Flags lowered to honor firefighter killed in Maine

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Several thousand people, including hundreds of firefighters from across New England, gathered Sunday to remember a firefighter who was fatally injured while shielding a colleague from flames.

Berwick Fire Chief Dennis Plante said Capt. Joel Barnes protected a fellow firefighter from the flames and "died a hero."

The 32-year-old Barnes was the first firefighter to die while battling a fire in at least three decades in Maine.

The service was held Sunday at the Cross Insurance Arena, one of a few venues big enough to host such a large gathering.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills lowered flags to half-staff to honor Barnes. She said his life and service exemplified "unfaltering courage, selflessness and love for his fellow man."

The day started with a private Mass for Barnes in Old Orchard, where he grew up. Then a procession escorted Barnes' body up I-95 to South Portland, where the casket was placed in a fire truck.

From there, the procession headed across the Casco Bay Bridge where fire boats saluted Barnes en route to the civic center.

The four-alarm fire happened on March 1 in Berwick.

Barnes was one of two firefighters who encountered a wall of flames on the third floor and had to be rescued during a March 1 four-alarm fire in Berwick, Maine. Five firefighters were injured that day, and Barnes died at a hospital in New Hampshire.

Barnes was remembered for his work ethic, dedication and attention to detail. He was also remembered for teaching kids about fire safety and firefighting as a member of the department's fire prevention team.

Before the service, Berwick Capt. Travis Doiron joked that Barnes' attention to detail included a spotless truck. Barnes ensured that the trucks were wiped down so there were no water spots after a washing.

The death was the first of a Maine firefighter while battling a blaze in decades, said Stephen McCausland of the Maine Department of Public Safety.

The last time it happened was in 1980 when Portland Firefighter Joseph Cavallaro Jr. died of burns and asphyxiation while fighting a three-alarm fire at the Phoenix Nightclub, McCausland said.