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LEBANON, ME - The Lebanon Rescue Department was honored to receive the 2010 Outstanding Non-Profit of the Year Award from Governor John Baldacci on Thursday, April 22nd, 2010. The ceremony was held at the State Capital in Augusta and was part of the 2010 Governor's Volunteer Service Awards. Several members of the rescue department attended the ceremony held at the State Capital in Augusta.

"We are honored to have receive this award from the Governor and it shows the compassion and dedication of all the volunteers with the Lebanon Rescue Department. In 2009, 49 volunteers donated over 15,000 manpower hours to the community. I am so honored to lead such a dedicated and outstanding group. The members respond to these calls to help their neighbors in need and do not need recognition, but this means a lot to those men and women who do so much for the community. The Governor and the Maine Commission for Community Service have done so much to honor the dedication of volunteers within the State of Maine and we truly are honored to have received this award." Lebanon Rescue Chief Samantha Cole added.

"This is the second year in a row that the rescue department has received an award during the Governors Volunteer Service Awards. In 2009, Rescue Chief Samantha Cole received the Exemplary Service in Volunteer Administration award from Governor Baldacci. The members have been so excited since we found out about the award, it is a small token to thank them for their service." Assistant Chief Jason Cole added. "The volunteers have won several individual and group awards over the past 29 years that its been in operation, but this group award shows the true dedication the members show. They care so much about the community and enjoy helping their neighbors during their time of need."

The department was presented with a plaque for the station, as well as a large poster to be put in the community announcing the award.
Both US Senators also gave the department a congratulatory letter as well that is framed and going to posted at the rescue station.

United States Senator Susan Collins wrote " Dear Lebanon Rescue Department Members, Congratulations on receiving the Governor's Outstanding Non-Profit award. As an all-volunteer force, the Lebanon Rescue Department has developed a well deserved reputation for going above and beyond with your volunteer efforts. From answering 700 calls annually, to donating 15,000 hours to the community in 2009 alone, you all exemplify the highest levels of community service. I commend you for your hard work and dedication. Again, congratulations on receiving this prestigious award! Sincerely, Susan M. Collins, United States Senator"

United States Senator Olympia Snowe wrote "Dear Samantha, It is my pleasure to take this opportunity to congratulate the Lebanon Volunteer Rescue Department on receiving the Governor's Outstanding Non-Profit Award. As you know, this award is given to a non-profit group that exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and community service. Certainly, the tremendous contributions you have made professionally and personally to the residents of your community, make you all very deserving of this wonderful recognition. I am pleased to join with so many others who deeply appreciate your efforts to make your community and state an even better place to live. A special thank you to each of you for making a gift of your time and energy and please accept my very best wishes on this well-deserved award. Sincerely, Olympia J. Snowe, United States Senator"

The following is the press release given from the Maine Commission for Community Service and can be seen at :
http://www.maineservicecommission.gov/news/release.php?nID=1414

Governor John Baldacci presented five exceptional Maine volunteers, one outstanding business, and one outstanding nonprofit with a 2010 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award.

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards are presented annually during National Volunteer Week, the annual celebration of citizen volunteer action and the impact it has on critical needs in communities.

The awards recognize individuals and community organizations whose donations of time and leadership have made a significant difference in the quality of life for Maine residents.

The award for Outstanding Volunteer of the Year was presented to Eileen Danforth of Lewiston. For 17 years- last year for over 2,000 hours- Eileen has inspired through example in multiple volunteer roles at Central Maine Medical Center. She includes volunteers of all abilities in activities and makes each individual feel welcome, worthy, and supported.

Emily Fitch of Portland received the Outstanding National Service Volunteer for accomplishments during her AmeriCorps term of service with the Community Resource Corps. Fitch has dedicated her life to service logging more than 2,500 hours in the past year. Her efforts have impacted hundreds of families in the process.

The 2009 Outstanding Public Sector Volunteer is Frank Wallace of Cape Neddick. For 12 years, Frank has volunteered over 1,000 hours each year mentoring students, planning curriculum with teachers, and problem-solving with school administrators in one of York School Department’s four schools.

Bijou Umuhoza of Portland was selected as the Youth Volunteer of the Year. As a high school student, Bijou found time to dedicate over 1,000 hours last year to the Ubuntu Ministry, the Center for Grieving Children, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the NAACP Youth Council. She’s a shining example of a youth volunteer’s impact in her community.

Cited for Excellence in Volunteer Administration was Sue Bowie of the Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. She grew the volunteer program from 25 volunteers to 187 adult volunteers who contribute 60,000 hours annually. Ms Bowie’s program is an integral part to the daily operations of hospital. Her insight, assistance, and counsel are often sought by other institutions and volunteer directors.

The awards presented to organizations recognize three categories of community volunteer engagement:

The Outstanding Non-Profit Award recognizes an organization that operates a high quality volunteer program that achieves significant and meaningful results. The 2010 award was presented to Lebanon Rescue Department. One of the busiest all-volunteer municipal ambulance and rescue departments in the state, the Lebanon Rescue Department provides lifesaving care, education, and community services through an all-volunteer program. Forty-nine volunteers contributed over 15,000 hours of service in 2009.

The Corporate Volunteerism Award was presented to UNUM. Last year, their 546 employees in Cumberland and York counties gave 35,522 hours to support education, disability awareness, health and wellness, and arts and culture. UNUM employees collect food for local pantries, coats for the homeless, school supplies for youth, holiday gifts for families, and cards and gifts for military members stationed overseas.

Immediately after the Hall of Flags ceremony, more than 700 volunteers were recognized by Governor Baldacci at a ceremony in the atrium of the Maine State Museum. Each of those individuals contributed over 500 hours to programs from all across the state. Their level of service resulted in their names being added to the Roll of Honor for the 2010 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards are administered jointly by the Governor’s Office and the Maine Commission for Community Service. Since 1994, the Commission has focused its efforts on building capacity and sustainability in Maine's volunteer sector by funding service programs, developing volunteer managers, raising awareness, and encouraging an ethic of service. For more information visit MaineServiceCommission.gov or VolunteerMaine.org.

National Volunteer Appreciation Week runs from April 18th till April 24th, 2010.