We’re fundraising to support the newsroom this spring. But on this page let’s take a break. Here are some efforts raising funds to support victims of the Searsmont fire. We hope you’ll consider a gift to support the families.
Despite driving rain, crowds lined the streets of Searsmont on Monday for the town’s annual Memorial Day parade. This year’s event took on heightened significance as a tribute to the firefighter killed and first responders injured in the May 15 fire at Robbins Lumber.
“It’s definitely a somber event, given the tragedies that occurred in our community,” Searsmont resident Jamie Santiago said. “While it was sad, it was definitely a healing opportunity to see a lot of people come out and support those first responders.”
Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross, 27, was killed in the fire and buried Friday. The fire also injured at least a dozen others; eight are still hospitalized in burn units in Portland and Boston.
There was debate in town last week about whether to cancel the parade. The Select Board opted to hold it, but asked that no candy be thrown to spectators and also canceled the chicken barbecue usually held afterward.
Before the wreath-laying ceremony, Select Board member Christopher Staples addressed a crowd of people huddled beneath umbrellas and in raincoats.
“We pause to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country, men and women who stood for something greater than themselves and whose sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said.
This year’s remembrance carried extra weight, he said. “We are also grieving a heartbreaking loss close to home.”
A few feet away stood a firefighter’s helmet and boots, a tribute to Cross.
“As we look ahead, we do so together,” Staples said. “We will support those who are hurting. We will take care of one another, and step by step, we will rebuild not just structures, but strength, hope and connection.”
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins also spoke, paying tribute to soldiers, as well as Cross and Game Warden Josh Tibbetts who died in a plane crash while stocking fish on May 12.
“It is an important way for us to pay tribute to Andrew Cross, who lost his life, but also to all the first responders who step forward into danger when others are running the other way,” she told reporters after the ceremony.
The parade wound its way through the village, with dozens of fire trucks from surrounding communities and those farther afield, including Buxton. Three Robbins Lumber trucks were in the lineup, including one with a banner that read “Thank you for your support” and “Searsmont Strong.”
As the Robbins trucks passed, people cheered and called out, “We love you!”
Jennifer Ridley was watching the parade with her two young daughters, who were waving tiny flags and calling out “Thank you!” to every fire truck that passed.
Ridley said she was surprised that so many people turned out in the rain. “People wanted to show up for the fallen and because of the fire.”
The community has pulled together in the wake of the tragedy, she said. Her parents run a redemption center in town and have been taking donations of bottles that they’ll redeem and donate to victims of the fire.
“Not everybody can donate money, but they can donate bottles,” she said.
As the parade ended, Santiago said Searsmont is a close-knit community.
“Everyone knows everyone,” she said.
The Robbins Lumber fire has touched everyone in some way, she said.
“The one thing that’s great is this is a resilient community,” Santiago said. “And you can see it today.”