EMS Director Toby Martin announced Anita Sprague has been named Wiscasset Ambulance Service’s “Employee of the Year.” In announcing the award, Martin told the newspaper Tuesday, Sprague goes above and beyond the call of duty.

“Along with routinely being on call, she also does a great deal of community service including conducting safety inspections for children’s car seats,” he said. Last summer, Sprague, of Edgecomb, was part of athe crew providing weekend ambulance coverage for Wiscasset Speedway, added Martin.

In June, her service on the department will reach the two-year mark. Sprague recently completed her training for Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification. She also serves on the ambulance department’s public relations committee. Martin said Sprague is a per diem member of the department, serving two days a week including nights and weekends.

She is the department’s first employee of the year; Martin, whose has been director one year in March, started it. The ambulance service has 21 active members.

Martin also announced the recent hiring of two paramedics, Sita West of Woolwich a full-time paramedic and firefighter for Auburn, and Jonathan Powers of Union. He is also a part-time paramedic for Boothbay and Waldoboro.

In the coming year, Martin hopes to launch a medical equipment loan program allowing residents to borrow items like crutches and wheelchairs to meet their temporary needs. “We’re asking for community support to get this started,” he said, adding he’s hoping for donations such as used aluminum crutches in good condition.

The department responded to 74 calls in January; 52 were in Wiscasset, 10 in Edgecomb and six in Woolwich.

Monthly department head reports

Police Chief Jeff Lange reported to selectmen the department had received two Maine Bureau of Highway Safety grants. One for $10,051 was to cover overtime  for OUI enforcement until September. The other for speed limit enforcement was for $2,675. The department will receive $2,000 toward a new radar unit.

In his monthly report, Lange noted the department has been working with the school administration in revising an Emergency Action Plan for the schools.

The department responded to 515 calls last month, 147 more than in December.

Fire Chief T.J. Merry reported the department responded to 12 calls in January, half of them for assistance with motor vehicle accidents. One chimney fire was reported.

Doug Fowler, public works director, reported the recent winter weather has greatly reduced the town’s sand supply. F

“I feel fortunate to lead such a dedicated and talented crew. Even after pulling ‘all nighters’ their attitudes remain positive as they continue to work to complete the daily tasks and essential duties to ensure the safety of all motorists and residents,” Fowler wrote. He commended Steve Christiansen for the work of clearing snow and ice at the municipal building.

Town Clerk Linda Perry reported she had mailed over 375 postcards reminding resident dog owners they faced late fees as of Feb. 1 for failure to re-license their dogs. Perry noted year-to-date, the town clerk’s office had taken in $389,716 in vehicle excise taxes, a monthly average of $45,743.