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Funeral Services Held Wednesday for Firefighter Who Died After Searsmont Explosion

Funeral Services Held Wednesday for Firefighter Who Died After Searsmont Explosion

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


U.S. and Maine state flags were flown at half-staff Wednesday as funeral services were held for a firefighter who battled the Searsmont lumber mill fire and explosion.

Governor Janet Mills ordered flags to be lowered for Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, who died at Maine Medical Center a month after the fire.

“Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury gave his life to protect his community, and his sacrifice and example will never be forgotten,” said Governor Mills. “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.”

Funeral services for Woodbury were held at 1 pm Wednesday at the Belfast Area High School.

He was the second firefighter to die as a result of the massive explosion and fire at the Robbins Lumber Mill in Searsmont. Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross died at the scene of the explosion that day on May 15.

Woodbury’s obituary is posted here.

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