Southpaw Meat Market and Packing Company in Raymond knows a thing or two about community involvement. Owner Nichole Sargent was the recipient of the Caring about Lives in Maine Award in 2024 presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness for her work around suicide awareness and prevention. Now it’s her daughter Devon Sargent’s turn.
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| Raymond Fire and Rescue presents the 2025 Chief Reginald Brown Community Service Award to Devon Sargent for her kindness and dedication to community outreach. From left are Raymond Deputy Fire Chief Lee O'Connor, Devon Sargent, and Raymond Firefighter/EMT Dustin Carroll. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
In announcing the award recently in a social media post, Southpaw Meat Market said, “We are thrilled to share with you that thanks to Devon’s remarkable compassion, Southpaw received a Community Service Award from Raymond Fire and Rescue. She and Ruckus (the dog) bring treats, cinnamon rolls, and meals to nourish them. I’m sure she offers sarcasm and laughter too! We are beyond proud of Devon!”
Devon Sargent said that her blue heeler Ruckus goes everywhere with her and often accompanies her on the deliveries.
“He is kind of a mascot, especially at our plaza in Raymond,” she said.
The Chief Reginald Brown Community Service Award was established around 2005. It is given to someone who goes above and beyond to contribute to the Fire and Rescue Department. Chief Brown served the department and donated the land on which the current fire department building is located.
Raymond Deputy Fire Chief Lee O’Connor is proud of the program.
“Every year Raymond Fire Department recognizes a citizen who helps out in the littlest or biggest way,” he said. O’Connor says he appreciates Sargent’s sense of using the butchering products for greater good.
“Devon has taken the initiative to help out our EMS training program by donating bone marrow and organs,” he said. “(Our trainees) can develop their respiratory training, learning how to intubate the lungs and just how little air it actually takes,” said O’Connor.
Aside from the practical usage of the donated products, Sargent doesn’t forget the other members of the Raymond Fire and Rescue Department, delivering delicious baked goods, pasta salad, meals, and stews to firefighters.
“She really takes care of us bringing food and checking in on everyone,” said O’Connor. “She is always asking if there is anything we need.”
Members of the department are also loyal customers at Southpaw, which is celebrating its grand reopening this week following some extensive renovations.
“They are always coming into the market looking for marinated meats, special cuts, or whatever they are planning. We always make sure to take care of them,” said Devon Sargent.
She was honored at a banquet recently where she received a plaque and challenge coin for going above and beyond to serve her community.
“I never expect to get anything out of all things I do,” she said. I was really surprised. Just making sure everyone is OK is one of the best honors there are.”
Wise beyond her years, Devon Sargent gives credit to her mom for instilling a deep sense of giving back to the community.
“It feels good to be recognized for doing good,” she said. “I wish more people did caring things in today’s world. This is a community and if we can feed or take care of others, that’s I what I want to do.”
Sargent’s empathy, sense of giving, and wisdom are qualities that will serve her well in her personal and professional life.
“Food connects everyone. A full belly goes a long way,” she said. “People that serve the town make the town go around.”
Firefighters agree.
“We love hearing from our community and giving back when there is a great opportunity. There are so many good folks in our community. We would love to recognize them all, but this one really stood out,” said O’Connor. “It is awesome to see a young person so dedicated to giving back to their community. Devon really shows up – it’s impressive.” <
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