This story is a part of an ongoing series titled, “12 Days of Giving,” where we will highlight just a few of the many IAFF members supporting their communities this holiday season.
When times get tough, a glimmer of light always finds its way through the darkness.
In March, tragedy struck when Caribou, ME Local 5191 Capt. Daniel Raymond died in a car accident.
Ryan Hall, a fire fighter and paramedic with Local 5191, shared that his sudden death not only devastated his family and colleagues, but also the entire community.
“So, over the summer, many local community members wanted to find a way to honor him and create something as a tribute,” Hall explained. “Capt. Raymond was involved in every aspect you can think of in the town, interacting with regular residents, businesses, clubs, and he had an impact on a lot of people.”
Raymond used to lead the Christmas light projects for the City of Caribou. In his honor, the ‘Captain Danny Raymond Light up the Community Fund‘ was initiated to replace old lights and add new ones.
“The fire department has traditionally taken the lead in stringing up lights around town, and from 1996 to the early 2010s, he would repair lights and ensure everything was taken care of,” said Hall. “After this tragedy, everyone came together, thinking of a way to honor his memory, and we were able to raise a little over $70,000. With that, we put up 63 new lights around town, replacing all the old ones with new ones.”
The Caribou Fire & Ambulance Department posted a message of gratitude to all donors, stating, “We would like to officially express our thanks to everyone who donated, in any way, shape, or form to the ‘Light up the Community Fundraiser’ in Honor of Late Captain Daniel Raymond. This Fundraiser was a tremendous success, and all Holiday lights are up and running, replacing our old lights, and adding many new ones to the streets of Caribou. Without our generous donors and many CFAD members who worked day and night, this would not be possible.”
During the Nov. 25 Christmas tree lighting, a one-of-a-kind light, an angel, was illuminated in front of the fire department.
“It’s the only angel, all throughout the town, and during our holiday event on Saturday, it was plugged in for the first time with a crowd watching for everyone to see,” said Hall.
With Raymond’s family looking on, the special light symbolizes the strength that exists even in difficult times.
“Toward the night, the family stood together, and everyone stood around them as the light was turned on,” said Hall. “Our street in front of the fire department will always have Danny’s light there, with Danny’s special ribbon.”
Hall expressed hope that the funds raised this year will help maintain these new lights in working order.
