Alex Considine – June 7, 2024

“Alex is an employee of Yarmouth as a firefighter/paramedic/trainer. He previously was in the Town of Gray after being a live-in student/firefighter in Yarmouth while attending SMCC. He writes grants and does training sessions to better the department but does not take credit for anything. He is a humble hero because he does not look for attention.”

Nominated by Gale Clifford

James Bachelder – June 14, 2024

“James helped me personally get a flag put on my father’s grave after serving 20 years in the Navy. He’s also the President of Maine Veterans in need, which helps the homeless and those who may become homeless.”

Nominated by Dee Richard

Lee Johnnson – June 24, 2024

“I would like to nominate Lee, a veteran and a EMT. He is kind, reliable and knowledgeable. His dedication shows he cares about people and the community.”

Nominated by Diana Jackson

Roger Morissette – June 28, 2024

Roger is a veteran who was in the Navy and was wounded on a ship that he was serving on.  At 84 years
of age he is still putting flags on the graves at the Veterans Cemetery in Springvale and always lending a
hand to other Veteran families who need help navigating the system for their needs. For example, finding
wheel chairs, walkers, building ramps and other special unmet medical needs.

Grahamtastic Connection, a nonprofit created to provide free technology to children with cancer and other
serious illnesses to support their education and well-being, was founded in honor of Roger’s grandson
and Roger has been relentless in giving of his time to the organization with the Kanz for Kidz campaign,
connecting them with funders and collecting auction items for events. He is truly a hero in his family and
also in the community.

Nominated by Crystal Callahan

Matthew Fredrickson – July 5, 2024

Matthew is a detective with th Portsmouth PD. He is caring, selfless, humble, and strong. He puts his life on the line everyday to serve and protect the citizens of Portsmouth. His most admirable attribute is he is an amazing father to his son Nathan.

Nominated by John Pattee

Lucas Hartford – July 12, 2024

He was my partner several years ago when we worked as EMTs. He always went above and beyond, including often staying hours late to help community members in need. He was compassionate in every interaction and always found a way to make patients smile. Now he works in ski patrol, first responding to patients on the mountain.

Nominated by Julia Isaacson

Zachary Rickards – July 26, 2024

Zach is a man who is given thanks for his service, and is humble. He is an afghan war vet, but yet picks up a trash bag that has been blown off the back of a truck. He makes sure the flag doesn’t touch the ground when hanging it on the flag pole. Zach has walked in the March of dimes, suicide awareness, also is a monthly donator to Barba ra bush Foundation. He has been seen giving homeless carhart jackets , and bottles of water. Zach has participated in the run for the fallen, Zimmerman challenge, and many others. I believe Zach is a local hero.

Nominated by Kelly Reardon

Melissa DiClemente – August 2, 2024

My hero is Scarborough Police Officer Melissa DiClemente. She’s my hero because she saved my life….THREE TIMES! Three different times my heart stopped because of accidental fentanyl overdoses. Three times Officer DiClemente brought me back to life. Now I am sober and ALIVE! She is more than my hero…she is my guardian angel. I even have her badge number tattooed on my arm! She deserves public recognition for her heroics. Thank you.

Nominated by Ben James Rupert

Richard Jandreau – August 9, 2024

I nominate Richard Jandreau. He has been the fire Chief in Sidney, Maine, for 20 years. In those 20 years he has always put others first no matter what time of day or night. Safety is his priority in all emergencies. There are even some situations where he will go back the next day for a follow up to see how the person is doing. He has helped his department learn and grow with training to the point of his saying is, “Everyone goes home.”

Nominated by Kim Jandreau

David Patch – August 16, 2024

David is the President of Maine Veterans in Need (MVN). MVN helps the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services to assist homeless Veterans and Veterans that could lose their housing. He works with many non-profits organization that want to accomplish these same goals. He is the only 24/7 phone number in Maine for Veterans in urgent situations, not counting 911.

Nominated by James Bachelder

Michael Merrill – August 23, 2024

Mike Merrill is a veteran, Staff Sargent in the Maine Army National Guard, and ordained minister. For 15 years, Mike has dedicated his career to nonprofit, ensuring veterans have access to affordable housing and supportive services. Mike is the Director of Homeless Services at VOA Northern New England, leading the successful development of homeless services for veterans for the last decade. He has spent years on state-wide boards and committees to revise and improve the continuum of care for veterans across Maine, fighting for better benefits and more funding. He served as leader of the VOA National Veterans Resource Squad (NVRS), working with community organizations, local, and federal government to provide veteran peer-to-peer services. Mike has deep roots working directly with veterans experiencing homelessness and with community organizations in the field. Not only did Mike serve his country, but he also continues to create pathways and safety nets for those still serving and those who have served.

Nominated by Dante Granatiero

James Cyr – August 30, 2024

My husband is my forever hero. He is a purple heart combat wounded veteran. He is disabled, but he perseveres, despite his issues. He has served in the Air Force, Army and Army Guard. He was shot down during a mission in a Chinook while serving in Afghanistan in 2005-2006. His Army career ended due to this.

Nominated by Kristine Cyr

Wayne Berry – September 6, 2024

Hello, please consider my newlywed husband Wayne Berry. He is one of the most generous, helpful, and caring people I have ever met. We were neighbors in the town of Turner before we started seeing each other. It started as simple, friendly, and respectful hellos. Almost ten years later we found ourselves single. He was a local mechanic and I wanted him to take a look at my vehicle. Without hesitation he focused on safety and wouldn’t let me pay. I met his uncle outside his yard one day on a walk, and he expressed how proud he was in Wayne. He had served 21 Years in the Air Force. Starting his career at only seventeen (insert Winger reference here) and retiring in 2012 as a Master Sargent. He served the early years in he’s career in in the Middle East for “Operation Enduring Freedom.” He’s my local hero because his strength, optimism, and kindness, it inspires me everyday. I’m grateful to have him in my life. I’m proud to call him my husband. He’s my favorite-Berry, and I’m his new-Berry. Thank you for your service, Baby!

Nominated by Kimmy Berry

Madison Bumann – September 13, 2024

My daughter Madi went in the US Coast Guard in 2017 after graduating Monmouth Academy
in 2016. She went to boot camp on Valentine’s Day 2017 and did well. She then went to A school in Yorktown, VA, where she was the honor graduate and became a Machinery Technician. She was a plank owner member of the first crew of a new cutter on the cutter Kimball stationed in Honolulu. Recently she went back to the USCG training base at Cape May, NJ, to become a Company Commander, where she again finished top of the class. 15 started and 9 made it through. (Very challenging to do.) She is now a USCG CC training recruit at Cape May.

Nominated by Martin Bumann

Samuel Patch – September 20, 2024

Sam Patch should be named local hero of the week because of his impeccable service record in the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army. His dedication to duty and service is evident in everything he does. He was named Assistant General Manager at Pierson Nurseries in Dayton last year and has continued to be one of the greatest leaders I’ve ever had the privilege to work alongside. My wife and I recently got married and leading up to the wedding, money was very tight for us, and we may not have been able to afford an officiant for the ceremony. He took it upon himself to get his certification to be a wedding officiant and then married us. He’s the greatest friend anyone could ask for, the leader we need and an all-around great guy. Even if he isn’t named local hero of the week he’ll always be my hero.

Nominated by Robert Pierce

Caroline St.Pierre  – September 27, 2024

Lt. St. Pierre grew up in Portland and is proud to work here and serve the public. She is a great leader and example for others to follow, Caroline has also stepped up to a leadership role in the firefighters union as well.  She volunteers for Fire & Ice Winter Burn Camp, a peer opportunity for young people who have experienced a burn injury. With all of the things that she is doing professionally and connected to her career, Caroline is also a dedicated mother and married to another first responder who is in law enforcement.

Nominated by Dave Petruccelli

Eric Baker  – October 4, 2024

Not only is Chief Baker our Police Chief in Sabattus, he has also brought our police department back from the brink of being dismantled. He is now acting Town Manager after our town manager quit and always steps up to help out our fire department. He has made such a positive impact in our community! We are very lucky to have him serve our town.

Nominated by Terry Sherman

Dean Lischke – June 7, 2024

“Dean does so much for the community and always has a smile on his face. He’s a veteran that is always there to help his community and a police officer for Hampton. He’s a devoted husband and father and goes out of his way to teach women how to handle firearms and is always a hero to everyone.”

Nominated by Penny Frazier

William Miller – June 14, 2024

“William Miller is a US Army Veteran and an instructor and Trustee/Chair for V-MAT, a 100% Free Martial Arts Program for U.S. Military Veterans, Reserves and Active Duty located in the Portsmouth.

Martial Arts have been proven to assist in healing the physical, mental and spiritual losses caused by PTSD, traumatic brain injury, physical injury recovery and many other issues – in all walks of life.

Bill enjoys sharing his time and experience with all who are interested in a journey through the Art that he loves. He gives of his time and training unconditionally and is someone I truly believe is a hero. For more info on V-MAT, go to v-mat.org.”

Nominated by Deb Mullen

Michael Brown – June 28, 2024

“My dad is a 36-year firefighter with the Town of York, M.E., and 8 years served in the United States Navy. He joined the Navy in 1987-1995 and served on board USS Wisconsin BB-64 NAS Pensacola and USS Vicksburg-69. While in Pensacola, FL, he joined the Warrington Fire Dept. in Warrington, FL ‘88-’90; Barrington Fire Barrington, N.H. ‘95-’96; Kittery Fire Dept. Kittery, M.E ‘96-2006. While on the Kittery Fire Dept. he joined the York Village Fire Dept. in 2001 and is still there today.”

Nominated by Darcy Brown

Chad Kozdra – July 12, 2024

Chad served in the military for over 20 years as an Army Combat Veteran. And even though he’s no longer active, he still serves the public as the owner of one of the most barbershops in the state, Route 1 Barbershop & Shave Parlour in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Through that business, Chad not only supports local through charitable donations, but also highlights products from other local New Hampshire small businesses. He’s just a good person doing good things

Nominated by Jadd Naamani

East Kingston Fire Department – July 12, 2024

The East Kingston Fire Department is there when you need them and beyond. Helping beyond just emergency situations, the Kingston Fire Department went above and beyond to raise money for a family who lost things in a recent storm.

Nominated by Gerard Gallant

Kevin Pattershall – July 19, 2024

Kevin Pattershall is a Command Sergeant Major with the Army National Guard. He enlisted in the Army in 1983 while he was a senior in high school.  He has dedicated 41 years to the military. He has completed overseas tours in Canada and Iceland. Kevin is currently serving in his final year in the Army reserves as he has completed his allotted time allowed to serve. He will finish out in November of 2024. Kevin has dedicated over 40 years to the Army and I would love to see him be recognized for all of his hard work.

Nominated by Cynthia Pattershall

Jacob MacGlashing – July 25, 2024

Jake started as a firefighter in 1998 and moved to the Rye Fire Dept. in 2008, serving as a firefighter/paramedic of the lifeguards, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. In Dec 2023, he became the Deputy Fire Chief in North Hampton. I met Jake when he 1st came to Rye and I’ve had the privilege of  knowing him since 2008 – always kind, calm, and professional. I’ve seen him rise in ranks and raise his wonderful family with his wife, Alyssa. And addition, to being a firefighter and raising a family – this will be his 6th year riding in the Pan Mass challenge to raise money for the Dana-Farber cancer institute.

Nominated by Karen Andronaco

Jim Genereux – August 2, 2024

Jim spent over 20 years serving in the Army, being deployed to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War and then again to Kosovo for 18 months for a peace keeping mission. Jim retired from the military, earned a degree from USM and now continues to serve his community by working at the local town hall. Jim is a proud American and an ardent patriot.

Nominated by Nicole Pare

Rye Fire and Rescue – August 9, 2024

Rye Fire & Rescue responders Jake MacGlashing, Kaitlyn Pidgeon, Jon Cots, and Deputy Chief Kevin Wunderly saved Chris Phillips life when he suffered from cardiac arrest, which only 10% of people survive, during a bike ride.

Nominated by Sarah Sullivan

Nermin Zilic – August 23, 2024

I would like to nominate Officer Nermin Zilic as our Local Hero of the Week for his extraordinary bravery displayed during a multi – alarm house fire on February 21, 2024, on Scotland Rd. in Kingston.

Officer Zilic courageously ran into a burning building not once, but twice, risking his own life to save others. His first rescue was a beloved German shepherd, trapped and terrified amidst the flames and smoke. Officer Zilic is usually reluctant to confront dogs of any size, but he put his fears by the wayside in a selfless, lifesaving act. Undeterred by the perilous conditions, he went back into the inferno to rescue a man who did not want to leave the house. Officer Zilic gave him no choice and ushered the man to safety. Both lives were saved thanks to Patrolman Zilic’s quick thinking, bravery, and commitment to serving his community.

Officer Nermin Zilic’s actions exemplify the true spirit of heroism, making him a deserving candidate for the title of Local Hero of the Week. His dedication and courage in the face of danger have left a lasting impact on those he saved and the entire community.

Nominated by Tess Watler

Norman Long – August 30, 2024

Norm served 19 years, 11 months and 21 days in the military. A mix of USMC, Army Reserved and active Army.

He did one combat tour, O.E.F. (Operation Enduring Freedom), which ended with him coming home early due to major back injuries. On the 23rd of April of 2024, which happened to be his 58th birthday, they found a brain tumor. One week later the tumor (4.8cm, left temporal lobe) was removed with confirmation of glioblastoma grade 4 following the next week. We live in Maine and are currently staying at a campground in Hampton Falls NH, while we travel Monday thru Friday to Jamaica Plains VA for radiation treatment along with chemo. This is the biggest battle he will ever face as glioblastoma has a very poor prognosis due to the aggressiveness of it and the difficulties treating it. He remains calm and optimistic! He gives me inspiration every day. He is my hero!

Nominated by Marcia Long

Matt Dube – September 6, 2024

Matt is a newly trained paramedic for Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard. Matt was recently on a call for a suicidal person – person had to be transported. Matt did an exceptional job trying to save a life. Doctor said he did a great job keeping him alive. Patient finally succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Matt is very committed to being a good paramedic.

Nominated by Lenny Dube

Shaun Sullivan – September 13, 2024

Shaun is a firefighter/paramedic for the City of Portsmouth and an all-around fantastic person. He spent his early adulthood fighting wildfires out west. He then came back home to New Hampshire and now serves as a firefighter/paramedic in Portsmouth. In his spare time he serves as the Vice President for the Portsmouth Firefighters Charitable Association, organizing our fundraising efforts every year.

Even more amazingly he runs a yearly marathon (some years in Africa) raising money for Ubaka U Rawanda, an organization that runs foster centers and schools for Rawandan children.

He is a wonderful person who does an amazing amount of good not only for us locally but for people halfway across the world.

Thank you for considering Shaun. He’s a truly selfless person.

Nominated Eric Detweiler

Kelly Muldoon – September 20, 2024

What makes a hero? Although many of those who would be considered a hero by many, shy away from the term to be used to describe them, Kelly has been an Advanced EMT for many years. She prides herself on giving the absolute best care to all the patients she encounters. Not only is she one of the best caregivers in an emergency situation, but she is kind and heartfelt with patients and family members in a non-emergency. Kelly always goes above and beyond the proverbial call of duty. With her numerous cardiac arrest saves, thousands of patients transported to the hospital, I can’t think of anyone else to nominate for this dedication. Please accept my nomination for Kelly to be highlighted in the series Hero of the Week as it is more than well deserved by Kelly.

Nominated by Graham Pellerin

Jaimie Adams – September 27, 2024

After serving in the Air Force for many years, Jaimie became a fire fighter at the PNSY and a volunteer fire fighter for the Town of Rollinsford. She also taught fire school for many years. She continued to do so even while pregnant. After giving birth she remained active with the VFW and then when called upon for help, spent several months away from her husband and toddler living in a hotel in Nashua helping with COVID. She spent uncountable hours on the front line risking her life not able to see her family while her baby was barely able to say “momma”. After coming home, Jaimie developed a old love she had for the deaf community and now works to help the deaf and hearing community integrate as one.

Nominated by Julie Kahler

Scott Suchovsky – October 4, 2024

Scott Suchovsky served his country proudly for 20 years. He was a flight engineer on the CH 47 aircraft in the Army. He also is also a member of Rolling Thunder NH Chapter 1. He is on the Board of Directors and a Road Captain. He is always there to help veterans in many ways. We love him!!

Nominated by Becky Suchovsky