John Knowles Congdon performed twice before nearly 30 Randolph Lions Club members at the Randolph VFW Thursday evening.
First giving a compact and rather complete history of the Randolph Fire Company and second humbly accepting the club's 2010 Citizen of the Year award.
President Denise Ormond introduced Congdon as a committed individual who is not shy in telling you what he thinks, what he believes in and his many involvements in the community.
Article Photos
Top photo shows Denise Ormond presenting the Citizen of the Year plaque to John Congdon. Bottom inserts, from left, show Congdon pointing out the dangers of a once used antique fire nozzle, James Mruk and Alton Comstock who received 40-year membership pins, Richard Chubon 20 year pin and Gayle Kartman for 10 years of membership.
Photos by Jack Berger
Congdon has served in about every office of the fire company for the past 24 years and has complied a remarkable history of the Randolph Fire Company, many fires and activities of firemen that brought back memories to the older members present.
Ormond pointed out his involvement in his church, the Randolph Academy where he taught for 20 years, and as a village trustee for many years.
His life also included serving in the United States Navy and in Jamestown's Navy Reserves.
Perhaps where his dedication stands out are the years driving the ambulance for the Randolph Rescue Squad.
"I figured my presentation on the fire company was an honor in itself never figuring the surprise Citizen of the Year Award, that completely blew me away," said Congdon, adding a sincere thanks to everyone for that recognition.