Being back on the water is ‘ like coming home ’
ROOTED IN TRADITION
A NUMBER THAT UNITED A FAMILY
THE SPIRIT OF ' 81
After graduating from Thornton , David followed in the footsteps of his cousin Craig Pendleton ’ 78 and studied Commercial Fisheries and Marine Technology at the University of Rhode Island . After testing the waters in the fishing industry , David returned to his firefighting roots and became a career firefighter / emergency medical technician .
His late father , Kenneth F . ’ 52 , served the Saco Fire Department for 25 years , the last 11 as Chief , and brother Kenneth T . retired in 2017 after 42 years with the Department . “ As a kid I ’ d be riding around with my father in his City car and thinking I was a firefighter ,” says David .
David , who served as a junior volunteer firefighter at the Camp Ellis Station during his days at TA , joined the Portland Fire Department in 1985 , eventually becoming Deputy Chief of the Marine Division and Airport Division . He worked a majority of his career on the fireboat and helped design and deliver a new fireboat to Maine ’ s largest city in 2009 to replace its 50 + year-old predecessor . After nearly 28 years on the job , David retired from PFD in 2012 .
While working in Portland , David maintained his close connection with the Saco Fire Department , in both on-call and volunteer capacities . An opportunity arose when friend Ed Dube ’ 79 retired as Deputy Chief in Saco . David was hired for the position in 2012 by Chief John Duross ’ 80 , who originally joined the force shortly after graduation , hired by David ’ s father . “ I was very , very fortunate to come back to Saco where it all started , in place of my good friend , Ed . We played together as kids in Camp Ellis ,” recalls David .
Being back on the water is ‘ like coming home ’
David was approached earlier this year to fill the vacant role of Harbormaster . His uncle , Charlie Pendleton ’ 44 , served in that capacity , as did cousin Donald Roger Abbott ’ 58 . The role provides an important connection to the sea that David shared with his father .
Chief Pendleton , in addition to his job at the station , was a lobsterman . “ My dad loved firefighting and lobstering , but I think he loved lobstering more because that was his first calling as a kid ," says David . “ All six of us took turns aboard Dad ’ s various boats , helping haul traps . That all comes flooding back and that ’ s what I like about going down there ( to the Camp Ellis Pier ). It ’ s like coming home .”
The same holds true when David returns to campus frequently as a volunteer or meets up with his classmates .
QUICK TAKES WITH DAVID
ROOTED IN TRADITION
To David , Thornton Academy means tradition , family , friends , pride , history , and comfort .
A NUMBER THAT UNITED A FAMILY
Wearing TA uniform number 25 held deep meaning , as it was David ’ s father ’ s number and had been worn by several of his siblings . Maintaining that connection was truly special .
THE SPIRIT OF ' 81
“ Our class is unique ; we ’ ve had a reunion every five years and always look forward to the next one . We ’ re all friends and equals , enjoying each other ’ s company and having a great time together . We ’ re really fortunate .”
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