Gorham’s police, fire and rescue personnel keep 16,000-plus residents safe while working in woefully inefficient and substandard conditions. The current building at 270 Main St. is more than 40 years old, is too small, lacks a sprinkler system and doesn’t meet ADA requirements.

In 1999, a facilities study recognized a new public safety building as a high priority project and now the need is critical.

The Town Council approved the Public Safety Building Committee’s recommendation for a building to be located on the site of the former Little Falls School on Acorn Street.

The Little Falls site is the most efficient, cost-effective location. The site allows the building to be constructed as a 34,500 square feet, one-floor facility with room for future expansion. Construction can take place without disrupting emergency services, and using the Little Falls site will eliminate both the need to share space at the South Windham fire station and the cost of renovating the school for another use.

Locating the building in Little Falls will not affect response times, as there will still be two fire engines housed at Main Street. First responders are generally a police cruiser and a fire engine that are equipped with equipment and trained personnel to administer emergency care.

Gorham’s population is predicted to increase to nearly 20,000 by 2030. The new public safety building will meet Gorham’s needs for the next 25 years. Gorham’s dedicated fire, rescue and police personnel provide an essential service and deserve to work in a safe, efficient building.

Katherine Garrard

Owens McCullough

Community Members

Gorham Public Safety Building Committee

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