Bad signs - and posts - at Leb Fire and Rescue

Last week we learned that Lebanon Fire and EMS thinks they've produced and delivered a press release when they post an incident on their Facebook page.

That was their response when The Lebanon Voice called them out last week for failing to report to media that a man had been seriously injured while diving off the bridge abutment of the New Bridge Road Bridge on the Lebanon side.

But the post was never put on the official Lebanon Fire and EMS Facebook page. It was put on the Lebanon, Maine Fire Department Inc. Facebook page, which is a separate entity and not a Town department page.

The so-called "media release" said, in part, "The bridge is posted No Diving for the safety of everyone. The water can be shallow at times which can result in serious injuries or death. Please adhere to the signs message and do not jump or dive off from the bridge."

A Facebook post today on Lebanon Fire and EMS that raises more questions than answers.

A post commenter agrees, saying, in part, "It is sad someone is hurt, but there are warning signs everywhere."

The simple fact of the matter is, however, there are no signs, anywhere. There may have been last year, or the year before, but they are not there now.

The doctrine of attractive nuisance is alive and well if a young child is hurt or killed. And it could go badly for the town if that happens, especially since on a Facebook site recognized by many as an official Fire Department site it contends that the town has signs warning against diving WHEN THEY DON'T.

Lebanon Selectmen Chairman Ben Thompson, apprised that there are no such signs in place, said today they would be replaced as soon as possible.

Later, as I scoured Lebanon Fire and EMS for any news on the injured ATVer from the incident on Indian Lake Drive or the man injured diving off the bridge abutment, I find there is nothing, only a disturbingly cryptic post from 17 hours ago, which leaves me wondering, are they trying to serve a community ... or start a panic?

The post says, "Our responders are on a very difficult call right now. Keep them and those involved in your thoughts and prayers. This is the hardest part of EMS."

Yes, I will pray for any who may have been involved in whatever incident transpired, but such a post with no info that invites idle speculation and perhaps panic by the general citizenry is sheer lunacy.