Rockland commends firefighter Jamie Leo for 25 years service
ROCKLAND – Carrying the injured off the breakwater, lowering a suddenly disabled contractor from the roof of Hannaford’s, launching boats into quarries for the sake of a fallen hiker, commandeering a skiff to rescue a man from the harbor, and everything in between.
This is just from the Rockland side of the two municipalities Jamie Leo has assisted in the past 25 years. And these examples? Only from the past five years.
Two months into retirement, Rockland lieutenant and Thomaston Assistant Chief Jamie Leo now has a letter of commendation and a handshake from The City of Rockland for time well served.
“In this strange time that we live in where celebrities are prized of obscene foolishness most of the time, I’d like to point out that this ceremony, in our own little way, negates that,” City Councilor Amelia Magjik said during the ceremony. “You are the real heroes, and your service is what should be, in my opinion, celebrity.
“Thank you very much for the real heroism that should be championed,” she said.
As Mayor Will Clayton and Councilor Valli Geiger mentioned at the ceremony, Leo has faced constant risks as a first responder. He has run towards the dangers that other people usually run from. He’s faced the good, the bad, and the unpredictable. He’s left his bed, his family dinners, his days off for the sake of the larger community.
But that, according to Councilor Adam Ackor, is what the Leo Family does.
Leo is not the only member of his family to work for Rockland departments.
“They’ve really dedicated themselves to public safety and public good,” said Councilor Adam Ackor, who has known Leo for a long time.
Councilor Ed Glaser noted that Leo’s 25 years of service to Rockland is proof of ‘great dedication.’
“It reflects well both on the department and the individual that they can put up with each other for that many years,” he said. “Having been to your retirement party a little bit earlier, it was great to see how loved you are by the department and all the other members. That was quite telling. So, thank you for your service.”
City Manager Tom Luttrell has known Leo for about 10 years.
“It has been a pleasure working with him, just seeing him operate in the city. Hopefully he remembers the City of Rockland,” Luttrell said.
“Thank you Jamie.”
See the articles mentioned in this story:
http://www.penbaypilot.com/article/woman-sustains-minor-injuries-rockland-s-breakwater/61864
Sarah Thompson can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com
