In 1995, Scarborough dedicated a new road to a man with whom many in town had a personal connection – Dr. Philip Haigis. When he opened his practice in 1945, he was the town’s only medical doctor and on call seven days a week. According to one resident, “No matter how late the hour, you call for Dr. Haigis and he’ll be there.” 

For thirty years, Dr. Haigis served as the school physician and the town health officer. His office stood near the present-day intersection of Haigis Parkway and Route 1. In 1951, Dr. Haigis responded to a bad motor vehicle accident on Scottow Road. The experience motivated him to create Maine’s first municipal rescue unit. With help from friends and fellow Lions Club members, he raised money to purchase an old bread truck and convert it into an ambulance. The above picture shows Dr. Haigis in 1954 standing with the truck and the equipment it would carry. (The two other men are identified as “Dr. Flint” and “Dr. Lowell”. Photo courtesy of Scarborough Fire Department.) Dr. Haigis trained local personnel to operate the ambulance and later helped set up rescue units in Standish and Cape Elizabeth. Eventually, he became the Maine State Director for the International Rescue First Aid Association.