BRUNSWICK — Dick Morrell of Downeast Energy recently received the top honor from the New England Fuel Institute at its 2012 Visions Conference in Framingham, Mass.

Morrell, co-chairman of the Downeast Energy board, who joined his father’s company in the 1950s, was recognized as a “Legend of Oil Heat” by NEFI, the trade organization of more than 1,200 independent oil heat, bio-heat and related home energy dealers and associated businesses in New England.

Morrell, 83, a longtime Brunswick resident, graduate of Bowdoin College and U.S. Army veteran, has been extremely active in the Midcoast Maine community. His involvements include serving as a Bowdoin College trustee emeritus, past president of the Maine Oil Dealers Association, work with the Brunswick and Bath chambers of commerce, directorships on various boards including the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Boothbay Harbor and Maine National Bank, and seats on the Brunswick Town Council, Maine House of Representatives and Maine State Senate.

“We are so proud that Dick has received this high honor,” John Peters, president of Downeast Energy, said in a news release. “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.”

NEFI provides national leadership on legislative and regulatory rules and regulations for the oil heat industry in Washington, D.C., and is an industry voice before the public and media. NEFI offers its members many communications, education and networking opportunities and events.