FARMINGTON – The Fire Department received the Safety and Health Award for Public Employers during Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Selectmen.

A plaque given to fire Chief Terry Bell by David Wacker, director of the Department of Labor, is one of only 26 given in Maine, Wacker said.

“It means the department is the best of the best of the best. We don’t give these out on a whim,” he added.

The award from the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards, acknowledges an organization as a model for workplace safety and health.

After Bell requested a visit from the labor department, a very thorough inspection of the fire department’s records, training procedures and equipment was done, Wacker said.

“Your chief has done it,” he added, referring to the methods and work done to protect employees.

With the award, participants are granted a one-year exemption from the Bureau of Labor Standards’ scheduled inspections.

Several fire department members also were present for the award presentation.

Bell acknowledged the work of the firefighters in earning the award and the mandatory trainings they undertake. He expressed hope that other departments within the town would consider participating in the program.