The recent devastating fire next door at the Corsican Restaurant brought an unlikely reminder of how blessed we are.

In the wee hours of morning, Freeport’s Fire and Rescue team pulled up to attack rapidly spreading flames at the Corsican – just four minutes after an alarm rang at the station. In just over two hours, the fire was out. Without the skill and dedication of these heroes, plus skillful coordination of neighboring fire departments, the entire complex of buildings on Mechanic and Middle streets could easily have been destroyed. Hats off to our subsequently retired Chief Darrel Fournier for his longtime leadership and excellent team.

Of course, this is just the beginning for Robin and Ed, our longtime friends and neighbors. Cleanup and rebuilding the Corsican promises quite a journey ahead. An outpouring of community support has been remarkable – from a Corsican Fire Relief Fund at Bath Savings, coordinated by the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce, to phone calls, offers to help, and Facebook posts from Freeport and far beyond.

We’ve received phone calls, emails of concern, and Facebook posts for our own place next door, as well as hopes for the Corsican’s reopening. The other night Steve and I were out for walk. A fellow who’d heard about the fire stopped us to say how lucky we were. We couldn’t agree more. The Freeport Fire and Rescue team’s astounding skill in containing the flames, as well as fellow Freeporter’s concern and heartfelt offers to help, deepen our gratitude to be part of this community.

Steve and Judy Brown

Freeport


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