Hundreds gathered Wednesday to honor a longtime dedicated firefighter who answered his final alarm.

Searsmont Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76, died June 14 of injuries sustained in an explosion at Robbins Lumber on May 15.

Woodbury’s commitment to the fire service remained consistent throughout his decades of service, Maine State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler told the crowd that included fire and rescue personnel from around the state and beyond,  News Center Maine reported.

"He was injured doing what he had done for decades, standing shoulder to shoulder with his fellow firefighters and protecting his community, There is honor in that service, and there is comfort knowing that he spent a lifetime making a difference. From the time he joined the fire service until his last alarm, he answered the call with quiet professionalism, unwavering commitment, and a deep sense of duty,” Esler said.

Gov. Janet Mills ordered flags to fly at half-staff Wednesday in Woodbury's honor.

"Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury gave his life to protect his community, and his sacrifice and example will never be forgotten. On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend my deepest condolences to the Searsmont Fire Department, to his community, and to all impacted by this devastating loss," Mills wrote in a statement.

Searsmont Fire Chief James Ames carried an urn with his friend's remains into the service while his helmet was carried by Firefighter Tom Wolf, who was wearing a cap as he recovers from injuries suffered in the blast. 

He and Woodbury have known each other since they were just kids. They shared a love for the outdoors.

“Great friend for going ice fishing, deer hunting, stuff like that. We have done that a lot.”

Ames presented an American flag to Woodbury’s sister during the service.

Searsmont Firefighter Tom Wolf, who was injured in the explosion, rang a bell 5-5-5, signaling his brother's last alarm.

Searsmont Firefighter Jodi Staples fondly remembered her friend: "Wayne was always thinking of others. He loved his family orchard, and shared apples, pears, blueberries, and when he shot a deer, he would share that too.”

Bath Iron Works coworker Brent Harper told a WGME reporter: “I was very sad."

“Anytime you needed advice or help, he was always there to give a hand,” Harper said, adding that he was impressed with his 60 years of dedicated service to the fire department.

“Sixty years is a long time."

Bagpipe music filled the air as uniformed firefighters stood at attention.

They formed a sea of blue and saluted as the assistant chief as he left the high school. 

Later, firefighters and others gathered at the Searsmont fire station to share stories and remember.