ATKINSON — Fire Chief Michael Murphy has served the town for 34 years. On Sunday, he will be honored as Atkinson's Citizen of the Year.
The Atkinson Lions Club gives out the award annually.
"The Lions Club members want to let someone in town know how much we appreciates what they have done," director Phil Consentino said. "This award is not given out lightly; there is an awful lot of thought that goes into it."
He said Murphy joined the volunteer fire department in 1977, and worked his way up, becoming chief in 1990.
"It's a lifetime achievement award," Consentino said. "He's served on many committees, is director of civil defense and now director of homeland security."
Consentino said he believes there will be a high turnout for the ceremony Sunday.
"I'm just humbled and happy they chose me," Murphy said.
Town Manager Phil Smith said Murphy does a wonderful job and deserves the award.
"Chief Murphy is an honest, good man and we, the town of Atkinson, are lucky to have him," he said.
"He works part-time for a stipend; he doesn't get an hourly rate. For what he's doing, it's unbelievable."
Murphy is well known in town.
"He's a natural choice, and everyone knows the contributions he makes to the town," Selectmen's Chairman William Bennett said.
Consentino said other recipients of the award have included Selectman Fred Childs, Town Hall administrative assistant Barbara Snicer and Town Clerk Linda Getty.
The Lions Club has been giving out the Citizen of the Year Award for the past 10 years.
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Want to go?
What: Atkinson Citizen of the Year
Where: Atkinson Community Center, 4 Main St.
When: Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Who: Honoring fire Chief Michael Murphy
