Week of May 8, 2017

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ORRINGTON, Maine -- 05/10/2017 - Former Verso worker Ryan Pickoski of Bucksport puts on his gear during a gear drill at Orrington Fire Department Wednesday. Pickoski is beginning a new life as a firefighter, thanks in large part to Rapid Response and an internship created for him at Orrington Fire Department. At 39, he's at an age when many firefighters are retiring. He is graduating on Friday with a 4.0 and as student of the year. He was a fourth generation mill worker when Verso closed a few years ago. Ashley L. Conti | BDN