Ames Supply of Wiscasset was recently awarded the Community Merit Award by the Lincoln County Fire Chiefs’ Association at their annual clambake in South Bristol on August 15. This award recognizes an individual or business that provides emergency or non-emergency aid to the fire service or citizens during an emergency, or assists an emergency services agency in accomplishing their goal of public safety.

For many years, Ames Supply has served local First Responders in truly outstanding fashion through not only financial support, but also by providing much-needed manpower assistance, and by even allowing the use of their property. On many occasions, they have opened their store when it was not normally open so emergency purchases of needed items could be made. Additionally, they allow their employees who are fire and EMS responders to leave work to respond to emergency calls during the week, when area departments are traditionally understaffed.

The generosity of Ames Supply to all emergency services is widespread, and has had particularly long-lasting impacts on the readiness and operational capabilities of area firefighters and EMS personnel. Their gracious financial contribution, along with hosting the Lincoln County Chiefs Car Show helped to secure the grant requirements necessary to obtain the much-needed burn trailer.

In addition to the car show, they also allowed their large parking lot to be used for mandatory training, and they have repeatedly donated money, goods and material to local fire departments.

Bob Maxcy Achievement Award

James Bruce of the Alna Volunteer Fire Department was recognized as a recipient of The Bob Maxcy Achievement Award, an award that recognizes an individual chief officer of a department for their longevity and dedication in the fire service.

Bruce joined the Alna Volunteer Fire Department in 1981 and has served as an outstanding firefighter. He was promoted to assistant chief of Alna Volunteer Fire Department, serving in that capacity from 1987 to 1989. During this time, he was very active in recruiting highly qualified people, and was a major factor in building up the department.

Since serving as assistant chief, he has served in most every position in the department. Over the past 31 years of service, his vast skills and knowledge of mechanics and electrical systems enabled him to do a great deal of needed maintenance, saving us money and keeping the trucks in service. For the past ten years, he has served very effectively as safety officer. He has kept us safe not only on the fire ground, but off the fire ground as well.

Bruce was also heavily involved in the design and planning of the new fire station. During the building process, he served as “clerk of the works,” keeping a close eye on every stage of activity. His outstanding dedication to the Alna Volunteer Fire Department reflects great credit upon himself, the Alna Volunteer Fire Department and the Lincoln County Fire Service.

Officer of the year

Captain Paul Ouellette of the Alna Fire Department was named officer of the year. This award recognizes an individual department officer of any rank, for their direction, leadership and role setting for all other fire officers to follow.

Prior to coming to Maine to retire, Bruce spent 34 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in upstate New York. Fortunately, he chose to retire in Alna and has been a member of the Alna Volunteer fire Department for the past seven years. During this time, he has been a major contributor to the department both on and off the fire ground.

A man of many talents, and an expert with computers, he quickly and flawlessly computerized all department forms and other records for easy access. As “co-clerk of the works” during the building of the new station, he was at the construction site every day, and was very active in the design and planning phases. Additionally, he volunteered hundreds of hours in preparing and filing the extensive forms and paperwork for Alna Volunteer Fire Department's insurance services office rating, while his strong interpersonal skills kept the department running smoothly.

At fire scenes, especially mutual-aid calls, our recipient immediately sees what is needed, then volunteers to lead a crew to help mitigate the situation, demonstrating strong command and communications skills. His outstanding leadership and total dedication to the fire service reflect great credit upon himself, the Alna Volunteer Fire Department and the Lincoln County Fire Service.