BROWNFIELD, Maine — The Brownfield Fire Department is hosting a benefit dinner later this month in support of one of their very own.
In late February, volunteer firefighter Richard Merrill experienced a medical event while working to put out a fire in Denmark.
"Richard has a long road of recovery ahead," the fire department said in a Facebook post. "We hope to help him as much as he has helped the community through years of dedication as a firefighter."
To help support Merrill, who is more widely known to the community as "French Fry," the fire department is hosting an Italian benefit dinner.
"You may not recognize the name but if you have ever been to a Fryeburg Fair Firemen's Muster, you probably know French Fry as the guy in the baseball pants who is insanely fast climbing a ladder," the Facebook post said.
Merrill has been with the Brownfield Fire Department for more than 45 years, ever since he was in high school.
"He's incredibly dedicated — attends calls, trainings, department meetings, and regional meetings without fail," Brownfield Fire Department spokesperson Cristin Perreault told NEWS CENTER Maine.
Perreault said Merrill has served as a deputy chief of the fire department, as well as president of the Western Maine Firefighters Association.
He was also recognized by the Fryeburg Fair Association as the only person who has been a muster team member since its muster began in 1978, according to Perreault.
In the community, Merrill is an active member and past president of the Brownfield Lions.
"Richard is the living definition of brotherhood in the fire service," Brownfield Fire Chief Richard Perreault said. "He is the first person to help others and he can always be counted on."
The benefit dinner will be held Saturday, March 30 from 4-6 p.m. at the Brownfield Lions Den.
It will feature an Italian-style dinner including pasta dishes, salad, bread, beverages, and dessert.
The fire department said anyone who is unable to attend but would still like to make a donation can contact Jessica Benson at 207-625-1010 or Fire Chief Perreault at 207-935-2885.
