Mainers recall N.Y. firefighters

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CORINTH – The miles between Maine and New York melted away Sunday as area firefighters assembled at a memorial service for their colleagues who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center.

“No matter how far away you are, it’s a brotherhood – what happens to one happens to all,” said Nicole DeMoranville, whose husband, Scott, is a captain with the Bradford Volunteer Fire Department.

“It’s hard to explain – you’d have to be a firefighter or the wife of a firefighter to understand,” said DeMoranville, watching while firetrucks lined up for the procession down the Main Road.

Organized last week by Corinth Assistant Fire Chief Doug Poor and Captain Randy Crooker, the memorial event brought in about 50 firefighters and their families from Hudson, Hermon, Stetson, Glenburn, Kenduskeag, Bradford and Corinth.

“We just felt it was something we had to do where so many couldn’t attend the service in New York – just to pay our respects for those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Poor, referring to Sunday’s tribute in Yankee Stadium.

The event was limited to 15 area fire departments and their emergency medical teams, according to Poor, who worried that the tiny village wouldn’t be able to accommodate a larger crowd on such short notice.

Meanwhile, DeMoranville shook her head at the idea that some 300 firefighters had perished.

“They always come home,” she said, her voice choking with emotion.

Hardly anyone remained unmoved Sunday as homage was paid to those who died during the worst terrorist attack in the nation’s history.

Lining the streets as the firefighters marched to the Town Hall parking lot for the service, residents dabbed at their eyes, waving flags and taking pictures. Some applauded. Others hugged their children.

Gareth Blackwell, a former Corinth fire chief, walked between his grandchildren, Emily, 11, and Craig, 8.

It had been their idea to march, according to Blackwell.

“They didn’t say a word. They just took my hand and we went along,” he said.

His wife, Beverly, had an explanation. “Children feel the sadness, too,” said the grandmother, who told them earlier about the solemn nature of the occasion.

The crowd grew larger as people gathered to listen to songs and speakers, including the Rev. Mike Pike of the Corinth United Methodist Church.

“This is one of those days when we’re proud to be Americans,” he said, noting the fallen firefighters’ “strength, courage and dedication to performing their duties.”

Later, Deidre Poor, 13, daughter of the assistant fire chief, read a poem called “The Last Alarm”:

“Now I truly realize the greatest gift a man can give is to lay his life upon the line so that someone else might live,” she quoted.

The camaraderie among firefighters was felt by everyone.

“Today we are one family, one department and one country,” said Orono firefighter Dennis Bean, who also serves on the Hudson Fire Department.

“It could have been any of us,” said Lt. Wayne Archie of the Corinth Fire Department.

Distance doesn’t matter, according to Karla Hughes, a member of the Corinth Fire Department Auxiliary.

“Even though New York is such a big place, we’re all Americans no matter where we are,” said Hughes. Her husband, Rick, is a U.S. Marine who participated in Operation Desert Storm.

“This hits pretty close to home,” she said.

The organizers came away pleased even though the turnout was smaller than expected.

“It didn’t diminish the spirit a bit,” said Poor.

Lots of firefighters were involved in training this weekend, according to Crooker.

“I’m sure they wanted to be here, but life goes on and they have to do what they have to do,” he said.