The York/Biddeford/Old Orchard Beach Boys Hockey Co-Op hockey team won the state championship today, defeating Hampden Academy 3-2 in a thrilling game at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.
The team has earned rounds of praise from throughout the Biddeford community, including congratulatory remarks on social media platforms by Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain and School Supt Jeremey Ray.
Below are photos shared with the Gazette from Eric Parent of Biddeford, one of the proud parents who attended today’s game!
The new state champs celebrate with their coaches on the ice (Photo provided by Eric Parent of Biddeford)
Connor Parent (left) celebrates Saturday’s championship win with Goalie Connor Thibault (Photo by Eric Parent)
The Biddeford Fire Department helped the new state champs celebrate (Eric Parent photo)
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
Let’s get right to it. Things have been pretty much non-stop here at the Gazette since the beginning of February.
We set some new records, broke some big stories and had some fun along the way. More about all that in just a moment.
Our promise to you:
A lot of media outlets – large and small – often brag about their commitment to local, community journalism.
At the Gazette, community journalism is much more than just a slogan. It’s a proven track record of being embedded in the community; a promise to always be accessible to everyone on both our website and on the Biddeford Gazette’s social media pages, including our Facebook page.
Never a charge or fee for subscriptions.
We are the only news outlet in southern Maine that actively shares and promotes news about Biddeford from other professional media outlets, including Saco Bay News, the Portland Press Herald, MaineBiz, WGME-TV or WMTW-TV.
Why do we do that? Because we care more about you than about silly competition with other news outlets. That philosophy is embedded in our mission statement.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to find news and information that impacts Biddeford, no matter where that news is generated.
And when we do share items from our news partners, we make sure those stories are clearly labeled and linked to their originating source.
Speaking of slogans:
A couple of weeks ago we asked our readers for suggestions regarding a potential tagline for the Gazette. We were looking for something unique, something that defines our mission and principles – what sets us apart.
We received dozens of suggestions from our readers: some funny, some serious. But each one of them showed that readers were willing to take time to connect with us for nothing more than the possibility of scoring a dozen donuts from Reilly’s Bakery.
I am pleased to announce that we have a winner. It was me.
Don’t worry, we’re still going through the suggestions to determine who was the runner-up, and who will get to enjoy the tasty treats we promised from Reilly’s.
In fact, it was thoughts about Reilly’s Bakery that inspired what will be our tagline going forward.
Reilly’s is a Biddeford institution built on a legacy that stretches over decades. It is a small, independent bakery focused on quality and customer service.
What sets the Gazette apart from all the others? Simply this: Experience and the community’s trust that has been developed over decades of covering Biddeford news and politics.
I have been covering Biddeford longer than any other journalist actively working today. Nearly 30 years of climbing those wooden creaky stairs at City Hall. No one else even comes close.
Hence, our new tagline:
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
A media partnership with . . . you
Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 12, we published a total of 22 items on our website, including news and feature stories, guest columns and two weekly obituary updates. That’s more than a 250 percent increase over the same time period last year, and does not include things such as our EVENTS page and BUSINESS listings
But here’s the really exciting part: 40 percentof that recent news and feature material was generated by people in the community, not us.
The community is engaging with the Gazette, and that’s the way we want it. I am excited about this, very excited. All indicators show that we’re on a good trajectory, including our growing list of subscribers and increased traffic on our website.
Fortunately, no one was hurt but the smoke damage was extensive.
We were honored that the Speaker of the House, State Rep. Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford asked the Gazette if he could submit his column about recent ICE activity in Maine for publication on our site.
On a similar note, former mayor Marty Grohman asked us to publish his recent op-ed about artificial intelligence and its potential benefit for Maine communities. Both State Sen. Henry Ingwersen and State Rep. Marc Malon publish their monthly columns in the Gazette.
We sincerely appreciate their trust and confidence.
And in this corner . . .
Speaking of Marc Malon, it looks like he may face a challenge in his reelection bid for a third term as Biddeford’s District 133 representative. Veteran City Councilor Marc Lessard told us he is giving serious consideration to running for the seat as an unenrolled candidate. This could be the first time that Malon is challenged for his seat.
I think that’s good news. I like Marc Malon. I think he does a decent job and truly cares about the people he represents, but it’s always better for voters if they have options. And we care more about the voters than the politicians.
Two good guys going toe-to-toe. Could be interesting.
I’m outta room. Good stuff coming down the pike! Kiss someone today and celebrate Valentine’s Day!
P.S. I talked a lot about journalism in this week’s newsletter. If you’d like to see a list of my 12 all-time favorite journalists, hop over to my personal blog Lessons in Mediocrity and check out The List. You will probably recognize some of the names and faces.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE |A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
A few Biddeford firefighters recently found themselves fighting a small fire on the second floor of the city’s Central Station on Alfred Street.
According to Fire Chief Lawrence Best, the small fire happened in the second-floor kitchen during the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 7 at approximately 3:15 a.m.
No one was injured in the incident, but Best said there was extensive smoke damage as the result of the fire.
Best said he is working with the city’s insurance company and estimates that the damage could total several thousand dollars because of smoke damage to ceiling tiles and the building’s HVAC system.
The fire broke out as the result of spontaneous combustion that occurred within a stainless-steel container of dish towels and cleaning rags, Best said.
“It’s actually not that uncommon,” Best explained. “Those towels — over time –soak up lots of oils and cleaning solvents. Thankfully, they were in a stainless-steel container. Otherwise, things might have been worse.”
Best said his employees regularly wash all kitchen towels in the department’s washing machine, which Best described as a “residential-type” appliance. Those types of units generally do not exceed 130 degrees of hot water. In order to effectively remain oils and solvents that build up over time, you need water that ranges between 160 and 170 degrees, Best said.
Because the incident happened in a fire station, Best said that the State Fire Marshall’s Office was notified and conducted its own independent investigation of the incident.
Best said such incidents also require review by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
“It’s an inconvenience, but we’re really lucky that the damage was contained and that no one was injured,” Best said.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
Firefighters from several communities are now on scene at the former Sleepy Hollow Motel on Elm Street in Biddeford. A structure fire was reported shortly before 9 a.m. Tuesday.
One firefighter was removed from the scene by an ambulance from the Goodwins Mills fire department. It is unclear why the firefighter was taken from the scene.
Elm Street traffic near the Hannaford grocery store is closed to traffic in both directions.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2026 All Rights Reserved Biddeford Gazette, Inc.
NOTE:This story has been updated in order to clarify that city of Biddeford has not had any formal discussions with the owners of the Biddeford Pool volunteer fire station. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
It is an idea that has been discussed for nearly a decade, but it now appears that momentum is increasing to finally create a full-time substation of the Biddeford Fire Department somewhere on the eastern side of the city.
According to Biddeford Fire Chief Lawrence Best, the overall goal is to reduce emergency response times in areas from the intersections of the Guinea Road, easterly, along both Pool and West streets, toward the coastal neighborhoods of Hills Beach, Granite Point, Fortunes Rocks and Biddeford Pool.
During an interview with the Gazette last week, Best said he is looking at multiple location options.
Biddeford Fire Department Chief Larry Best (City photo)
Two of the most talked about options include converting the privately-owned Biddeford Pool volunteer firehouse; and purchasing a parcel of land now owned by the University of New England (UNE) near the intersection of Pool Street and Newtown Road.
A little more than three years ago, former mayor Alan Casavant created a committee taskforce to review potential sites and various ways to improve emergency response times.
Ward One City Councilor Pat Boston represents that part of the city, a role she held previously before taking a hiatus from serving on the council.
Boston also served on the task force created by Casavant.
“It was always about response times, and that is what drove the bulk of our conversations,” she said.
Best told the Gazette that emergency response times should not exceed a window of more than four to six minutes, at least 90 percent of the time for all calls.
Best also says that the easterly part of the city has seen an increase in demand for service, including an average of 160 calls per year from the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.
Boston quoted former city councilor Norman Belanger, saying that public safety is one of the three major functions the city should provide.
“Response times are important,” Boston said. “But it’s also important to remember that there is a substantial cost involved. Whichever option we choose we need to make sure that choice addresses both current and future needs.”
Boston says she likes the idea of converting the Biddeford Pool Fire station into a full-time, 24-7 substation staffed and operated by the city, but said she is also keeping an open mind about other potential locations.
Best describes the 30-acre parcel owned by UNE as his ‘Plan A” site but concedes that there are several potential issues that could limit or prevent future development.
“That site has some vernal pools and wetlands that would not be appropriate for development,” Best said. “As the fire chief, it is my responsibility to keep an eye out for all the options.”
Best said there would be a significant cost associated with converting the privately owned Biddeford Pool fire station into a full-time “livable station.”
“We are not having any formal discussions with the Biddeford Pool Improvement Association at this time, Best said. “I have had a couple of high-level concept discussions, but nothing formal.”
He says that the Biddeford Pool option would not necessarily meet the objectives of reducing response times in other parts of eastern Biddeford, including homes along the Guinea Road and Hills Beach Road, which cuts through UNE’s campus.
Best made a detailed presentation about the ongoing discussions and goals of creating an eastern fire substation a few weeks ago during the Dec. 16 Biddeford City Council meeting.
Best told the council that the UNE property continues to be the preferred location for a substation given its location and travel routes. “A majority of the fire/EMS calls in this area can be reached from this location within the national standard response time of four to six minutes,” he said.
Where are we, and where do we want to go?
Best joined the Biddeford Fire Department as its new chief in 2023.
The city’s Central Fire station still lives up to its name today because of its central location even as the city expands in both an easterly and westerly direction, Best said.
Today, Best describes his department as “fully staffed” with a total of 52 full-time employees, including 48 employees trained as both firefighters and paramedics, including EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians).
“I am all about efficiency and saving the city money,” Best said. “All of our firefighters have dual training. This gives us the flexibility we need to handle every call for service.”
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“I am all about efficiency and saving the city money.”
— Fire Chief Larry Best
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Current response times to the eastern part of the city can take 12 to 14 minutes. “That is a long time to wait if you’re in an emergency situation,” Best said.
Best said Biddeford has “outstanding” mutual aid agreements in place with several surrounding communities.
“This job requires me to be vigilant and always scanning the horizon for new opportunities and planning ahead for potential challenges,” he said.
Best said he is looking forward to an upcoming workshop meeting with the mayor and city council.
“A workshop meeting is a more relaxed setting than a regular council meeting,” Best said. “This will give the council an opportunity to ask questions and for us to make sure that they have all the information they need or want.”
Editor’s Note: You may view and/or download the Dec. 16 presentation to the city by clicking the link below.
The clang of helmets, flashing lights of fire engines and the hum of excited families filled Biddeford’s Central Fire Station on Saturday as the city’s firefighters welcomed the public for their first open house in seven years.
The department, founded in 1855, rolled out trucks, gear and demonstrations to give residents a rare behind-the-scenes look at life on the front lines of fire and rescue.
“We felt it was time to do it again,” Fire Chief Lawrence Best said. “The reception has been wonderful, and we hope to keep this tradition alive year after year.”
For many, the day was as much about discovery as it was about safety. Children climbed into fire engines, tugged at oversized helmets and tried on miniature coats that hung nearly to the ground. Parents peppered firefighters with questions about equipment, training and what it takes to respond to thousands of calls each year.
The youngest visitors experienced what it’s like to escape a smoky room, crawling on hands and knees through the Fire Safety Smoke House. Others took turns climbing down a second-story window ladder, guided carefully by firefighters waiting below.
“It’s important that kids see these tools in action and know what to do in an emergency,” Best said.
The event featured far more than fire engines and gear. Demonstrations ranged from CPR to fire extinguisher practice, while a “build-your-own” first aid kit station gave families the chance to prepare for emergencies at home.
The day also had lighter moments. Home Depot set up a safety- themed workshop for kids, while balloons and face painting brightened the station floor. Bike helmet fittings encouraged young riders to protect themselves long before a firetruck needs to roll.
Representatives from the Maine Warden Service, York County Emergency Management Agency and the Biddeford Police Department joined in, highlighting the network of agencies that work together when disaster strikes.
This year’s educational theme tied into National Fire Prevention Week, focusing on the hazards of lithium-ion batteries.
“These batteries are everywhere now — in phones, scooters, tools —and if they’re mishandled, they can be dangerous,” Best said. He urged residents to learn safe charging practices, store batteries properly and dispose of them responsibly, adding that anyone uncertain can call the department for guidance.
An increasingly busy department
Behind the community celebration lies the constant reality of an increasingly busy department.
Biddeford firefighters have already answered more than 4,200 calls this year — about 180 more than during the same period last year. The department employs 48 full-time firefighters, 12 on-call staff, four line officers and an administrative assistant. They cover 33 square miles and more than 13 miles of coastline, responding not only to fires but also to rescues, medical emergencies and hazardous materials calls.
Keeping up with the demand is expensive. Outfitting a single firefighter costs about $15,000, and gear must be replaced every 10 years. A new engine runs about $1.1 million, while a tower truck nears $2.5 million. Even ambulances now approach $500,000. Currently a new ambulance and a new engine are on order, but supply chain delays mean it will be about two years before they arrive.
Despite the challenges, the department continues to look outward, offering monthly CPR courses and occasional first aid training to the public.
Inside the Alfred Street station, a museum preserves the history of firefighting in Biddeford. Tours are available by appointment for anyone curious about the city’s past.
For families at Saturday’s open house, though, the day was about something simpler: connection. Children tried on gear, neighbors mingled with firefighters, and parents lingered over vehicle rescue demonstrations that showed the precision behind every response.
“This is what we’re here for — to protect, to teach, and to be part of the community,” Best said.
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Jim Krause is a freelance writer and Biddeford resident.
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BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 