Three teens honored for rescuing couple from Atkinson house fire
DOVER-FOXCROFT — On Friday, Jan. 24 members of the Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department, State Fire Marshal’s Office, and state legislators gathered at Foxcroft Academy to recognize the actions of three young men who recently rescued two occupants from a house fire in Atkinson during the early morning hours of Jan. 1.
Sixteen-year-old Colby Simmons of Dover-Foxcroft, 15-year-old Kaleb Weymouth of Charleston, and 17-year-old Robert Weymouth of Charleston all received awards after they spotted a large fire at a 1800s farmhouse at 110 North Stagecoach Road in Atkinson Township. They first banged on the doors of the residence. When no one answered, they entered a portion of the home not yet involved in fire, woke the occupants, alerted them of the emergency, and then helped them to safety. Additionally, the young men placed a 911 call alerting the authorities at 1:44 a.m. Had they not been there, the occupants may not have escaped the ever-growing fire. The actions of these young men were heroic and deserving of recognition.
YOUNG HEROES — Three teenagers who rescued a pair of occupants from an overnight house fire in Atkinson on Jan. 1 were honored by the Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department, State Fire Marshal’s Office, and state legislators at Foxcroft Academy during a Jan. 24 presentation. From left are Colby Simmons, 16 of Dover-Foxcroft, Kaleb Weymouth, 15 of Charleston, and Robert Weymouth, 17 of Charleston.
The plaque presented by FMO Sgt. John Wardwell and Dover-Foxcroft Fire Chief Brian Gaudet reads, “Community Heroism Award. The Dover-Foxcroft Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office present (name) with this Community Heroism Award. The citizens of the State of Maine thank you for your selfless act on January 1, 2025, in saving two people from a house fire in the town of Atkinson.”
Rep. Chad Perkins, R-Dover-Foxcroft also presented the young men with challenge coins and a commendation letter from the Maine Legislature.
LIFESAVING HONORS — From left, Dover-Foxcroft Fire Chief Brian Gaudet, FMO Investigator Stephen Garib, FMO Sgt. John Wardwell, Rep. Chad Perkins, R-Dover-Foxcroft, Colby Simmons, Kaleb Weymouth, Robert Weymouth, FMO Senior Investigator David Henderson, FMO Investigator Brian Crater, and Dover-Foxcroft Assistant Fire Chief Eric Melia.
It is important to note that fire is deadly, claiming the lives of many people every year. The FMO does not intend to encourage people to place themselves in harm’s way. However, in specific and often rare instances, the State Fire Marshal’s Office will present Community Heroism Awards to those whose actions are deserving.
Due to the extent of the damage, the fire has been classified as undetermined, with multiple accidental electrical causes not ruled out, according to the fire marshal’s office.
Wendy Watkins of the Bangor Daily News contributed to this story.