ROCKPORT — Two highly-valued employees have been honored by the Town of Rockport the week of their departure from their respective positions — former Fire Chief Bruce Woodward was recipient of the Annual Town Report dedication, and former Economic Development Director Tom Ford was recognized for his service and commitment to Rockport. Both employees, and good friends to many in the community, retired this spring, and it was not without sadness that the town said goodbye to both of them. The town report dedication, and gathering to honor the two, took place at the town office, while parties for each of them had previously been held at the Samoset Resort and Rockport Boat Club.

The 2013 Annual Town Report dedication to Woodward noted his 42 years of service to Rockport, and his reputation for being straight-forward, honest, kind and energetic.

"Bruce does many things for the town and others 'under the radar,'"wrote Stacey Parra, the town's executive secretary. "Many basements have been pumped of water, house calls have been made to check things over, and just people who wanted a visit from Bruce. Around town, Bruce replaced and lowered flags, checked and inspected all fire extinguishers, put up town wreaths at Christmans, crawled up into the town office crawl space and replaced the vents, got the town office mail, which was great because we got to see him every day. He did anything you asked of him, almost always without question!"

She also wrote: "In the days since that gorgeous day we have welcomed a new chief and finally saw Bruce's day of retirement after an extended stay come to an end. I will miss being able to tease Bruce about the status of his office; let's just say it's a 'little' messy (I believe the papers piled high there are the same ones that were there when I started at the Rockport Town Office almost 15 years ago). Bruce may say he is 'resistant to change,' but we know that he is less resistant than most of us. We will miss you Bruce and it has been a pleasure to know and work beside you."

Tom Ford has been planner and economic director in Rockport for 12 years, guiding committees and the town through a period of economic expansion and property development. As he wrote in the 2013 Annual Report:

"Our town continues to be a desirable destination for both early retirees, who are seeking a vibrant coastal community and younger families, who are attracted to the educational opportunities available for their children. We encourage all residents to work cooperatively, melding new ideas with our existing traditions to create an even more vibrant and economically balanced community.

He wrote that Rockport is currently playing an active role in working cooperatively with its neighbors to advance the economic vitality of the region, including,

• coordinating with Thomaston and Rockland on a micro corridor study of Old County Road;

• working with the Rockland Economic Advisory Committee and Friends of Midcoast Maine on a vision to increase the livability and commercial vitality for the Camden Street/Commercial Street corridor;

• cooperating with Camden on a joint sidewalk proposal to benefit both communities, and

• participating with other Midcoast communities in a Midcoast transit study.

"As I move onto the next chapter in my life, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the citizens of Rockport for giving me the opportunity to serve as your planner and community development director over the past 12 years," he wrote. "I know I will look back with deep satisfaction to the many friendships I have developed over the years and the strides we have collectively taken to move Rockport in a positive direction."

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