The Goffstown Fire Department Station Two recently adopted the Saint Anselm hawk mascot as part of their logo, symbolizing the close relationship between the College and the local fire department. The SAC EMS team works in close collaboration with the Goffstown Fire Department. SAC EMS captain Gabrielle Constantine ’24 described the team as “a volunteer student-led EMS program run in conjunction with Health Services,” and said that lately the team has “been working on developing a closer relationship with GFD.” 

The SAC EMS advisor Lauren Marr, APRN, stated that, “The relationship between GFD and SACEMS has always been one of teamwork during 911 calls on campus. As our EMTs on duty are closest when an emergency call is dispatched they assess and begin to stabilize a patient” before Goffstown EMTS and paramedics arrive and step in. 

About this relationship, Deputy Chief Ben Selleck of the Goffstown Fire Department said, “The relationship between SACEMS and the Goffstown Fire Department works because our mission, vision, and values are aligned. The two organizations are here to serve their community. Both agencies have limitations and work to support each other where possible.”

Marr said that she met with Deputy Chief Selleck of the Goffstown Fire Department in August “to brainstorm mutual staffing and training needs” for SAC EMS and the Fire Department. After this, SAC EMTs “went to GFD for continuing education training and Goffstown EMTs came to campus to assist SACEMS for collegiate EMS week demonstrations in November. Deputy Selleck requested and received approval from the town of Goffstown to  pay for EMT training for eight of our St Anselm College students who were interested in becoming EMTS as the $1500 cost is a barrier for them to take the course.” The Goffstown Fire Department will mentor the students registered for the EMT training program and offer them the chance to work as per diem employees of GFD. 

Selleck said that the Goffstown Fire Department recently underwent changes that he compared to a “rebranding project.” Stations were numbered and each station created a new patch. Selleck described the significance of the unit patch, “The unit patch has evolved over time in its complexity and meaning. These days, unit patches continue the tradition of displaying a unit’s pride and belonging. Unit patches are insignia that identify the wearer as a member of the organization. Someone who wears the patch demonstrates a commitment to the unit’s values, mission, and vision. Unit patches often utilize symbols and mottos to communicate what the team does, who they do it for, and what they stand for.” 

The patch itself “utilizes the college mascot, symbolizing a deep and meaningful relationship. The hawk dressed in the college’s colors adorns a stethoscope and firehose to symbolize the station provides medical and fire coverage. In the background you can also see the Uncanoonuc Mountains, a well-known landmark in the community.”

Station two’s choice to feature the Saint Anselm mascot on their patch highlights the intersection of the Goffstown FD’s “mission, values, and vision” with the College’s. Selleck said, “In fact, the college’s mission statement reflects its desire to prepare its students to live, work, and engage with the local, national, and global communities. St. Anselm College Emergency Medical Services (SACEMS) is a shining example of how the college exemplifies its mission.”

Constantine agreed with Selleck about the College’s community-oriented values, saying, “Our goal of working so closely with [the FD’s] members is to ultimately foster a sense of community between our service and theirs, as well as instill confidence in the quality of care that we can provide as licensed EMTs.” About the Saint Anselm community, she added, “We are definitely in a unique position to care for people that we attend classes with and live alongside, so anything that we can learn from GFD professionals is much appreciated!” 

Marr said that herself and SAC EMS are “truly honored by the adoption of the St Anselm College hawk” for station two’s mascot. She said, “To our team their new patch represents that the GFD shares the mutual commitment and friendship of our two teams integrating and partnering for emergency care both at the college and in the Goffstown community.”

Selleck observed the great value that the College brings to the Goffstown community, stating that “Community is networking of local people and local agencies.” He said that SAC EMS is a logical choice for collaboration with Goffstown Fire Department, since the two organizations “share a common goal.”