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Both past and present members of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department were recently honored at the Department's An­nual Awards and Recognition Dinner, held at the fire station. Over 75 people turned out for the event, which began with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. and a roast beef supper following at 7 p.m.

On behalf of the V.F.W., George and Velma Easton pres­ented the Department with an American Flag, which was accept­ed by Chief Rit Moulton and Clark Hackett.

After dinner, Deputy Chief Plante took a few minutes to speak of a half credit course which he instructs at the high school. This twice-a-week course trains students in the fire prevention field. He expressed his hope that these students would be able to one day join the fire department. He also went on to name three people currently on the Department' s training list - Tony Laurich, Paul Lanza, and Dana Ricker Capt. McGuigan later explained that these three people are undergoing a series of tests to help insure they qualify to become fire fighters. As he put it, "Because fire fight­ing is said to be one of the most dangerous occupations in the world, you can't just walk in off the street and become a fire fLghter. You need to pass physical tests and undergo hours of training before qualifying".

Also during the evening, State Forest Ranger, Al Grimes, (perhaps better known as Smokey the Bear) awarded Carlton Thomas with a certificate for 20 years as a Deputy Forest Fire Warden. Doug Houston, Vicki Bemis and Martin Stanley all received their badges, making them official members of the fire department. Ms. Bemis also holds the honor of being the first woman on Farmington's Fire Department. Plaques were given to all of this year's retirees, even though two did not have enough years with the Department to become honorary mem­bers. Both Chief Moulton and Deputy Chief Plante passed out plaques to Percy Day, for five years of service, Lyle Doughty, for seven years, John Fitch for twelve years, and Peter Dickie; for twenty-eight years. When Mr. Fitch and Mr. Dickie were asked to return to the podium, Mr. Fitch jokingly asked, "Why, do you want these plaques back?", which was answered by a thundering of laughter and applause. But once there,both men were presented with gold badges, making them honorary members of the Department.

At this point, the supper formally ended, but guests were invited to stay and mingle with the crowd. Needless to say, everyone seemed to have a great time, and next year's dinner is being eagerly anticipated.


These photos are stored together. They are from different periods of time. Last pulled together for possible use in May 1986.

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