11/12/2009 - The Portland Fire Department Board of Merit held its 2009 awards ceremony on Saturday, November 7th, in the Portland High School auditorium. Lieutenant Edward Dexter was Master of Ceremonies. Fire Chief Frederick LaMontagne distributed several individual and company awards. They are as follows.

The Oliver T. Sanborn Administrative Award, which recognizes administrative excellence in complementing the goals and objectives of the department, was given to Firefighter/Paramedic Terri McGuire, and the Electrical Division’s Donald Perron. FF/P McGuire has been instrumental this past year in coordinating and implementing the PFD’s Intermediate EMT and Paramedic programs. Don Perron was praised for his knowledge and ability to liaison between the department, the city, and vendors.

Captain Keith Gautreau received The William M. Perry Community Service Award, as the only firefighter in the nation represented at the Wreaths Across America Ceremony held in Washington, DC.

The Portland Veteran Firemen’s Association Award was presented to retired Captain Harold Boothby for his advocacy both as a docent and historian for the Portland Fire Museum.

Two Kevin W. Malone Class B Merit Awards were given. Firefighter Timothy Flynn’s quick response to a house fire on Peaks Island most likely saved other nearby structures from burning. Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Walsh received the award for his persuading a burn victim to seek further treatment that possibly saved his life.

Deputy Fire Chief William H. Steele Unit Citations were handed out to companies involved in three separate incidents. Ladder 3, Engine 6, and Medcu 3, made up of Platoon 1 members Captain David Jackson, FF/EMT Winston McGill, FF Roger Robinson, Lt. Christopher Goodall, FF/Paramedic Justin Bragdon, FF/EMT Gary Anderson, FF/Paramedic Nathaniel Sparling and FF/EMT-I Sean Donaghue received the citation for their quick response and handling of an automobile entrapment. The second citation went to Engine 6 and Medcu 3 Platoon 1 crew members Lt. Christopher Goodall, FF/Paramedic Justin Bragdon, FF/EMT David Young, FF/Paramedic Nathaniel Sparling, and FF/EMT-I Sean Donaghue for their professionalism responding to a call where a mother was experiencing a difficult birth. Engine 5 and Medcu 6 Platoon 3 crew members Lt. Edward Dexter, FF/EMT Robert Slaving, FF/EMT James Westburg, FF/Paramedic Marc Minkler, and FF/EMT William Van Deinse, Jr. received a Citation for the rescue of a woman found on a dock suffering from a head wound and hypothermia.

The Michele Wright Esprit de Corps award was given to Paramedic Meagan Letellier and EMT-I Caroline Harden for their teamwork in rendering compassionate and professional responses to calls throughout the city.

The Liberty Mutual Firemark Esprit de Corps award went to Munjoy Hill Station, Platoon 1’s Ladder 1 and Engine 1 crew members Lieutenant Creed Ray, FF/EMTB Robert McTigue, FF David Kenney, Lieutenant Robert Pinder, FF/EMTB John Joyce, and FF/EMTB Randy Stewart for their design of a Post Incident Sprinkler Apparatus device that diverts water from a building.

The Nicholas G. Knapp EMS Provider of the Year award was given to FF/Paramedic Meagan Letellier for her positive mindset and her high level of professionalism, both to her colleagues and to her patients.

The Thomas G. O’Connor Firefighter of the Year award went to Stanley Tenpenny for his initiative and ability to adapt and improve himself professionally.

Lieutenant Alan Bouchard was awarded The Captain John Rafferty Officer of the Year award for his commitment, compassion, and levelheaded approach to his crew and to the department in general.

Awardees and their families were treated to a reception afterwards.