SACO — Fire Chief John Duross of Saco was awarded the York County Chiefs’ Association Lifetime Achievement Award in June for his outstanding commitment, service and dedication to York County firefighters and EMS responders.

On Tuesday, Duross was honored with a legislative sentiment acknowledging his recent award, presented to him by State Senator Justin Chenette at the fire station. 

Chenette said he had great respect for Duross. “You’ve really committed yourself to public service,” he said.

Chenette said everyone he talks to says similar things about Duross. “They all had glowing recommendations,” said Chenette. He said people describe Duross as someone with a warm and caring heart, and having a calm demeanor even in the most challenging and difficult situations.

Mayor Ron Michaud said the community was “very blessed” to have Duross as its chief.

Duross said he’s worked nearly 37 years full-time for the Saco Fire Department, and prior to that, he worked three years in the volunteer call division. Duross was promoted to captain in 1990, appointed deputy fire chief in 1995 and appointed chief in 2010.

Duross said as chief, he enjoys working with other department heads and elected officials, and he knows people in his department provide excellent service to the community.

Duross received the lifetime achievement award because of his work teaching and training York County firefighters. He said over the years, training for fire fighters in York County has become more efficient, with personnel from different departments signing up for classes together to maintain a more cost-effective class size. Having personnel from neighboring communities with the same training background is also helpful in situations where departments are helping each other out in a mutual aid situation, he said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].