AUBURN — On Dec. 21, Commander Hugh Brown of the American Legion William Rogers post 153 presented awards to Lieutenant John M. Cloutier of the Lewiston Fire Department and Lieutenant Rick Brown of the Auburn Fire Department. Both departments were recognized for their donation and participation for their outstanding firehouse chili which has been served to veterans and guest on Veterans Day for the last five years at the William Rogers post.

Past LA Veterans Council chairman Paul Bernard said, “These firefighters have been there every Veterans Day at the post serving hundreds of guests. The schedule has been rushed in the last few years due to the day’s schedule of breakfast at the Lewiston High School followed by the Veterans Musical Tribute at the Lewiston Armory followed by a quick lunch at post 153 and rush to the Veterans Memorial Park for the unveiling of the next Veterans Memorial Stone.

“This coming year,” he said, “the Council is being asked to hold the ceremony at 2 p.m., giving the guests more time to enjoy the firehouse chili.”

The awards were presented at the Legion’s monthly meeting. Recognized and welcomed as new members to the post were Steve Denson and Phil Simond.

Any veteran living in Central Maine interested in the American Legion can contact the William Rogers post at 782-1118 or drop by on Thursday, Jan. 12, during the membership drive commemorating the 69th anniversary of the Casablanca Conference, when Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill met at Morocco.