PARIS – Oxford County commissioners recognized a chief and deputy chief from two River Valley fire departments at the beginning of their meeting Tuesday night.

Deputy Chief Richard Jones of the Mexico Fire Department was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Chief Ken Dixon of the Andover Fire Department was given the Fire Chief of the Year Award.

The awards were earlier presented to Jones and Dixon this fall by the Maine State Federation of Firefighters and Maine Fire Chief’s Association, respectively.

Chief Brad Frost of the Paris Fire Department and Chief Jim Trundy of the Hebron Fire Department also attended the presentation.

“Fire service is a calling. It’s not a job,” Dixon said. “The demands are very high, and the rewards are very limited.”

Commissioner Steve Merrill said he remembered how Dixon took into consideration the ability to keep a firetruck on the premises when he was building his home.

“It’s wonderful to see someone with that much passion,” Merrill said.

Jones and Dixon both recognized their families for supporting them.

“You’ve really got to thank your wife and children,” Jones said. “You miss a lot of time.”

Jones also said that firefighting is “one of the best jobs in the United States.”

He has served as a firefighter since 1976, and is in his eighth year as vice president for Oxford County in the Maine State Federation of Firefighters. Dixon has been with the Andover Fire Department since 1966, and chief since 1985.

Dixon said he plans to retire in March.

“It’s been a good ride,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed the journey.”