GORHAM, ME (July 15, 2022) – Gorham PD held Rookie Camp 911 from July 11 – July 15. The following posts are a brief recap of the daily events that the campers experienced.

Day 1:

Campers gathered and introductions took place with counselors, campers and public safety staff members. Campers received Camp T-Shirts and Identification Cards.

Campers learned about Patrol K-9’s, ESU, Taser Demo, and being a good Digital Citizen.

We would like to thank the Scarborough Police Department K-9 Teams, Det. Sgt. Daniel Young and Det. Rappold for making this day a great success!!!

Day 2:

Campers met with a Marine Patrol Officer and learned about Conservation Law on the Ocean. They got to touch oceanic lifeforms in particular lobsters and clams. Campers were also visited by the ME State Police Major Crime Unit where they learned about crime scene processing as well as getting a tour of the MCU Evidence Van.

In the afternoon, campers learned about the 911 system from Cumberland County Regional Communication Center dispatchers. They were able to understand the importance of 911 and provide proper information during an emergency situation.

Campers brought in their bikes and recieved a presentation on bike safety by members of the Gorham Police Dept. Campers were able to successfully navigate a bike safety course using proper signals and stops.

Day 3:

The day was spent at Shaw Park on the water. ME Game Warden Pete Herring talked with the campers about the importance of wearing a life jacket as well as other conservation laws. They were asked to put a life jacket by themselves and received McDonald’s coupons upon successfully demonstrating on how to properly secure the vest.

Gorham Fire Department showed the campers their water rescue gear and were allowed to see how the gear works first hand.

Det. Gene Gallant came in the afternoon to talk about his Dive Team Equipment and his role as a Dive Team member. He also spoke with the campers about his use of a drone to help officers reconstruct crime scenes.

Thank you to all our instructors and presentors.

Day 4:

Gorham Fire Department Day. Fire Fighter Leighton showed the campers equipment from Gorham Rescue and showed the campers how she would utilized the equipment in emergency situations.

In the afternoon campers were shown how a hose was pressurized and how they use the hose and truck to extinguish fires. Campers were able to hold the hoses under direct supervision to get a feel of how fire fighters have to put out fires.

The remainder of the day consisted of fun in the water with a BBQ and ice cream provided.

Day 5:

The final day of Camp consisted of a presentation from the ME Forestry Department at the Gorham Public Safety Facilities. Campers were made aware of fire prevention in a woodland/camping setting. They were shown the equipment used by Forest Rangers and were able to use their hand held water tanks to simulate putting a fire.

Campers then went on field trips to the Animal Refuge League learning about the care of lost and recovered animals. They learned about the care of the animals as well as the welfare that was provided to these animals.

Campers finished their field trip with a trip to the Portland Fire Boat on Commercial Street in Portland. Campers learned about the water front and how Portland Fire Department assists with rescues and fires on the ocean and waterfront.

Campers returned back to the Gorham Public Safety Facility having a group photo and receiving certificates of completion to the CAMP 911 program.