The Wiscasset Selectmen gave special recognition to the Fire Department for its service and dedication to the town at the board's January 22 meeting.

Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Pam Dunning presented several members of the department with Firefighter Recognition awards.

“Tonight we would like to take time to recognize members of our community who have taken the time to raise the level and quality of service to our citizens.

“Firefighting is complex and dangerous work that requires extensive, ongoing training,” Dunning said. “We are fortunate to have in our midst volunteers, on-call firefighters who understand the multi-faceted nature of today’s firefighting service and have stepped up to the challenge by completing Firefighter I and II certifications.”

The Firefighter Level I and II course is a complete firefighters training course of 240 hours. They learn fire suppression basics and advanced tactics, fire chemistry, fire behavior, fire rescue, extrication, ventilation maneuvers, pump operations, safety, survival and hazardous materials operations. According to Dunning, this is the training that many full-time fire departments use throughout the country.

Firefighters completing the certification include Spencer Bailey, Nick Grover, Cody Haggett, Nick Merry, Bob Meisine, James Craig, Sam Schmal, Steven Smith and Tim Weatherbee.

“We would like to thank these individuals for the additional 240 hours they each committed to the town over the past year,” Dunning said.

The selectmen and members of the public gave the firefighters a loud applause to show the town’s appreciation of their service.