MORE TIME FOR FAMILY — Fire Chief Leigh “Arnie” Devoe recently retired from the Washburn Fire Department;
Though still working as a bus driver for SAD 45, he’ll now have more time to spend with his family. Pictured, front row, from left: Jordyn Martin, granddaughter; Arnie Devoe; and Mallory Martin, granddaughter. In back: Arnie’s wife, Brenda Devoe; daughter, Leslie Martin; and son-in-law, Dan Martin.
Special to The Star-Herald
WASHBURN — Leigh “Arnie” Devoe was recently the guest of honor at a retirement party hosted by the Washburn Fire Department. Firefighters, both current and retired, were all in agreement at the quality of his years as fireman, including eight years as chief.
The Washburn Town Council presented him a chair to use during his retirement, and Town Manager Andrea Powers read the words on the plaque. It reads: “In Honor of Leigh “Arnie” Devoe for his 35 years of outstanding dedicated service to the Washburn Fire Department, the community and his ongoing dedication to maintaining the history of the Washburn Fire Department. We thank you for your commitment to protect and save lives, and safeguard property in the town of Washburn. Signed, The Washburn Town Council.”
Several guests and former firemen and fire chiefs as well as Washburn’s newest fire chief, Troy Heald, gave testimonial speeches about Arnie, all noting that he was a great firefighter and chief. They said they were proud to have worked with and alongside him. Several men also gave Arnie the credit for urging them to take on more responsibilities and take more classes and tests in order to grow in their firefighting careers.
Members of Washburn’s Town Council told of their appreciation of Arnie’s habits in his career of going beyond the call of duty. Unable to attend the event was Town Councilor Fred Thomas, but he made a phone call to the Devoe home, expressing his sentiments as well.
Arnie was told there is a special gift for him from the Washburn Fire Department members, but it has not yet arrived. Chief Heald noted that they won’t spill the beans. The gift will be announced in the Washburn column as soon as it arrives.
Arnie’s wife, Brenda, was recognized for the support of her husband and his busy workload and high level of responsibility. She was presented with a firefighter’s wife’s necklace from the Washburn Fire Department.
One side note, he must have considered this a very special occasion, worthy enough to be seen wearing shoes! As most know, Arnie favors slippers most of the time, even for weddings!
The retiring chief spoke to the group, stating that he plans on staying in touch and will be more than willing to help in any way he can.
Arnie said he is already missing the guys and hopes they stop by for a visit. He also noted that he truly appreciated working with such a dedicated group as the Washburn firefigthers.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
WASHBURN FIRE CHIEF Leigh “Arnie” Devoe was recently honored with a retirement party, joined by several members of area fire departments, as well as family and friends. Pictured are: Arnie and a very special aunt and uncle, Loretta and Arnold Williams, of Caribou.
Photo courtesy of Christie Cochran
A Retirement party was recently held honoring Fire Chief Arnie (Leigh) Devoe. Pictured, in front, from left, kneeling: Fireman Ron Clapper; Assistant Chief Nathan Allen; Leigh “Arnie” Devoe, retired fire chief; Dan Corey, retired fireman; and Fireman Greg Sperrey. Second row: Firemen Scott Fitzgerald, Ryan Goodine, Kevin Goodine and Jeremy Hartsgrove; Mapleton Fire Chief Richard Wark; Daryl Sperry, retired fire chief; Jasper “Bud” Umphrey, retired fire chief; and Retired Firemen Bryant Rossignol and Mike Umphrey. Third row: Firemen Lance Johnson, Tim Stitham, Fire Chief Troy Heald, Fireman Chris McCoy, Retired Fireman Dale Lavway and Caribou Fire Chief Roy Woods.
