Maine soldier dies of heart attack in Afghanistan

AUGUSTA – Another Maine soldier died, but not from hostile fire, Gov. John Baldacci announced Thursday.

Maine Army National Guard Capt. Patrick Damon, 41, died from an apparent heart attack Thursday in Bagram, Afghanistan, Baldacci said. His death was not related to hostile fire, the governor said.

Damon, who was from Falmouth and had two children, had taken leave from his job with the Maine Public Utilities Commission. He was serving in the Maine Guard’s 240th Engineer Group, which shipped out in January.

The governor called Damon’s wife after hearing of Damon’s death.

“I told his family this morning there weren’t enough nice words to capture the essence of Pat Damon,” the governor said.

Damon served as the PUC’s administrative director, who coordinates the agency’s four divisions: legal, technical analysis, finance and consumer assistance.

The administrative director is responsible for certification of all of the commission’s official acts as well as overseeing personnel, budget, physical plant, contracts, caseload management and computer services.

“He was the glue that holds everything together and makes everything work,” said Phil Lindley, the agency’s spokesman.

Damon had served in other state posts as well, and Baldacci knew him well.

“Pat was someone I valued personally and professionally. Everyone who came into contact with Pat knew him to be extremely talented. He dedicated his life to serving the people of Maine,” Baldacci said.