Staff Writer
On March 20, members of the Perkins/Plourde American Legion and Auxiliary in Stockholm, firefighters, families and other community members gathered for a dinner and awards ceremony during which the Firefighter of the Year, from the North Lakes Fire and Rescue Department was announced.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Andy Olson, American Legion State Commander, at left, presents North Lakes Fire and Rescue Chief Darren Woods with a plaque honoring him as the Firefighter of the Year, Rudy Pelletier, Commander of the Stockholm Perkins/Plourde American Legion Post, also participated in the surprise award ceremony.
This years’ award, sponsored by the Stockholm Legion, was awarded to Darren Woods, chief of the northern fire service department. As a result of being named to this award, Chief Woods will now be recommended by the legion members as well as representatives from the Aroostook County Emergency Management Association to be considered for the State Firefighter of the Year Award.
Rudy Pelletier, commander of the Stockholm Legion and a volunteer firefighter for more than 30 years, informed those in attendance that since Woods became chief of the fire services, the department which now covers recreational and residential areas in Cross Lake, Mud Lake, Long Lake as well as Madawaska and Square Lake, has become more stabilized. Pelletier stated that due to improved training, organized by Chief Woods, attendance by the area volunteer firefighters had greatly improved.
Vern Ouellette, director of the county emergency management association read a letter submitted by County Commission Doug Beaulieu, in support of the award and the potential state recognition praising the chief’s work in helping the department to become spirited and motivated resulting the best trained volunteer fire department in the County.
Following a supper prepared by members of the American Legion and Auxiliary, Chief Darren Woods and his wife Lisa were also presented a gift of a blanket depicting the firefighter logo, from Auxiliary members.
The North Lakes Fire and Rescue Service was established in 2007, to serve the residents at Madawaska Lake. following the combination of substations at Sinclair and Guerrette (Guerrette township was later renamed Cross Lake) North Lakes Fire and Rescue Service eventually absorbed all fire service efforts in the substations. The department also offers mutual aid to Stockholm, Fort Kent and St. Agatha.
