Pictured from left to right: Retired Fire Chief Greg Speer, Michelle Johnson, Hamlin Town Supervisor Eric Peters, Councilpersons Jennifer Voelkl and Jason Baxter. Provided photo
On Wednesday, April 25, the Town of Hamlin awarded its Extra Mile Award to residents Michelle Johnson and Rick Wright. Michelle Johnson leads the Hamlin Seniors Group and her volunteer work includes working with the local Food Pantry, leading the Aerobics Group at Hamlin Town Hall, providing convenient drop off points for gifts for needy children in the local Angels program, and volunteering in numerous town events and sports programs. Michelle supports the local Lions Group, participates in the bell ringing program for the Salvation Army and is president of the Hamlin Morton Walker Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She is known for her enthusiasm and dedication to the groups she leads and according to Mark Ballerstine of the Hamlin Seniors, “She makes our twilight sparkle.”
Rick Wright has served as a dedicated member on the Hamlin Volunteer Ambulance Corps for almost 30 years. Whether responding to calls, helping at various standbys, or spending his days off from work performing various duties, his commitment to his field is described as the epitome of dedication and sacrifice. As the driving force of the organization, Rick has served as president of the Hamlin Volunteer Ambulance Corps for 14 years and is currently Director of Operations. While managing to balance a full-time job, family, friends, and outside interests, Rick’s strength and perseverance led the initiative to bring the services of the Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance (COVA) to the Town of Hamlin after a severe decrease in volunteers threatened the shut-down of services in Hamlin.
The Town of Hamlin would like to express deep thanks to both individuals for their service and dedication. Recipients of the Extra Mile Award have been nominated by fellow residents for exemplary service that has benefitted the town. Nominations are accepted until the end of every calendar year and can be sent to hamlinextramile@aol.com.
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