LIVERMORE — Retiring election warden Frank Castonguay, 91, was presented with a National Secretaries of State Medallion Award by Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap on Tuesday.

The surprise honor — one of only five Medallion Awards presented in the state — was in recognition of and appreciation for his 14 years of overseeing voting in town.

“Frank Castonguay has given devoted service,” Dunlap said as he presented him with an engraved plaque. “As the state’s chief election officer, I can say it’s people like Frank that make our elections the best state in the country.”

Dunlap also handed him a large gavel made by Donald Simoneau of Fayette. 

“I’ve never been speechless before,” Castonguay said.

“He got very emotional,” Town Clerk Renda Guild said after the festivities. “He had no idea that was happening.”

Guild nominated him for the award after she learned he was retiring.

“It was hard to see him go today,” she said.

The father of 10 and owner/operator of a farm and a slaughterhouse took on the responsibility of overseeing every aspect of elections, from posting warrants to setting up voting booths, to overseeing ballot clerks and answering voters’ questions, Guild said.

“He took care of all of us,” she said. “He’s been like a right-hand man all along.”

Known to residents as “Mayor Frank,” that title was on a cake emblazoned with the State of Maine.

Castonguay also received a Legislative Sentiment from Rep. Tina Riley, D-Jay, another sign of the affection and esteem from the community and beyond.

“It’s safe to say you love this community and they love you right back,” Dunlap said.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net

Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, right, shakes hands with Livermore election warden Frank Castonguay, 91, after he was presented with the National Secretaries of State Medallion Award for his 14 years of service Tuesday. (Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser)

Retiring Livermore election warden Frank Castonguay, 91, seated, is given a Legislative Sentiment by state Rep. Tina Riley, D-Jay, at the Town Office on Tuesday. Standing at left is Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, who presented Castonguay with a national award, and Town Clerk Renda Guild, background right. (Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser) 

Livermore election warden Frank Castonguay, 91, was recognized Tuesday for his 14 years of service. Standing behind him, from left, are Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, Castonguay’s son Alec, daughter Mary, grandson Garrett, daughter Lillian and sons David and Donald, and Rep. Tina Riley, D-Jay. (Pam Harnden/Livermore Falls Advertiser)