LYNN — It was all smiles for George Markos, the long-time owner of Brothers Deli on Market Street, when he was presented with an award recognizing his service to the community on Wednesday night.
Markos, 59, was honored as the “Community Member of the Year” by Lynn Firefighters Local 739, the fire department’s union.
“I’m shocked,” said Markos, a Nahant resident who considers Lynn his home. “I’m so thankful for all of these people here around me, especially Lynn people. It’s amazing how they come back (and) show me the appreciation for something.”
Lt. Sean Martin, president of Local 739, said the award was given to Markos because of all that he does for the community. For instance, Markos organizes a breakfast each June for the department’s annual Lynn Firefighters Memorial, he said.
The union created the award several years ago, but it’s only given out in years where someone is deemed worthy, in terms of helping the city’s citizens and impacting its firefighters, said Martin.
“We try to identify a group or individual who has gone above and beyond for the community, and this year, George was it,” said Martin. “George — we don’t reach out to him to help. He just helps. Everybody knows him and there’s a reason for that.”
