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- Captain Joel Barnes Award

The Mariners, the teamsters Local 340 & Berwick Firefighters Association are proud to partner together for the fourth annual Captain Joel Barnes Community Service Award. The award seeks to recognize an individual who embodies the spirit and dedication of Captain Joel Barnes.
On March 1st, 2019, Berwick Fire Captain Joel Barnes was fatally injured fighting a fire on the third floor of an apartment building. Barnes, who was 32 years old, heroically saved another firefighter’s life in the process. A public memorial service was held one week after his death at the Cross Insurance Arena, with over 7,000 people attending. Barnes had served with the Berwick Fire Department for two years and was the Training Officer for the Department.
AWARD HISTORY
Year | Recipient | Department |
---|---|---|
2020 | Matthew St. Pierre (pictured below) | Hampden Fire Department |
2021 | Robert Dorr | Ellsworth Fire Department |
2022 | Josh Pobrislo | South Portland Fire Department |
2023 | Stacy Blaquiere | Paris/Oxford/Casco Fire Department, PACE Ambulance |

Nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Be a fire or EMS responder in the State of Maine
- Have 3 Years of experience and be active or retired in the past 3 years
- Demonstrate outstanding professionalism and service to their community
- Demonstrate a commitment to promoting life safety education in their community
The nomination period for the 2023 Captain Joel Barnes Community Service Award has closed. Thank you to all who submitted nominees and stay tuned for announcements of the finalists!