The addition of three names to the Maine Firefighter Memorial has added to the solemnity of the annual firefighter remembrance ceremony.
The three include Farmington Fire Capt. Michael Bell, killed in a propane blast last month, and Berwick Fire Capt. Joel Barnes, fatally injured while fighting an apartment fire on March 1. The third is Oxford Fire Chief Gary Sacco, who suffered a medical event during Barnes' funeral.
Attending the event on Saturday in Augusta were Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic Gov. Janet Mills. Collins said, "Not all heroes wear capes."
Mills proclaimed Saturday to be Firefighter's Recognition Day. She said Mainers "remain forever grateful for their sacrifice.'' In Portland, City Hall was to be doused in red light Saturday evening in honor of firefighters.
