Honors and awards at the American Legion
Edited by Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The Mayotte-Viens Post 13 American Legion of Putnam honored several people at its recent annual Awards Banquet and Installation ceremony for the incoming slate of officers.
Last week’s awards also included the donation of $8,500 from the Legion’s golf tournament to the Veterans Advisory Committee for port-a-johns and food for the Wall that Heals that will visit Putnam’s Murphy Park Sept. 10-13 (see page 8)
Christopher Steinbrick received Post 13’s Legionnaire of the Year Award. Alden Adams was the Putnam Firefighter of the Year. Kyle Maheu was the Putnam Police Officer of the year, and Katie Webster was named the Emergency Medical Technician of the Year. Legionnaire Frank Tremont was also recognized for his long service to the Post as the Sergeant-at-Arms and as a member of the Color Guard.
Steinbrick was noted for presenting a good image of the American Legion and his military bearing always conveys a strong sense of Americanism and patriotism. He is also very reliable. Rocchetti said “One year, when our membership numbers were down, he generously donated his own money to pay the dues for dozens of members who couldn’t afford to renew their annual membership. As a member of the Post’s Executive Committee, his opinions and counsel were always sought after and valued.”
Putnam Fire Chief Bob Campbell nominated Alden Adams for the Firefighter of the Year award. He said in the eight years Adams has been a member of the department “he has become a well-respected firefighter to the Fire Officers and members. Alden has been learning everything possible to be a great firefighter. He will do anything you need to be done and will take care of things without being asked. He is always there to help teach other members, passing on what he has learned.”
In nominating Kyle Maheu for Police Officer of the Year, Police Chief Christopher D. Ferace said Maheu is a 17-year veteran of the department and serves as the School Resource Officer for the public school system. “On a daily basis, Officer Maheu demonstrates exceptional dedication to the school community. He actively engages with students as a positive role model, collaborates closely with faculty and staff to maintain a safe and secure environment, and oversees the School Safety Officers.” Ferace added: “One of Kyle’s greatest strengths is the way he works with families and students in a firm but compassionate manner, always protecting the dignity of the child while helping guide them toward better decisions. Kyle’s responsiveness and dedication make him a valued, integral member of the Putnam Public Schools family. Our schools are safer, stronger, and more connected because of his presence.”
Webster was nominated by Chief Campbell and his team. Campbell said: “Katie Webster is a highly valued member of our EMS team with a strong foundation in emergency medical services. Katie is widely recognized for her deep knowledge of EMS operations and protocols. She is exceptionally task-oriented, consistently demonstrating strong organizational skills and attention to detail in all aspects of her work. Her calm and competent approach shines brightest in critical situations, where she effectively manages high-pressure environments while delivering excellent patient care. Beyond her clinical abilities, Katie is known for her genuine compassion and caring nature. She is deeply dedicated to her profession and to the patients and communities she serves. Her professionalism, reliability, and positive attitude make her an asset to both her team and the organization.”
The new officers sworn in include Post Commander Michael Rocchetti, Senior Vice Commander Brian Maynard, Junior Vice Commander Tina Lajoie, Finance Officer Charles Mackenzie, Chaplain Pierre Desilets, and Sergeant-at-Arms Frank Tremont.
In his acceptance remarks, Commander Rocchetti expressed his appreciation and admiration for the award recipients and their service to the community. He also spoke proudly of Post 13’s local programs including donations toward repairs at the Veterans Park, scholarships, Boys & Girls State, State Police Youth Academy, Tri-Town American Legion Baseball, the Veterans-in-Need fund, and local Americanism observances such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day.
The Mayotte-Viens Post 13 has been active in Putnam since 1919. Post #13 meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Town Hall in Room 201. “We welcome any veterans who would like to join our Post to attend.”
The Master of Ceremonies was Past Commander Michael Vassar and the ceremony was presided over by Everett Shepard, the Past State Commander, and National Sergeant-at-Arms. Other dignitaries included Police Chief Ferace, Fire Chief Campbell, and Tammy Szpyrka of Putnam Emergency Medical Services. The Elks were represented by Jim Eccleston and the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse was represented by Fred Ruhlemann and Bruce Hay.
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captions:
American Legion post's officers for 2026-2027 year
Putnam firefighter Alden Adams, center, with Rocchetti, right and Michael Vassar. Linda Lemmon photos.
Putnam Police Officer Kyle Maheu with his awards. Expanded photo array Wed. night on our FB page.
Emergency Medical Technician Katie Webster with her awards.
Steinbrick