The Lincoln County Fire Chiefs Association presented its annual awards in Bristol on Saturday, Aug. 20.

The Officer of the Year Award was presented to Lieutenant Alex Arsenault of the Boothbay Fire Department.

This award recognizes an individual department officer of any rank, for their direction, leadership and role setting for all other fire officers to follow.

The presentation to Arsenault included this citation:

"This year's recipient of the Officer of the Year award is steady, reliable, unassuming, and, although a younger member of the department, without him and others like him, the organization and structure that make it possible for any of us to save property and lives would not exist. He takes his responsibilities seriously, trains hard, listens well, and works extremely well with all members and as a lieutenant, is integral to the operation of the Boothbay Fire Department.

“At a recent motor vehicle accident on Route 27, this lieutenant was first on the scene of a pickup truck with a tree through the cab and another tree leaning over the cab. There was very heavy damage to the truck and a man with injuries was trapped inside. Taking command, he quickly assessed the situation and, realizing more manpower was needed at the scene, made an excellent call for mutual aid. When Boothbay Rescue arrived, he seamlessly transferred command and remained with the pickup, helping other firefighters extricate the victim."

The Meritorious Commendation Award was presented to Captain Mike Averill of the Alna Fire Department.

The Meritorious Commendation Award is presented to a member of a fire department within Lincoln County who, while serving in any capacity of his position within their department is cited for gallantry during an emergency response, while engaged in operations to prevent the loss of life and property, and reduce the cause of human pain and suffering. This award is the second highest
award earned and presented by the Lincoln County Fire Chief' s Association, second only to the Life Saving Medal.

The following is the citation read at the awards ceremony:

"On the night of Nov. 8, 2013 on the Sheepscot River Bridge in Alna, a pickup truck hit the west end bridge abutment at high speed and became airborne, plunging into the cold river. The truck was upright, facing the east side and in the middle of the river. The headlights and dome lights were still on with the truck under about three feet of water. There was no movement in the vehicle when Asst. Chief Roger Whitney arrived.

“By the time crews started arriving and enough manpower support was available, this year's recipient volunteered to enter the water to try to get the door of the cab open in hopes of rescuing the victim. He entered the frigid water with a safety line attached, swam to the vehicle, then managed to get the submerged door to the truck open and pull the victim out. He determined that there were no other occupants in the truck, and that the victim was dead. A rope was secured around the victim who was then pulled to the shore, followed by our recipient. He was then immediately sent to an ambulance for rehab and was released around 11 pm to go home after being cleared by the ambulance crew.

“Although the victim didn't survive, it doesn't diminish the bravery and courage displayed, and his heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Alna Volunteer Fire Department."

The Community Merit Award was presented to Capt. Al Crocetti and the Hardy Boat Cruises of Bristol.

The award recognizes an individual or business that provides either 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.