TOPSHAM

Two Brunswick firefighters and a Sagadahoc deputy who rescued victims from burning buildings in separate incidents last year were among first responders honored by the American Legion District 8 Saturday morning.

The Corey E. Garver American Legion Post 202 on Foreside Road in Topsham was packed with members of local law enforcement, fire and rescue departments at the 45th annual Law Enforcement, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Response Personnel Breakfast.

Brunswick Fire Chief Ken Brillant recognized Lt. Justin Hagar and Alan Boucher, who were at a building fire in a multi-family apartment complex on June 21, 2016, when they heard yelling from inside the first floor apartment.

Brillant said the Hagar and Boucher entered the apartment, found heavy smoke conditions and a wheelchair-bound man unable to exit the building. They were able to get the man outside, and then went back inside to search for any more occupants. Thanks to their efforts and experience, the man was rescued and is alive today.

Cpl. Ian Alexander was also recognized by Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry for pulling a man from a burning building in Richmond on Christmas morning of last year. He and Richmond police officer Chris Giles were also presented the valor award at the recent Maine Sheriff ’s Association banquet for their role in saving the life of the man in that fire.

Merry said Saturday that when Alexander and Giles arrived on scene, they learned there was a man in a second-floor apartment. The two found found an unconscious 30-year-old man in the bathroom, and dragged him outside.

Alexander, a longtime firefighter on the Richmond Fire Department, then drove the ambulance to the hospital while the EMTs continued to work on the patient, who has suffered smoke inhalation and a head injury. Merry said their efforts saved the man’s life.

It wasn’t the only rescue Alexander was a part of last year, and is why he was recognized as the department’s deputy of the year. Last October, he coordinated a rescue of a stranded boat on Swan Island with injured passengers.

Governor sounds off

Gov. Paul LePage also spoke before leaving for another event Saturday morning, taking the opportunity to talk politics before focusing on the role of public safety personnel.

“We are a safe state because we pay attention to our first responders,” LePage said.

As we do for our military, we need to step up, honor and respect our law enforcement, he said, who are the first domestic defenders of society.

“First responders are the true heroes,” he said — and much bigger heroes than those in Augusta or Washington D.C. “So we need you to tell us what you need to make your lives easier.”

He added, “I am very, very proud to be here and to address each and every one of you.”

Longtime legionnaire Gil Ormsby was recognized by Brunswick police, fire and communication departments for his dedication to public safety in the Midcoast for founding the law enforcement recognition breakfast in 1972; as well as for helping many years with the Memorial Day Parade.

Also recognized were Maine Wardens Bob Decker and Evan Franklin; Bath fire captains David Hudson and Timothy Merry who are retiring after 30 years with Bath Fire Department; Bath officer Chuck Reece; Phippsburg Rescue Association President Sandy Hart; longtime Phippsburg Fire Department member and former chief James “Jimma” Totman; Brunswick Detective William Moir; Topsham Police Lt. Robert Ramsay as well as his retiring police dog, Marco, for 10 years of service; Topsham firefighter Steve Lavoie and Sagadahoc County communication officer Alanna Makarewich.