WATERVILLE — The Waterville Elks Lodge recently held an appreciation dinner for local firefighters, police and emergency responders. The event was the result of one member who felt she could make a difference. Barbara Currie, wife of late firefighter Ronald F. Currie Sr., recalled when they had been invited to such an event during her husband’s years of service. She got support from the lodge and just ran with it.

Guest speaker, Maine Elks Association State President Wayne Cotterly, commended all local emergency medical service personnel for the jobs they perform every day. Cotterly noted the long hours away from families with the long shifts and constant training in order to meet all government regulations and even though it is a very stressful job, they all pride themselves in serving others in their communities.

With almost 200 people in attendance, awards were given out to the Police Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year and EMT of the Year to: Jeff Aucoin, EMT; Rick Stubbert, Oakland police; David Coughlin accepted for Oakland Fire Department; Paul St. Amand, Fairfield police; Carl Coombs, Fairfield fire; Josh Veilleux, Winslow police; John Lacombe, Winslow fire; Robert Bouley, Waterville police; and Tony Brown for Waterville fire.