Among the many headlines of 2012, there were two people who were among the regular contributors.

Though there were many outstanding nominations to choose from, we’ve selected Veterans Agent Lou Cimaglia and recently retired Town Manager Michael Caira as Wilmington Patch’s People of the Year.

Caira spent the last year winding down an impressive career that spanned more than two decades. He earned the praise of local officials and those from across the region for his work as Town Manager.

Cimaglia, meanwhile, is an active volunteer for several groups in Wilmington in addition to his role on the Board of Selectmen and as the town’s Veterans Agent. He is the founder of Local Heroes, which won the Myra Kraft Community MVP grand prize of $25,000 earlier this year.

“It’s appropriate that (Caira) is one of the People of the Year because he could easily have been one of the people of the decade or people of the last quarter century,” said selectman Mike Champoux, who added that he has known Cimaglia since before working with him on the Board of Selectmen. “My respect for Lou is immense because his commitment to do what’s right for everyone, especially veterans, is second to none.”

Fellow selectman Judy O’Connell agreed that Cimaglia and Caira are worthy Person of the Year choices.

O’Connell said each resident is passionate about the job they do, and they have played integral parts to helping the town evolve during difficult times across the nation.

“They are two outstanding choices,” said selectman Judy O’Connell. “(Caira) made such major progress for this town. He has taken Wilmington being a good town to being a great one … And with Lou, what he does isn’t a job. It’s a passion for him. He just loves what he does.”

Among the other nominations received for Person of the Year were Sgt. David McCue of the Wilmington Police Department. One reader called McCue, “He is a very caring, considerate and giving person who has helped and continues to help people in need in the community.”

Caira and Cimaglia were praised by their colleagues for not only their work as town officials, but also for their character at home as well.

“As a family man, (Caira) is an example of what good family values are, and Lou is exactly the same way,” said Champoux. “They’re both good guys who are very approachable. These are just regular Wilmington residents who happen to have achieved a great deal.”