Honoring Everyday Heroes
By Sally Applegate/ Correspondent
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Holding his small son in his arms, Officer David P. Sedgwick, an 11-year Rowley Police Department veteran, stood to be recognized Sunday at the Rotary Roundup. He was the first in a list of local police officers and firefighters given special recognition by police and fire chiefs from Rowley, Georgetown, Groveland, Byfield and Newbury at the event.
The Georgetown VFW was filled to capacity with families enjoying a chicken and ribs barbecue and the music of The Three Amigos Trio of Rowley, a self-described eclectic novelty act featuring "death row country" and bossa nova, with Rotarian Tim Young, Jay Scheur, David Masher and Harold Persing.
The Rotary Club of Greater Georgetown sponsors the annual Rotary Roundup, with this year's theme recognizing the achievements of area police and firefighters.
In the large room decorated with red, white and blue balloons, families from these towns visited with each other, and Georgetown Fire Chief John Durkee hung out with former Georgetown fire chiefs Herb MacDonald and Harold Roeder, and several of Georgetown's volunteer firefighters.
Georgetown Police Chief James Mulligan conducted the recognition ceremony, reading a brief history of each officer and firefighter honored at the event.
Sedgwick, the first officer honored, once de-escalated a suicidal man with a knife, and on two other occasions directly saved a life. Officer Sedgwick developed, organized, and implemented the Rowley Citizens Police Academy, and serves as its director. The academy has just completed its fourth annual class.
A letter from Rowley Deputy Chief of Police Robert R. Barker noted Sedgwick's many commendations, heartfelt letters of appreciation from members of the community, and called him a credit to the agency and most deserving of the recognition given to him at the event.
The next honoree, EMT and volunteer Rowley firefighter Darcie Britner, was praised for her technical expertise and calm demeanor in crisis situations, complemented by her leadership ability and eagerness to serve the public. She was called an outstanding firefighter, EMT and paramedic.
Detective Thomas DeJoy of the Georgetown Police Department was recognized for two recent events illustrating his bravery and policing skills. On April 1, 2003, DeJoy joined a state trooper in chasing a suspect that fired a gun at the trooper, and kept all local area departments up to speed on the developing situation. Although the suspect eventually took his own life in Topsfield, DeJoy helped contain the situation and ensure no member of the public was injured. He also apprehended a burglary suspect in June 2004 after getting a description of the suspect and his car from some women at a bus stop.
Georgetown firefighter Jeff Ricker, also honored at the Sunday event, joined the department at age 18, and has taken courses and additional training that are above and beyond the training required by the department. He is now certified as a Firefighter Level 1 and 2, an EMT Intermediate and is a certified Massachusetts firefighter instructor. Recently appointed a line officer, Ricker was praised by Georgetown Fire Chief John Durkee who said, "Jeff brings a lot of new ideas to our department and this has helped train our personnel to a higher level. Jeff has worked hard and I'm grateful for that."
Honored by the Newbury Police Department, Officer David Murphy was described as an exemplary police officer willing to serve the people selflessly in any capacity required of him. A solid role model for new recruits, Murphy is a field-training officer and trusted confidante to his peers, providing sound advice and direction when needed.
Byfield firefighter Douglas Janvrin, Jr. was praised as a dedicated, hard-working firefighter/paramedic and 18-year veteran with the Byfield Fire Department with a can-do attitude. He was promoted to fire lieutenant nine years ago, and is admired for many selfless acts and for serving as an inspiration to the younger members of the department.
Newbury Fire Chief David W. Foley, Jr. was nominated firefighter of the year by his department. Joining in 1963, Foley worked his way up through the ranks to the position of chief, and was described as "always the first through the door for an alarm and always the last to leave." For 41 years Chief Foley has dedicated his life to the department and its members, leading it through good financial times and bad.
Honored by his department, Officer David E. Shanahan of the Groveland Police Department operated Shanahan's ambulance and medical supply company for more than 20 years, also working as an EMT. In 1989 he joined the Groveland Police Department as a reserve officer, and completed criminal justice training in 1990. In 1991, he received a commendation for apprehension of a breaking and entering suspect, and has been recognized many times for his outstanding performance in the line of duty. Shanahan was described as "a dedicated officer who never hesitates when called upon, often with little or no notice, one well respected and liked by fellow officers."
Mulligan called for a standing ovation for these outstanding police officers and firefighters, and passed out large gift bags to each honoree. The bags contained certificates for a round of golf with a cart at the Rowley Country Club, and for a pizza from Town Pizza in Georgetown. There was champagne, red wine and chardonnay from Horizon Beverages of Norwood, and a snack mix and a lager from Bursaw's pantry in Rye, NH. Also in each gift bag was a 4-way test coin from the Rotary.
Many local businesses donated raffle prizes for the Rotary Roundup. When the 50/50 raffle prize of $870 was announced as being won by "looks like a Dee Chernick," new Rotarian Nate Pearce joked, "That's my alias." Rotarian Ron Dalbach said, "Funny, that's my alias too."
This year's Greater Georgetown Rotary Club president is Mary Ann Phillips, who said she is extremely pleased with the large turnout for the event. The Rotary Roundup garnered more than $1,500 for Rotary charities, with more money still due to come in for the event.
Describing herself as the "Centennial President" of the Rotary on its 100 anniversary, Phillips said the roundup will feature a different theme each year. She has found great meaning in being a member of the large international service organization.
"The good works of this club have touched me to depths I've never been touched before," Phillips said. "This is a group of people like I have never known. They give their hearts and souls, and then some. Anyone who'd like to feel good about themselves should consider becoming a Rotarian."
This article originally appeared in the Georgetown Record on Thursday, July 15, 2004 , by Sally Applegate.
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