News

125 Years of leadership
By Jeanne Adams

Gray Fire & Rescue held a celebration in honor of their 125th anniversary. Bagpipers led the way for the Grand Marshal, Fire Chief Jon Barton, who has served Gray's Fire Department since 1959 when he joined at age 43.

The parade included antique fire trucks, a few newer trucks, local dignitaries and a few locals participated: the Oliver Stores antique pickup truck and Dolly the miniature horse and cart.

The parade lead through the ladder arch and to the soccer infield. After Chief Barton was seated the members of the Gray Fire Rescue filed in, remarks from the dignitaries included Town Council Chair Gary Foster, Rep. Sue Austin, Rep. Mark Bryant, Rep. Michael Michaud, Congressman Tom Allen and local Donnie Carroll who is executive director of Southern Maine EMS services.

Television reporter Shannon Moss from TV Channel 6, and Town Council Members Allison Libbey, Skip Crane, Vice Chair Andrew Upham and Julie DeRoche were present.

Barton spoke, joking that "I don't know where we'd be without old folks like us." Council Chair Gary Foster said Fire-Rescue is important as he related the incident when former Chief Guy Prince and how his efforts helped save the village from burning in the great fire of 1921.

Rep Sue Austin read the Governor John Baldacci had created a special proclamation dedicated to Gray's Fire Department on this day.

After the ceremonies, the kid's games opened and the festivities began, ending with a dance at the high school at 6 p.m.