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Farmington honors officers and bystander for on‑scene life‑saving; board approves purchase of two patrol SUVs
Summary
The Farmington select board recognized two officers, a UMF officer and a civilian for life‑saving actions on June 3, then approved a purchase of two 2026 Ford Interceptor SUVs for the police fleet from Quirk Auto at a total price of $88,552; upfitting costs and auction of old vehicles were also discussed.
Police Chief Kenneth Charles presented life‑saving awards June 9 to Officer Ariana Bacon, Sergeant Jonathan Parker, University of Maine at Farmington Sergeant Mark Bing and civilian Mackenzie Campbell for their coordinated June 3 response to an unresponsive 73‑year‑old on Front Street, saying their actions “directly improved the patient’s condition on scene and undoubtedly contributed to saving his life.”
Dr. Jody Conrad, MaineHealth Franklin Emergency Department medical director, told the board that rapid CPR, high‑quality compressions and early defibrillation were decisive: "Rapid response, quality CPR, and early defibrillation saved this man's life," she said, thanking responders and the patient’s family.
The recognition followed a 911 dispatch at about 12:47 p.m.; Campbell began CPR before officers arrived, Officer Bacon took over CPR and Sergeant Parker deployed an automatic external defibrillator that advised and delivered a shock. Officers continued resuscitation until EMS assumed advanced care and transported the patient to MaineHealth Franklin Hospital.
Later in the meeting the board considered police fleet needs. Chief Charles summarized a recent procurement: seven suppliers were invited and two bids were received; Quirk Auto (Quirk Ford) quoted two 2026 Ford Interceptor SUVs for a combined price of $88,552. The chief said hybrid SUVs had higher purchase prices, uncertain maintenance histories and potentially weaker resale values, and that the quoted 2026 models included factory ballistic panels on some stock vehicles.
A board member moved and another seconded a motion to allow the chief to enter an agreement with Quirk Auto for the two SUVs; the motion carried. The board discussed anticipated upfitting costs of about $20,000 per vehicle for lights, radios and other equipment, and confirmed a staggered seven‑year replacement plan (approximately 120,000 miles) to smooth budgeting. The town plans to sell older vehicles via online auction and place proceeds into a reserve account.
The meeting closed the police‑related business with appreciation for the award recipients and a reminder that final delivery and full outfitting timelines depend on vendor schedules and upfitter availability.
Votes at a glance: The board approved (1) the purchase agreement with Quirk Auto for two 2026 Ford Interceptor SUVs (total $88,552) and (2) the decision to put replaced vehicles up for online auction; mover and seconder were not specified in the transcript.
