ME Town, FFs Honor Fallen Captain on Fatal Blast's Anniversary
Multiple memorials—public and private—were held Wednesday to commemorate the year anniversary of a massive propane explosion that killed a Maine fire captain and injured six other firefighters.
The tragic blast happened at 8:18 a.m. on Sept. 16, 2019, after Farmington firefighters responded to a call concerning a propane smell coming from the LEAP Inc. building. Capt. Michael Bell, 68, a 30-year veteran of the department, died in the incident, which also left six firefighters and a maintenance supervisor for LEAP Inc. seriously or critically injured.
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On Wednesday, the fire department and Bell's family held a private ceremony that included a procession from the department's firehouse to the cemetery where Bell is buried, WCSH-TV reports. Another private ceremony was then held at the cemetery to pay tribute to Bell.
"Today, as we honor Captain Bell, the Farmington Fire Department, everyday heroes like Larry Lord, and all of our first responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe, let us recommit to taking care of one another in times of hardship as we did then, rising a stronger people and a stronger state," Gov. Janet Mills said during a press conference.
Mills ordered all flags flown at half staff Wednesday, and she attended a remembrance ceremony that was held across the street from the site of the explosion. Along with Mills, Assistant Fire Chief Tim Hardy spoke at the ceremony, and he thanked Bell's family and residents for their support of the department in the wake of the tragic explosion, according to WMTW-TV.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, community members still were able to participate in a drive-by public ceremony at the blast site. This memorial displayed Bell's turnout gear, an aerial with a U.S. flag and thank you banners.
