June 2019’s Hometown Hero: This Maine Fire Chief Gives Back to the Community

For some people, their jobs are more than just vocations.

Our veterans and first responders go above and beyond to keep us safe, and we want to honor them.

The Hometown Hero for June 2019 is Chris McLaughlin.

Chris was nominated by friend Amber Beckwith, who wanted to honor his work ethic and his ability to give back to the community in any way he can.

Chris is the Topsham fire chief, father of three children, and an active community member. He became a firefighter when he was just 18 as a volunteer for the West Gardiner Fire Department. Just a year later he got his license to be an EMT and a few years later his license to be a paramedic.

At one point in his career, he was a volunteer fire chief for West Gardiner and working full time as a firefighter in Augusta.

Amber said that Chris has a can't-stop-won't-stop attitude and gives back and helps his local communities.

He also raises his three children, and they spend lots of time hunting (he's a Maine guide, too), camping and boating.

Amber said he is the best/true friend anyone could have, and that her husband looks up to Chris. She added that she's 100 percent sure he's not the only one that feels this way.

Chris would give his last penny or shirt to someone who needs it. If you ask Chris for anything, he doesn't think twice to giving you whatever you may need.

Amber shared this story about a friend borrowing his truck, accidentally putting the wrong kind of gas in it, and despite Chris having a big bill to pay to fix it, it didn't even bother him. She said she didn't even think he flinched; he just chuckled.

Amber said you can't go anywhere in the Gardiner or Topsham area without the community members having amazing things to say about him.

So thank you, Chris, for being a Hometown Hero.

Do you know someone who should be the next Hometown Hero we recognize? Nominate first responders (i.e. police, firefighters, paramedics, etc.) and military veterans that you want recognized here so we can acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

If they are selected, the Hometown Hero of the Month will also win a $100 gift card to Amazon and a $50 gift card to Aroma Joe's.