JAY – Family members, municipal officials and residents overflowed the meeting room and spilled out into the lobby and administrative offices Monday evening, as the town dedicated its new Christmas Tree to Chief Larry White Sr.
The idea to purchase and dedicate the tree, a ‘Fat Albert’ variety of blue spruce, was developed by Finance Director Lisa Bryant as a way to honor White, who has been out of office since February to receive treatment for pancreatic cancer.
The tree, five feet tall with room to grow, has been planted in front of the police station. That’s appropriate, as White has more than 30 years in law enforcement with several Maine communities. He went from the Livermore Falls Police Department to Jay’s department in 1987, serving as its chief since 2002. In 2010, he added fire chief to his resume, taking over the role of public safety director.
As noted by those present at Monday’s event, he also served the town in innumerable other ways: cooking food at elderly housing complexes, working on school safety and anti-bullying campaigns and participating in countless benefit events.
“We are here to honor one of our own,” Town Manager Shiloh LaFreniere said. “Larry White is someone that is very special to all of us.”
Among those in attendance was former town manager Ruth Cushman, who called her decision to recommend White as a police chief candidate to the Board of Selectpersons in 2002 “one of the best things I did.” The two had a friendship that endured through her retirement, Cushman said.
“We love you,” Cushman told White.
Selectpersons, firefighters and residents offered thanks to White for his friendship, dedication and support over the years. White in turn thanked those in attendance for their support.
“I want to thank all of you,” he said. “I would never have gotten as far as I have without all the support.” Following a round of applause, White added: “I haven’t given up the fight yet.”
LaFreniere called Bryant’s idea to dedicate the tree to White “incredible.”
“This Christmas Tree will become part of our community,” LaFreniere said, “as Larry has.”
This is a wonderful thing that the town has done in honor of Larry.
He is a great Chief, and a great man. I will smile every time i pass by the tree..