 |
| Aroostook Republican Photo/Joshua Archer Citizen of the Year Bryan Thompson, center, is congratulated by Caribou Chamber of Commerce Director William Tasker and Board President Laurie Colton during last week’s annual recognition banquet at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. |
Thompson challenges students to give back
By Joshua Archer
Staff Writer
Caribou native, Bryan Thompson, was honored as Citizen of the Year at this year’s Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce recognition dinner on April 16.
“I’m really surprised and humbled,” Thompson said.
“When selecting a Citizen of the Year, certain characteristics are expected of the recipient,” Chamber Director, William Tasker, said.
The Chamber of Commerce looked to Thompson as someone who is involved in his community, who donates his time to make the world a better place, and who is overall a good person.
“Bryan Thompson is a life-long Caribou resident who is no stranger to working hard and doing good things,” Tasker said.
Thompson graduated from Caribou High School and went on to earn dual bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business management and information systems from the University of Maine at Presque in 2003. He recieved his masters of business administration degree from Husson University in 2011.
After college, Thompson worked various management positions at DFAS for 10 years before accepting a faculty position in the UMPI business department. UMPI colleague, Carolyn Dorsey, said that during Thompson’s time at the University he worked tirelessly to instill in students the importance of community sprit and service.
“He was always inviting students to be part of the philanthropic work he did, encouraging them to volunteer and be more engaged,” Dorsey said. “He continually looked for ways to prepare the next generation to give back and mentored them on how to be active citizens.” After his time at UMPI Thompson became a partner in the Thompson-Hamel LLC financial firm in Presque Isle.
“There is much to be impressed by with Bryan from an educational and career success perspective, but for me, what shines through loud and clear is his love and commitment to his family and his community,” Thompson’s managing partner, Brian Hamel, said
Thompson is the father of three active children, Sydney, Landon and Reed. He has been the head coach of the Caribou Middle School Nordic ski team and Caribou Little League coach for the past several years.
In March, Thompson organized an Irish Festival that raised over $10,000 for Catholic Charities to help stock shelves of local food pantries.
“I’m just ecstatic I was recognized for this honor,” Thompson said. “There are so many people behind the scenes that don’t get recognized. It takes a whole community to move things along and that’s what’s really important.”
 |
| Aroostook Republican Photo/Joshua Archer Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient William “Bill” Thomas, poses for a post-recognition dinner photo with his daughter Norma Levesque, and Red Cross Aroostook County Branch Manager Joyce Knorr. |
Thomas has found calling in helping those in crisis
By Joshua Archer
Staff Writer
Lifelong resident of Woodland, William “Bill” Thomas, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce recognition dinner on April 16.
Thomas is a God-fearing family man who’s devoted to his community. He makes time to help homeless and abused animals, and volunteers for a halfway shelter. In the summer he toils in his garden and donates the fruits of his labors to elderly shut-ins. As a member of the Community Emergency Response Team he’s active in emergency preparedness projects in his community.
“He has been active over the last number of years in response to severe weather and public safety events, as well as supporting various community functions,” Chamber Director, William Tasker, said. Earlier this year Thomas was appointed Emergency Management Agency liaison for the town of Woodland.
Thomas has been a faithful member of Gray Memorial United Methodist Church since 2009. He’s part of a number of committees: history and records, church council, and he became a chairperson of the staff parish relations committee in July 2014.
“He also volunteers to be a lead usher for Sunday worship services. He has also volunteered to provide transportation for individuals to attend worship services,” Tasker said. On to of that, Thomas has received a certified Lay Speaker designation.
Thomas has been a member of the American Red Cross volunteer team of Aroostook County since 2008. “He was one of the first Red Cross responders during the northern Maine floors in May of 2008 and has been a disaster volunteer for the Red Cross ever since,” Tasker said.
Thomas has taken extensive Red Cross training and is a certified Disaster Caseworker, Shelter Operator, Mass Care Provider and is currently the lead team member for the emergency response vehicle. He served as an Aroostook County Red Cross advisory board member for three years and continues to volunteer at all Red Cross events.
In the fall of 2012 when Hurricane Sand hit the shores of New York City, Thomas was one of the first emergency response vehicle drivers and Red Cross responders to enter the inner city to help provide shelter, food, clothing and mass care. He remained in New York over the Christmas holiday, away from family and friends, helping others who were less fortunate.
In 2013 Thomas sacrificed another Christmas from his family and responded to an ice storm in southern Maine. He went to help those without heat and electricity.
“Just this past March, Joyce Knorr of the Red Cross called Bill to respond to a trailer fire in Limestone. He and one other faithful responder had no question about going,” Tasker said. “These people had no home left and Bill put them first to ensure they were cared for by the Red Cross.” That same week he was called again to respond to a fire and, according to Tasker, “He was at the office in fifteen minutes. He drops what he is doing and responds to another’s need.”
“All his volunteering comes from the heart and not the need of bragging,” Thomas’ daughter, Norma Levesque said. “He’s a true testament of God’s work. I am proud of my dad’s accomplishments, and with all the volunteering he does he still has free time to enjoy his family and supports his grandkids in their sporting and school events.”
Just this past winter, Thomas was one of a group of thirty Red Cross volunteers to help canvass local neighborhoods in subzero temperatures to help install smoke detectors in local homes.
Thomas is a father to Norma and husband Terry, Jeremy and wife Paula, and sons Adam and Isaac. He’s the grandfather of Trevor, Tyler, Torey, Wesley, and Everett.
Tasker, along with chamber board of directors president, Laurie Colton, presented Thomas with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Thursday’s banquet.
