Senator Collins Honors Fallen Firefighters at Annual Memorial Service in Augusta

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AUGUSTA, ME - Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the annual Firefighter Memorial Service at the Maine Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Augusta. During the service, a roll call of Maine firefighters who passed away over the previous year was read, with a bell rung once in honor of each fallen firefighter. The event was attended by more than 100 firefighters and their families, other first responders, community residents, and local and state leaders.

Two Maine firefighters were lost in the line of duty this past year and were given unique honors during the ceremony: Morrill Volunteer Firefighter Andrew Cross and Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, who both lost their lives due to injuries sustained responding to the tragic explosion and fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont this May.

"Whether they were on duty or retired, every name read today belongs to a hero. Every ring of the bell is an echo, not just of who they were, but of the dedication that all firefighters share and of the gratitude that unites all whom they serve," said Senator Collins during her remarks. "Those qualities of character and commitment are found throughout Maine. Whether you are a full-time firefighter or an on-call volunteer, you are a critical first line of defense. Whether you serve in a large city or a small town, whether you are called to a major catastrophe or a local emergency, you respond when the alarm sounds, whenever that may be."

"This annual memorial service is always powerful and inspiring. It has a special significance this year as we honor two firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice battling the horrific explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont last May," she continued. "Andrew Cross, a young man of extraordinary accomplishments, served with the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. Wayne Woodbury dedicated more than 60 years as a volunteer firefighter in both Belmont and Searsmont, where he was assistant chief. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of these heroes, both their families at home and their brothers and sisters at the firehouse."

"Most of us will never know where the bravery to rush toward danger comes from. We can't begin to imagine the courage and dedication it takes to enter a burning building or approach a blazing truck that may be about to explode, especially when others are running in the opposite direction. But we are deeply grateful to you who take this courage and dedication, this skill and discipline, with you every day. Thank you, and may God bless you all," Senator Collins concluded.

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As a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, Senator Collins has been an advocate for Maine's firefighters, helping to better ensure they have additional resources and support as they protect our communities.

Through her role as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she has secured nearly $87 million over the past five years to rehabilitate, expand, or replace 45 fire stations across Maine.

In 2024, Senator Collins' bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act was signed into law, reauthorizing through 2028 the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs, as well as the U.S. Fire Administration. These programs help local fire departments address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services.

Senator Collins also championed the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act, enacted in 2018, which established the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer to improve understanding of the connection between firefighting and cancer and help reduce occupational cancer risks for firefighters. More than 50,000 firefighters nationwide have since enrolled in the registry.

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