Dick Morrell of Downeast Energy received the top honor from the New England Fuel Institute at its 2012 Visions Conference, which took place June 5 and 6 in Framingham, Mass.

The trade organization of more than 1,200 independent oil heat, bio-heat and related home energy dealers and associated businesses in New England named Morrell, co-chairman of the Downeast Energy board, a “Legend of Oil Heat.”

Morrell, 83, a longtime Brunswick resident, graduate of Bowdoin College and U.S. Army veteran, started at Downeast Energy during the 1950s. A former Brunswick town councilor and Maine state legislator, Morrell filled leadership roles for many Bowdoin College, business and community organizations. He’s past president of the Maine Oil Dealers Association and played an instrumental role in the merging of Bath Memorial Hospital and Regional Memorial Hospital to create Mid Coast Hospital.

“We are so proud that Dick has received this high honor,” John Peters, president of Downeast Energy, said in a release announcing the award. “Others are deserving of this award to be sure, but no one deserves it more. Dick has served this industry, our company and his community in ways that cannot be measured. He is a true ‘legend’ in our eyes, although he’d never admit that himself.”

For more information, visit www.nefi.com.