Fire Department Awards and Recognition

Awards and Recognitions
For the year ending 2010

Officer of the Year: Lieutenant Gerald Croce

Firefighter of the Year: Firefighter Mike Devoid

Recognition Award: Firefighter Kevin Foster for continued work on the “Toys for Tots Program”.

5 Years of Service: Nathan Schools

10 Years of Service: Andrew Pollack,  Jeff Storey

20 Years of Service:  Jason Copp, KC Putnam

25 Years of Service: Dan Small

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The following article written by Curtis Ingraham was sent to local press agencies for publishing following the banquet:

Cumberland Fire Department Annual Banquet

by:  Curtis Ingraham

The annual Cumberland Fire Department banquet was held this past Saturday evening at the Toddy Brook Banquet Center in North Yarmouth.

More than a 100 guests attended the buffet dinner and presentations.  Participants included local fire chiefs, town councilors, and many “life-members” of the department.

Dan Small started the presentations with a “remember when” chronology dating back 25+ years.  Chief Small has experienced all of those years in the fire service locally and was the recipient of the 25-Years Service award.

Captain/Chaplain KC Putnam, received the 20-Years Service award, Lieutenant Andrew Pollack and Firefighter Jeff Storey received 10-Years Service awards, and Deputy Chief Nathan Schools was presented with a 5-Years award.

Citing excellence by members of the department, consistent willingness to contribute, and a customer service-oriented style, the Officer of the Year was presented to Lieutenant Gerald Croce.

It was with great pleasure that the membership awarded Mike Devoid as the Cumberland Firefighter of the Year for 2011.  His numerous nominations made for an easy selection by the Awards Committee.  His consistent pleasant demeanor, completion of Firefighter I and Firefighter II (rivaling an Associate through a Bachelor degree), an EMT-Basic rating, and several other qualifications shows his commitment to the fire service.

Throughout the course of the evening, in various special ways, recognition was given to honoree Firefighter Buddy Copp, who will be entering the U.S. Army Basic Training program next week.  Buddy was given the opportunity to stand at attention and be continuously recognized for his commitment to joining the U.S. armed services.

A new tradition was started this year with presentation of September 11, 10th anniversary, commemorative challenge coins.  This collectible coin was presented to Kevin, Meghan, Don, Joanna, Adam, and Kendra Foster; Craig, Julie, and Stephanie Weeman; Scott, Denise, Megan, and Matthew Morgan; Ashlee Wax; Joe Bell, Sam Hodsdon, Samantha Thoits, and Kim Gilbert.  Efforts included hosting a fundraiser breakfast, collecting toys, distributing gifts, and fulfilling requests from Greater Portland benevolent associations.

The 2011 annual Recognition Award was presented to Kevin Foster.  Several years running, Mr. Foster has organized and run the “Toys for Tots Program”.  This annual Christmas time event generates thousands of dollars in charitable gifts and many toys, all donated for various programs throughout local communities.

For more information about joining the Cumberland Fire Department, go to:  cumberlandmaine.com/2010/11/volunteer-firefighters-needed/