Fire chief recognized for actions above and beyond during pandemic

Buxton Fire Chief Nathan Schools was honored as the 2021 Maine Chapter recipient of the Spirit of America Foundation Award for outstanding community service last week by state Representatives Mark Blier, R-Buxton, and Nathan Carlow, R-Buxton.

The two representatives gave Schools a legislative sentiment in recognition of the honor.

Schools has been the town’s fire chief since 2012 and the York County Emergency Management Agency director since 2015. He is president of the York County Fire Chiefs Association.

Schools was recognized for his work during the pandemic.

“As EMA director, Schools immediately took control and was continually in touch with the Maine CDC and York County EMA,” Blier said. “Through these resources he was able to devise a strategy to safely guide Buxton residents through the most difficult time many will ever encounter.”

As fire chief, School navigated town departments through the day-to-day operations of exposures, quarantines and positive COVID 19 cases, Blier said.

“He also worked tirelessly to host the first drive-thru vaccination clinic in the entire state,” Blier said. Buxton Fire-Rescue administered more than 1,200 Johnson & Johnson vaccines during the clinic.

Nomination papers available

Nomination papers for five at-large seats on SAD 6 became available Feb. 8. One seat is open to a Buxton resident along with one seat each for Frye Island, Hollis, Limington and Standish. The Frye Island position is a one-year term and the others are three years each.

The Buxton term expiring in June is held by Nathan Carlow, board vice chairperson.

Papers are available at the SAD 6 Central Office, 94 Main St., Buxton, or the town clerk’s offices in each town.

The deadline for delivering papers to the towns’ registrars of voters for signature certification is 2 p.m. March 22. Candidates are responsible for delivering certified papers to SAD 6 by 4 p.m. March 31.

Election Day is June 14.

For more information, call Hedy Smith, SAD 6 executive secretary, at 929-2331 or email hsmith@bonnyeagle.org.

60 years ago

The Westbrook American reported on Feb. 7, 1962, that Rita Eaton was elected president of the newly organized Library Club at Bonny Eagle High School. Librarian Gertrude Elwell was the group’s advisor.