Public Memorial Service to Honor ME Firefighter

BERWICK, Maine — Thousands of people are expected to attend the memorial service for Berwick Fire Capt. Joel Barnes, who died in the line of duty March 1.

The service, open to the public, will be held Sunday at 11 a.m. the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland. The public service will be bookended by private services, open only to family and members of the Berwick Fire Department.

Barnes was credited with saving the life of another firefighter by shielding him from flames. Crews from 17 communities worked to control the four-alarm apartment building fire at 10 Bell St. Four other firefighters were treated for injuries and released from the hospital.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Before Sunday's public ceremony, Barnes' family is scheduled to attend a Catholic funeral Mass, open only for family and close friends. The procession is expected to arrive at the venue at approximately 10:15 a.m.

The Cross Insurance Arena can hold about 6,000 people for sporting events and 9,500 people for events such as concerts.

After the public service, a procession will go to Calvary Cemetery in South Portland where Barnes will be buried with full fire department honors. The graveside service is open only to family and members of the Berwick Fire Department.

Gov. Janet Mills ordered flags to fly at half staff through Sunday in honor of Barnes.

"Capt. Barnes' life and service to his community exemplified the very best of humanity: unfaltering courage, selflessness and love for his fellow man," Mills said in a statement released Tuesday. "The collective heart of our state mourns the loss of a hero. Capt. Barnes' legacy will guide and inspire us for generations to come. As we gaze upon our flags at half-staff over these next several days, let us remember Capt. Barnes, pay tribute to his legacy, and pray for his family, fellow first responders and his community."

Barnes began working for the Berwick Fire Department in 2016. Before that he worked for services in Horry County, South Carolina, South Berwick, York, and Acton.

It was announced Thursday that a community potluck supper to assist victims of the fire will be held March 14 from 4:30-7 p.m. at Noble High School in North Berwick. For more information, email [email protected].

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