Portland Honors Phil LaRou, Cam Balog and Andrew Halchack for Rescue Swimmer Training
Photo by Courtesy of Portland Maine Fire Department
Photo by Courtesy of Portland Maine Fire Department
Photo by Courtesy of Portland Maine Fire Department
Photo by Courtesy of Portland Maine Fire Department
PORTLAND, Maine — October 1, 2026 — The Portland Fire Department honored Lieutenants Phil LaRou and Cam Balog, as well as Firefighter Andrew Halchack, for their contributions to creating and teaching the recent Rescue Swimmer Class.
As stated in the department’s announcement, the three members invested considerable time and effort into planning and organizing the course, offering students an engaging and informative training experience.
Captain Krum praised their work, saying the three members “ knocked it out of the park.” Their efforts helped support the department's goal of preparing firefighters to respond to emergencies and assist residents and visitors throughout Portland. The department thanked LaRou, Balog and Halchack for their dedication to training and their continued commitment to public safety in Portland, Maine.
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