WHEREAS, in honor of the brave men and women who protect the life and property of Maine people, the State of Maine and its citizens observe the first Saturday in October as Firefighter’s Recognition Day in accordance with Sec. 1 MRSA § 135; and

WHEREAS, Maine has over three hundred thirty fire departments across the state dedicated to keeping our communities safe through fire response, medical emergencies, search and rescue, fire prevention, and code enforcement; and

WHEREAS, firefighters face immeasurable risks and potential dangers every day in the performance of their duties to ensure the safety and well-being of Maine citizens; and

WHEREAS, over ninety percent of the trained firefighters in Maine are volunteers, many of whom carry on a family tradition of service to the fire department; and

WHEREAS, recent events are a reminder of the sacrifices that firefighters make every day, and we should thank these men and women for their dedication and selflessness in serving the citizens of Maine;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the great State of Maine, do hereby proclaim October 7, 2023

Firefighter’s Recognition Day

in Maine and I urge all citizens to recognize this observance and thank them for the service they perform for the people of Maine.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this fourth day of October Two Thousand Twenty Three