Town of Raymond honors those who serve - From Chief Bruce Tupper

The Raymond Fire Rescue Department annual awards banquet was held on April 22nd to honor those who serve the town of Raymond its citizens and visitors.  

The following team members were honored for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Paramedic firefighter Gillian Thomas performed selfless acts of kindness assisting a citizen in need beyond the scope of duty.

Lt. Mike Hughes, Safety Officer Cliff Small, paramedic firefighter Brian Pond, Deputy Chief Cathy Gosselin, firefighter EMT John Facella, Lt. Scott Mildrum where honored for their volunteer work as members of the training team, coordinating department education, certification and training programs
Lt. Mike Hughes recognized for his fitness activities and received the annual Physical Fitness Award. Lt. Jordan was thanked for presenting this award annually and it was added that he too should be recognized as an example setter in this area. 

The Chief Reginald Brown Community Service Award is presented to a person or group or business that supports the department and community through acts of generosity, support for public safety, and or direct support to the department’s mission. This year, it pleased us to present the award to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Marine crew for their support in training, patrols on the lake and assistance with crew development. 

Firefighter of the Year, picked by their peers, is awarded based on votes and narratives written by the voter.  Nominees are recognized for their notable acts to better the department, willingness to further and share their education and training with others. Mentoring and being part of positive solutions, and leadership abilities. This member was recognized by the members with comments noting his thirst to learn, exemplary attitude and finding ways to correct issues, and commuting back from work in Massachusetts to attend week night training sessions. Bruce Draper was this year’s Firefighter of the Year recipient. 

EMT of the Year, picked by their peers the first tie vote in our history, citing the recipients positive attitudes, ability to work in and find positive solutions in the worst of scenarios, great interactions with patients, continual improvement in skills, and ongoing quest for training, service with a smile. Firefighter EMT Hunter Holt and firefighter EMT Michael Tedesco were named this year’s EMTs of the Year. Hunter and Michael are live-in students residing in Raymond's Fire Rescue Stations and attending Southern Maine Community College Fire Science and Paramedicine Degree programs.

Selected annually by the Chief, the Chief’s Award was based on the recipient’s continued input to the department, outgoing nature, ability to mentor, demonstration of ongoing improvement and performance in the protection of the citizens of Raymond through EMS, fire suppression, prevention and education programs and has increased department efficiency and effectiveness. This year we saw a repeat name on our lists of remarkable people who provide services to Raymond. This member of our fire rescue team gives back to the community without hesitation, has a great disposition, and never asks what’s in it for me. It was an honor to announce Bruce Draper as our Chief’s Award recipient this year. 

“The members of the department never cease to amaze us with their dedication, acts of kindness and the level of professionalism seen on a daily basis speaks volumes for the character of the men and women who make up the Raymond Fire and Rescue team! We thank Windham Fire Rescue for providing coverage to Raymond during the event so our members could have a few hours off together to celebrate, relax and reminisce,” said Chief Bruce Tupper.