Rumford Fire Chief Bob Chase presents a Good Citizenship Award to Fire Lt. Michael Arsenault on Thursday as Police Chief Stacy Carter tells of Arsenault’s heroic deed on March 25.

Rumford Fire Chief Bob Chase presents Good Citizenship Awards to residents Dorothea Blood and Michael Papsadora on Thursday for their act of heroism on April 2.

RUMFORD — At the start of the Board of Selectmen meeting Thursday, three residents were presented with Good Citizenship Awards.

Police Chief Stacy Carter noted, “It’s not very often we get to do this, but I think it’s important that we do it when we can.”

First to be recognized was Lt. Michael Arsenault of the Rumford Fire Department.

Carter read this statement:

“On March 25, 2017, there was a call from a Swain Road residence of a female who was down and unresponsive.

Arsenault, who was off duty, heard the call and responded to the residence, which was close to his house.

He was the first to arrive on the scene and began performing CPR while on-duty first responders were en route.

The female regained consciousness and survived.”

“Had it not been for the quick actions of Lt. Arsenault, the outcome may certainly have been different.” 

The next awards were presented to Michael Papsadora and Dorothea Blood.

Carter read the following:

“On April 2, 2017, Dorothea Blood was walking across the Memorial Bridge when she observed a female who was in crisis on the other side of the railing.

Michael Papsadora, who had been traveling across the bridge, had stopped and was conversing with the lady in crisis and was allowed to approach closer.

Papsadora was then able to hold onto the lady and was then helped by Blood to pull the lady back over the rail.

They stayed with the lady until police arrived. The lady was taken to the hospital for crisis intervention.

Due to Mr. Papsadora’s and Mrs. Blood’s willingness to to get involved and their quick action, a life was saved.” 

On behalf of the town, Fire Chief Bob Chase presented each with the Good Citizenship Award. Carter presented each with a Rumford Police Department Challenge Coin, given to those who go above and beyond.

Carter said it’s because of citizens like these three people that “makes this such a great community.”

In other business selectmen:

* Approved a request by the Rumford Eagles to close Oxford Avenue on Saturday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. when they will hold a Child Advocacy Day and fundraiser.

The goal is to bring together community outlets such as police departments, fire departments, medical personnel, schools and community organizations to help promote safe living.

* Approved a Memorial Day parade permit for the American Legion. Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 29, with a parade and ceremonies at the Rotary Memorial Green in Rumford and then at the Veterans’ Memorial Green in Mexico.

Prior to the meeting, a public hearing for the budget and warrant articles took place before the Budget Committee.

It was sparsely attended, with very little discussion.

The 41-article warrant will be discussed again at the annual business meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, June 5, at Mountain Valley High School. The annual town budget vote will begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 13, at the American Legion.

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