Debbie Frawley Drake and David Stamps are Awarded the Bob Hamel Community Service Award Celebrating Their Commitment to Community

The inaugural Bob Hamel Community Service Awards were presented to two longtime city volunteers Thursday morning, during an event to kick off the 102nd Laconia Motorcycle Week.

The press conference, held at the Colonial Theatre downtown, included speakers covering everything from safety to the week's calendar of events, in addition to three other awards. 

The Bob Hamel Community Service Award is named after a longtime city councilor who served Ward 5, and died in 2023. The honor, created by City Councilor Mark Haynes, a friend of Hamel’s, and Mayor Andrew Hosmer, is bestowed to those who have shown consistent and generous devotion to improving the community.

The first recipient was Debbie Frawley Drake. Hosmer listed a number of her involvements, including the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, Laconia Historical & Museum Society, Granite United Way, Laconia Area Community Land Trust (now Lakes Region Community Developers), Hands Across the Table, and the Economic Development Council, among others.

“She is always willing to lend a hand, and has made a real and lasting difference in our community, whether helping neighbors, supporting local events or simply showing up in need, she has been a steady and positive presence in our community,” Hosmer said.

The second award was given to David Stamps. He has been in various election roles in Ward 3, including as moderator, and supervisor of the checklist for over 25 years. He has been involved with Laconia Multicultural Festival, the Laconia Planning Board, the Lakes Region Community Emergency Response Team and the Human Relations Committee.

“David has spent years building our community,” Hosmer said. “His quiet leadership has made a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to work alongside him.”

Councilor Bruce Cheney (Ward 1) was the recipient of the City of Laconia Leadership and Appreciation Award for a lifetime to public service. According to Hosmer, Cheney was chief of police from 1977 to 1990, director of the New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Emergency Services and Communications, and also acted as the homeland security adviser to the governor's office. He has served on the council since 2018.

“His decades of service across multiple roles exemplify the highest ideals of civic duty, public trust and commitment to the well-being of Laconia residents,” Hosmer said.

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Read more about Bob Hamel and his commitment to the community.