First and foremost I need to apologize for this delayed recognition, only four months past due! I’m sorry Arthur Richardson that I did not pull your honor for service together in a more timely fashion! Sixty years of service deserves better treatment. Thank you for your patience.

I got a call from Gerry Gamage in late December 2024 to see if I would be available to make a few photos at Southport Fire Department’s annual “Chief’s Night” feast at Southport Town Hall. Back when I was an active volunteer at the department (pre-knee replacement surgery), the annual dinner was a much anticipated event. In fact, at a meeting prior to Chief’s Night, the fire crew gathered on the first Tuesday of the month with a traditional banter re: the big event that welcomed members of all the local departments.

Gus Pratt, known for his conservative views, would suggest that the department could not afford a fancy feed and suggested corn chowder for all Chief’s Night attendees. Gus’s offer would be countered by a more generous suggestion from longtime member Henry Berne. With grand applause from all present, Henry proposed “a fine cut of prime rib with all the fixin's.” And so it was and still is the primary delicacy served to all by the Southport Fire Department volunteers.

This year, Chief Gamage hoped for a large group photo with the possible need of a “special event” photo. After the meal, with all the fixin's, the crowd was gathered for the big picture. Then it was Arthur Richardson’s turn to receive significant recognition and a plaque for his 60 years of service to Boothbay Harbor Fire Department as noted in the accompanying photo.

I first got to know Arthur as a deck hand on Eliot Winslow tugs. Later in his varied career, during a wiring session with my dear friend Ralph Spinney of Harbor Electric, I once again crossed wires with Arthur while helping to place some new electrical installations at a local business. I got to pass new Romex through a crawl space not easily managed by the senior officers! Ralph felt that my coal mining experience came into play. Ha!

Arthur served Boothbay Harbor Fire Department as assistant chief during the Warren Page era. After Chief Page stepped down, Arthur became chief for about a year but has continued to serve the department. He has been a familiar face locally and continues to be known for his considerable public service.

In the attached photo are some of his Boothbay Harbor compatriots, gathered to present Arthur with a gift and thanks. From left to right, presenters are Hunter Arsenault, Andrew Rayle, Jesse Peters, Arthur, Nick Livingston, Town Manager Julia Latter, Rendall Jones, Chief Nick Upham, Nick Greenleaf, Sawyer Alley and Glenn Tilton. Special thanks to the charming young lady at Boothbay Harbor Town Office who helped me identify members of the group.

Thank you Arthur for your service. And, again, apologies for the delayed acknowledgement.