SOUTH THOMASTON – The garage doors to the South Thomaston Fire Station were open as usual on Oct. 7, 2024. A short time later, those doors were closed. From his house nearby, STFD Lt. Arthur Grierson grew suspicious.

Having joined the fire department on Monday, Oct. 7, 1974, and attending thousands of Mondays – “Fire Night” -- through the years, Grierson knew the routine. This wasn’t it.

Family, friends, co-firefighters, and non-biological brothers through thick and thin had gathered to celebrate Grierson’s 50 years of service, a distinction not lost on his family as he’d been hinting at the golden anniversary for several months now.

“I probably ticked him off a little bit in the last month,” said nephew and Fire Chief David Elwell to a laughing audience, “because every time he would mention 50 years, I would blow him off completely.”

With no response from his family, he went to the extent of writing the date on the calendar.

His family knew. But, they were scheming.

Perhaps, the family’s brush-offs were a little too good, not wanting to talk with him out of fear of giving away their plans for the dedication. By the time the hour arrived, “it was hard enough just getting him here,” said Elwell.

Yet, get him here, they needed to do. Along with a plaque and a monetary token of appreciation from the Select Board, South Thomaston is dedicating its new truck to Grierson. A truck dedication has only been done one other time in STFD history. It is an especially big deal, according to Asst. Fire Chief Gerald Harjula. A dedication is an honor and a privilege, he said, and worthy only of someone of Grierson’s caliber.

Grierson’s anniversary falls on the same year as two other goldens. The fire truck company used by the town began its business in 1974. That same year, STFD purchased its Engine 3, which didn’t fit in the old station at the Gilford Butler Elementary School. Plans to alter the school to fit the truck were foiled when someone with the Town learned that it’s illegal to house a fire station at an active school, leading to the first installment of the current station at 125 Spruce Head Road.

From now on, Grierson’s name, engraved on a small plaque, will ride mounted to the dashboard; on a vehicle whose company roots started when he did; with a truck number (54) that was created during his era when local departments were a part of Rockland’s signal – Rockport FD took the 20s and STFD settled on the R-50s; and finally, leaving from a station with the same age as his service.

“Lt. Arthur Grierson,” said Elwell. “Thank you for your 50 years of service, your unwavering commitment, and your exemplary leadership. We are proud to stand beside you, not just as colleagues, but as friends and family.”

The first Fire Night meeting held at the new station, Arthur Grierson walked in the doors for the first time as a member. His brother would also join. While on leave from nine years in the Navy, Grierson answered fire calls for South Thomaston, having learned a valuable lesson in the military. 

“Everybody in the Navy knows that the primary duty of a sailor is firefighting,” said Grierson. “If the ship sinks – because of fire – where are you going to be?” 

That philosophy never left. 

Walking out on countless events, dinners, birthdays and holidays, to answer the call.

“He always answered the call, often sacrificing personal moments to help strangers on what might have been the worst day of their lives,” said Elwell.

Elwell said firefighting is deeply rooted in this family: his grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters have all been involved in one capacity or another. It was Grierson’s sacrifice and determination that inspired Elwell to join, 25 years ago, also in October.

In 1974, the world of firefighting was very different. Gear was heavy and cumbersome. Technology was basic, and firefighting was a shear testament of endurance, courage, and skill. Communication was limited to crackling radios. Thermal imaging cameras weren’t available, and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus were often so bulky and heavy that many firefighters did not wear them unless absolutely necessary.

Grierson not only kept up, but led the way.

He doesn’t remember his first fire, but he always remembers one incident as a junior firefighter. He was holding the hose (wearing that era’s standard rubber gloves!). The water shot out, and then, instead of flowing forcefully ahead, arc’d before flopping to the ground in front of his thigh-high rubber boots. By the time the firefighter at the truck realized what was happening, he was out of water. The pump was in the wrong gear.

Another day, a person responsible for hearing one of the town’s signal codes – the fire alarms of that era – couldn’t make the call that relayed the alarm, so ran to Grierson’s house with the message. Grierson ran to the station to make the call himself.

Firefighters had membership cards back then. They had to pay a dollar to get them. Harjula held up his. It’s a little card for the wallet, with an enormous meaning.

“As the years go by and the calls go under your belt, you can’t begin to think of the camaraderie that’s built between you and whoever else is responding with you on this call,” said Harjula. “It’s a bond that will never ever get replaced within these walls. It’s a brotherhood.”

Grierson, with his patience, wisdom, and mentorship, helped build South Thomaston’s roots. He has, and will continue to, lead the way.

With or without the garage doors open.