A long-time Board of Directors president, a former fire chief, and a veteran auction volunteer were among more than a dozen people honored for their service by the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.
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| Michael Helfgott, left, receives his award from Greg Leonard. OBIFD Photo. |
“Thank you for the many years of volunteer service as president of the board of directors for the Orrs and Bailey Islands Fire and Rescue Departments,” reads the plaque presented to Helfgott at the annual OBIFD Recognition Dinner, held November 5 on Orr’s Island.
“You have invested countless hours of dedicated service, thoughtful guidance and tireless leadership to the department,” the award says. “It is because of your efforts our community is safer, stronger and we are better capable of meeting its needs.”
Board Treasurer Greg Leonard, who presented Helfgott with the plaque, praised the Bailey Island resident for helping to steer OBIFD through a variety of challenges, including a shortage of responding volunteers, the resignation of a chief for health reasons, a state audit which turned up labor standards violations, and ongoing efforts by the town which could lead to full-time fire and rescue personnel.
“Thanks for your leadership. We're going to miss you,” Leonard said.
Helfgott, who is leaving the board because of term limits, thanked the OBIFD community for the honor, but said the department’s success is due to the efforts and energy of all of its volunteers, who devote countless hours either as first responders or behind-the-scenes support and organizational staff.
“That's what we all have in common -- we've all chosen to serve our community in any way we can,” Helfgott said.
Walter Johnson, a veteran firefighter who rose through the ranks to become chief in 2015, was also presented with an Award for Extraordinary Service thanking him for more than 20 years of work with the department.
Johnson, of Orr’s Island, who was promoted from Assistant Chief, served less than a year in the top post before stepping down for health reasons. He thanked the board for the honor and said he hopes to return to active service as his health improves.
Cathy Coyne of Bailey Island, a long-time supporting volunteer, also received an Extraordinary Service Award for her years of work at the annual yard sale and auction and other efforts to support both OBIFD and the historic Orr’s Island Schoolhouse, which is managed by the department.
“You are generous, kind and always work graciously to meet the needs of the department, which in turn enhances the well-being of our community,” Coyne’s plaque states.
In addition to those honors, certificates and pins for service time were awarded to a dozen volunteers. Emergency Medical Technician and board member Steve Normand was recognized for five years of service, while one-year honors went to responders Cindy Bessmer, Paul Kittle, Cathy Piffath, Dan Reynolds and Zach Stoler; responder and board member Phil Taylor; and board members Bob Garver, Deane O. Kennedy, Brad McFadden and Mary Morgan.
OBIFD is an all-volunteer department which provides fire and medical rescue services for Orr's and Bailey Islands and portions of Great Island south of Stevens Corner Road on Route 24, including Long Point, and Mountain Road east of the Ewing Narrows bridge.
For more information on OBIFD or joining the volunteer crew, visit www.obifd.org or the town-wide recruitment and information site at www.harpswellfireandrescue.org.