Biddeford’s Normand Melancon honored with Legislative Sentiment

The Maine Legislature honored Biddeford’s Normand Melancon on March 6 with a Legislative Sentiment in honor of his service to the Biddeford Fire Department for more than 40 years and in celebration of the many recognitions he received for his heroism.

“It was an honor to recognize Captain Melancon’s career and service in the Maine Senate this week,” said Sen. Susan Deschambault, D-Biddeford. “He had a very distinguished career and I was so proud to be able to recount some of the many stories of his bravery and heroism.”

Lieutenant Robert Lang, Chief Scott Gagne, Captain Normand Melancon, Senator Deschambault, Assistant Chief Paul Labrecque, Captain Justin Cooper, and Deputy Chief Kevin Duross

One of the recognitions Captain Melancon received throughout his career was the Silver Star for Bravery from the American Police Hall of Fame. He and his crew responded to a call from a “street box,” which was used to signal a fire before 9-1-1. They arrived, fully decked out in their gear – but there wasn’t a fire. Four kids had fallen through the ice. Even though they didn’t have ice rescue equipment, Captain Melancon and his crew used their ladders to get out on the ice. Despite falling through the ice himself, Captain Melancon managed to save two of the children.

A Legislative Sentiment is a significant expression by the Legislature in recognition of civic and public achievements.