meet that expectation. By investing in this equipment today, we are investing in the safety of our firefighters, the protection of our community, and the future of Lebanon Fire-EMS.

Community First. Always.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this important budget item and for your continued support of Lebanon Fire-EMS.

Respectfully,

Kevin Bataran
Fire Chief

06/04/2026

Community Budget Update #2 – Turnout Gear Replacement

As part of my commitment to transparency and keeping our community informed, I would like to provide additional information regarding the Lebanon Fire-EMS budget proposal that will be presented to voters on June 9th.

One of the items included in the budget is a request to place $20,000 into a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) account for the replacement of firefighter turnout gear. I believe it is important for the community to understand both what turnout gear is and why this funding request is necessary.

Turnout gear is the specialized protective clothing firefighters wear when responding to structure fires, vehicle fires, rescues, and other hazardous emergencies. It is the primary line of defense between a firefighter and the dangers they encounter while protecting our community. Modern turnout gear is designed to protect firefighters from extreme heat, flames, steam burns, falling debris, sharp objects, hazardous contaminants, and severe weather conditions. Simply put, turnout gear helps ensure that the firefighters who respond to your emergency can do so safely and return home to their families afterward.

Like any safety equipment, turnout gear has a limited service life. Over time, repeated exposure to heat, smoke, contaminants, sunlight, moisture, and normal wear and tear degrades the protective qualities of the gear. While gear may appear serviceable from the outside, the protective layers that provide life-saving protection can become compromised. For that reason, national standards require turnout gear to be removed from front-line service when it reaches the end of its service life. Expired turnout gear can no longer be used in Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) environments, such as interior structural firefighting operations.

As you can see from the turnout gear replacement schedule, Lebanon Fire-EMS currently has 12 sets of turnout gear that will expire and become unusable for IDLH environments. Earlier this year, I was able to secure a charitable grant that allowed the department to purchase 8 replacement sets of turnout gear without using taxpayer dollars. That grant significantly reduced the financial burden on our community while addressing a large portion of our replacement needs.

The current budget request seeks funding for 4 additional sets of turnout gear, which represents the remaining gear scheduled to expire during the upcoming budget cycle. This request does not increase our inventory, expand staffing, or add equipment beyond our operational needs. It simply allows Lebanon Fire-EMS to maintain the turnout gear inventory we currently have and ensure that every firefighter has access to safe, compliant protective equipment.

By funding these purchases through a Capital Improvement Program, we can proactively plan for future equipment replacement needs, spread costs over time, and avoid larger unexpected expenditures in future budgets. This approach reflects our commitment to responsible financial planning and long-term sustainability.

Lebanon Fire-EMS remains committed to transparency, accountability, and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Every budget request is carefully evaluated to ensure it supports our mission while respecting the investment made by the taxpayers of Lebanon.

Replacing expired turnout gear is not simply an equipment purchase—it is an investment in firefighter safety, operational readiness, and our ability to continue providing reliable emergency services to the residents and visitors of Lebanon. When firefighters answer a call for help, they deserve the protective equipment necessary to do their job safely and effectively.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this important budget item and for your continued support of Lebanon Fire-EMS.

Respectfully,

Kevin Bataran
Fire Chief

05/14/2026

From the Chief’s Desk
Community First

Our motto here at Lebanon Fire-EMS is simple: “Community First.”
We believe in serving the community with professionalism, dedication, and accountability every single day.

A tremendous amount of hard work and dedication went into developing the proposed Lebanon Fire-EMS budget you will be voting on in June. I want to take a moment to be transparent and informative regarding the upcoming budget because I firmly believe every resident deserves to be an informed voter.

I will be putting out several community messages about the budget to help inform residents how their tax dollars are being spent at the fire department.

You will notice that the proposed fire department budget increased this year, and I want you to understand the why behind that increase.

The largest increase within the budget is payroll costs. This increase is not due to department-wide raises or excessive spending. Rather, it reflects accurate forecasting of the true payroll hours required to operate the department responsibly and sustainably.

The remainder of the fire department budget contains only a small increase. Proper forecasting and proper allotment of payroll hours accounts for the largest change in the budget.

In previous years, payroll expenses were funded through several line items that covered a wide variety of costs, including:

• Chief’s salary
• Full-time employee wages
• Per-diem employee wages
• On-call employee wages
• Monthly fire and EMS training payroll
• On-boarding and new hire training payroll
• Special wages for miscellaneous duties such as hose testing, equipment and medication pickups, and vehicle maintenance trips
• Overtime wages
• Earned leave pay

All of these expenses were historically being drawn from three payroll pools. As a result, payroll costs could never be accurately tracked or forecasted. Important operational costs such as training, on-boarding new personnel, on-call responses, special wages, and earned leave were not properly accounted for. This lack of forecasting was a major contributor to previous budgets exceeding projected spending.

The proposed budget you will see on the June ballot reflects extensive work and collaboration between the Fire Department, the Selectboard, and the Budget Committee. The budget is built upon the same operational staffing model currently being used today:

• Two duty crew members on 24 hours a day
• One additional crew member for 8 hours during the day

This provides a total of 56 staffing hours of emergency coverage every single day, seven days a week, ensuring continued emergency response capability for the Town of Lebanon.

I strongly believe in being a good steward of the resources entrusted to us. The members of Lebanon Fire-EMS respond to emergencies every single day. They have answered every call for service requested of them from the community, many times managing multiple stacked emergency calls occurring simultaneously. Our staff continues to provide a high level of emergency medical care to the community, transporting patients at the Advanced Life Support (ALS) level over 60% of the time. This percentage is significantly higher than many surrounding agencies that primarily transport at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level. They have continued to get the job done, with professionalism, integrity, and excellence, with the resources available while operating within our budget. They have walked the razor’s edge all year in an effort to be responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars. I am proud of the members that serve this community.

What many people do not see are the sacrifices made in order to accomplish that.

We have sacrificed training opportunities because funding was limited. We have reduced certain call-member responses under specific conditions to help control costs. We have delayed hiring personnel because we did not have the payroll capacity necessary to properly on-board and train them.

Those sacrifices helped us remain financially responsible, but they also have an impact on the fire department and, ultimately, the community we serve.

The proposed budget is designed not only to maintain services today, but to build a more sustainable and accountable future for Lebanon Fire-EMS. It reflects honest forecasting, operational reality, and a commitment to transparency.

Please reach out and contact me with any questions regarding the upcoming fire department ballot questions. I can be reached at the station Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 207-457-6556 or by email at [email protected].

Stay tuned for more information regarding the Fire Department Ballot questions.

Our mission remains unchanged:
Community First.

Kevin Bataran
Interim Fire Chief
Lebanon Fire-EMS

05/12/2026

Lebanon Fire-EMS – Call Company Recruitment
Now is the time to apply to become a Call Member with Lebanon Fire-EMS.
Call members respond from home when available to assist the on-duty crew during emergency calls, providing critical support that strengthens our overall response capability.
We are seeking:

• Firefighters
• EMS Providers
• Community members ready to learn and serve

Starting Hourly Rates:
• Firefighter I & II – Starting at $20.00/hour
• EMT – Starting at $20.00/hour

Requirements: • Must live in the Town of Lebanon or very close to town to ensure a timely response

This is a vital role in supporting your community and standing ready when your neighbors need help most. Whether experienced or new to the field, you will be part of a team committed to professionalism, readiness, and service.

Step up. Get involved. Make a difference. Join Lebanon Fire-EMS.

For more information or to apply, contact:

Kevin Bataran
Interim Fire Chief
Station: 207-457-6556
Cell: 207-608-0805
Email: [email protected]

05/05/2026

Lebanon Fire-EMS – Now Hiring Per Diem Cross-Trained Firefighter/EMS Providers

Lebanon Fire-EMS is currently recruiting per diem, cross-trained Firefighter/EMS providers. We offer flexible 24-hour and 12-hour shift options, available seven days a week, to maintain consistent operational coverage for the Town of Lebanon.

The department operates with two staff members on duty 24 hours a day, supplemented by a third member working an 8-hour daytime shift.

Minimum Prerequisites
• Pro Board Firefighter I and/or Firefighter II
• AND Maine State-licensed EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic

Qualifications
• Cross-trained Firefighter/EMS providers to enhance operational flexibility and response capabilities.

Compensation (Based on Certification & Experience)
• FF/EMT: $23.00 – $28.00/hour
• FF/Advanced EMT: $25.00 – $29.00/hour
• FF/Paramedic: $30.00 – $35.00/hour

About Lebanon Fire-EMS
• Responds to ~1,000 calls annually
• Combination of full-time, per diem, and call personnel
• Two ambulances, attack engines, and specialized units
• A growing department that covers 56 square miles of area

If you’re ready to make a difference in a professional, team-oriented organization, we encourage you to apply!

To apply or learn more:

Email Interim Chief Kevin Bataran at [email protected] or call 207-457-6556 for more information.

Community First. Professional Always.

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

Lebanon Fire-EMS

06/06/2026

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05/14/2026

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