AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Senator Chip Curry, D-Belfast, introduced LD 1839, “Resolve, To Name a Bridge in the Town of Unity the Alton ‘Mac’ McCormick Memorial Bridge,” to honor a firefighter who lost his life serving Unity.

LD 1839 was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Transportation.

“Alton ‘Mac’ McCormick exemplified what it means to serve a community,” said Sen. Curry. “As Assistant Fire Chief, putting his neighbors first was more than a job, it was his way of life. It seems only appropriate that we honor his memory and bravery. It is my privilege to work with the Unity Select Board to rename this bridge for Mr. McCormick. Like so many of our frontline workers today, he put his own life at risk for the safety of others. We are so fortunate to have men like Mr. McCormick serving in our cities and towns. They keep us protected and safe.”

Alton McCormick was the Assistant Fire Chief in Unity in the fall of 1954 during Hurricane Carol and Hurricane Edna. Maine was battered by these storms, and floodwaters trapped dozens of families. In Unity, a family of 10 was trapped on top of a car, and neighbors built a human chain to try to rescue them.

Nine members survived, but unfortunately one of the children and McCormick lost their lives in the flood.

McCormick was posthumously awarded the first-ever Civilian Citation for Bravery by then-Gov. Burton Cross.

LD 1839 would rename Bridge 5228 as the Alton “Mac” McCormick Memorial Bridge. This bridge carries U.S. Route 202 and State Route 9 in Unity over the Sandy Stream.

LD 1839 faces further action in committee.