Dick Collison has been selected by the Moore family to receive this year’s award. Most people know Dick from their encounters with him in his barber shop in downtown Seaford , or through their service with him in the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, or through his involvement with the Downtown Seaford Association. But, there have been some who have been privileged to know him through his inspirational attitude while battling three unrelated cancers. His upbeat visits with others suffering through a terminal illness show the quiet, compassionate side of the man himself. Dick’s wife Shirley has been at his side for fifty years.

  Dick was raised in the Greenwood area and after graduating from high school, went on to the Salisbury Barber School where he graduated in 1957. Dick started his barber career in Dove’s Barber and Smoke Shop and went on to open his own shop in 1996, where he still plies his trade.

  Dick was one of the founders of the Downtown Seaford Association in the early 1980’s. He served two terms as president and chaired the Christmas Parade for four years. He still works on both the Halloween and the Christmas parades every year and is an active member in the Association.

  Dick sang barbershop style for more than thirty years with the Chorus of the Nanticoke and sang in the Mt. Olivet choir for nearly forty years. He has been a member of Mt. Olivet Church since 1961 and served as Assistant Sunday School Superintendent from 1963 to 1965. In early 2001, Dick underwent a laryngectomy due to cancer of the larynx that ended his singing career but not his love of music.

  Dick joined the Seaford Jaycees in 1959 and was awarded the Outstanding Jaycee of the Year in 1965. He was recognized for his community service in 2003 as the recipient of the Seaford Elks Distinguished Citizen Award winner. And Dick received an Exceptional Customer Service Award from the Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce earlier this year.

  Dick started directing traffic at the intersection of High and Cannon Street in 1959 during the sounding of the fire siren. He joined the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department in 1965, becoming a volunteer fireman and ambulance attendant. He was honored as Fireman of the Year in 1980 and became a lifetime member with twenty-five years service in 1990. Dick still drops his clippers and comb whenever the fire alarm sound and donning his bright vest, stops traffic on High Street while directing outgoing emergency vehicles.

  Dick has devoted countless hours in service to his community and has never before received recognition for his efforts. He is a most deserving recipient of the John A., Jr. and Helen M. Moore Community Service Award. He will receive this honor at the Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce Fall Dinner and Awards Ceremony on October 25^th at the Seaford Fire Hall. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 302-629-9690 or 800-416-4722.

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