The Lincoln County Fire Chiefs Association recently awarded the Meritorious Commendation Award to Alna Fire Captain Mike Averill at the association’s annual lobster bake in South Bristol.

The award is for serving with gallantry during an emergency response, while engaged in operations to prevent the loss of life and property, and reduce the cause of human pain and suffering. This award is the second highest award earned and presented by the Lincoln County Fire Chief' s Association.

On the night of Nov. 8, 2013, on the Sheepscot River bridge in Alna, a pickup truck hit the west end bridge abutment at high speed and became airborne plunging into the cold river. 

By the time emergency crews started arriving and enough manpower support was available, Capt. Mike Averill had volunteered to enter the water to try to get the door of the cab open in hopes of rescuing the victim.

Even though the victim was deceased by the time Capt. Averill got to him, it doesn’t diminish his bravery and courage. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Alna Fire Dept. and the entire emergency services community.