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Dedication of the Annual Town Report
The Fire Service today is influenced by many forces including community, society, budgets and the
members of every fire-rescue department. One phrase doubly important to firefighters is “Service
Above Self”. Many think of this phrase synonymously with firefighters. In our community, the
fire department has seen change, from the town’s first Ford Model T fire truck purchased in 1914,
to the merger of all three fire departments with Bar Mills Rescue, to an integrated fire-rescue
organization, and most recently hiring full time firefighter/paramedics.
Positive change happens within an organization when leaders, the pillars of that organization, have a
vision and lead their membership through the change. Two of the towns most dedicated volunteers
and trusted leaders are Deputy Chief Gene Harmon and Deputy Chief Merlyn MacLauglin, to
whom this year’s annual town report is dedicated.
Deputy Chief Gene Harmon
Deputy Chief Merlyn MacLaughlin
Deputy Chief Gene Harmon and Deputy Chief Merlyn MacLaughlin have individually served the
Town of Buxton for more than 50 Years. Both have seen decades of change and have remained
pillars of the organization throughout a half century of service. These two men define “Service
Above Self”.
Deputy Chief Harmon has served in many capacities through the years, from Firefighter to Chief
of the Bar Mills Fire Department. Following the municipal merger, Gene has faithfully served as
a Deputy Chief, Acting Chief of Department, and in his current role as Safety Officer.