Fairfield’s Climate Resiliency Series Continues with Emergency Preparedness Panel
Residents and Community Members Invited to Attend Second Public Session
Fairfield, ME – May 13, 2025 – The Town of Fairfield’s Economic and Community Development Committee (FECDC), in partnership with the State of Maine’s Community Resilience Partnership, will host the second session in its ongoing series of public informational events focused on climate resiliency.
Second Session: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Fairfield Community Center, 61 Water Street, Fairfield, ME
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
This session will feature a panel discussion on emergency preparedness and management, highlighting local, county, and state strategies to help communities effectively respond to climate-related emergencies. The panel will include:
- Jonathan Ross, Maine’s Director of Preparedness and Homeland Security
- Wes Sumner, Senior Planner, Preparedness and Homeland Security
- Bill Guidon, Mass Care Coordinator, Community Emergency Sheltering
- Travis Leary, Fairfield-Benton Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director
- Sara Bickford, Somerset County EMA Deputy Director
The evening will include a slideshow presentation, printed handouts, and an audience Q&A session. Fairfield residents and business owners are encouraged to attend in person and take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn, voice challenges, and field questions to these experts and program administrators. As with all sessions, the event will be recorded and available for viewing on Crossroads-TV.
“These sessions are an important way for Fairfield to bring our community into the conversation on how best to prepare for the real impacts of climate change,” said Fairfield Town Manager Michelle Flewelling. “Understanding our emergency systems and who to turn to in a crisis is just as essential as long-term planning.”
The climate resiliency information series stems from the Maine Won’t Wait climate action plan, a comprehensive effort involving hundreds of contributors and public feedback sessions to support communities across the state. Through Fairfield’s continued engagement with the Community Resilience Partnership since 2022, residents and business owners have access to state resources, technical expertise, and planning tools.
Looking ahead, future sessions will explore “Helping Others in an Emergency” (August 2025) and “Next Steps: Where Do We Go From Here?” (October 2025). Dates and details will be posted on the Town of Fairfield website and shared during each session.
“The FECDC is proud to support this important work,” said Committee Chair Stephanie Thibodeau. “We encourage residents to join us, ask questions, and learn how we can build a safer, more resilient Fairfield together.”
About the Fairfield Economic and Community Development Committee (FECDC)
The Economic and Community Development Advisory Committee is open to all Fairfield residents, business owners, and educators with an interest in community development. Meetings are held monthly at the Fairfield Community Center and are open to the public. Visit Fairfield’s online calendar of events for meeting schedules.
Last modified: June 11, 2025
