MIDCOAST — The details only came together this morning, as to forming a procession to escort Morrill firefighter Andrew Cross from the medical examiner's office in Augusta to the funeral home in Belfast. Cross died only the day before, while helping to fight a very large fire at Robbins Lumber, in Searsmont, Friday, May 15, 2026. 

Word of the plans for the "Honorable Transfer" spread through the firefighting community at approximately 7 a.m., May 16. The greater community learned of it around 9 a.m. Most who planned to attend had only enough time to leap into a vehicle and drive to a spot along the route. Many had no idea what the plan even was, until they arrived. 

But, they came anyway. Many who had been at the same devestating incident. Many who had just worked exhausting hours at the scene, which continued to keep firefighters active, in shifts, for at least 24 hours following the initial explosion and resulting fire that injured several lumber yard employees. 

They stood there, with their counterparts – often their training companions – in silent and solemn solidarity as the procession descended down the final stretch of Route 7 to Riposta Funeral Home. 

Leading the way was the State Police Honor Guard – the ones who made absolutely sure that even if no one else could attend, someone would be present. State Police, Fire Marshal's Office, Waldo County Sheriff's Office, Belfast PD, Forestry Service.

The fire department representation in the procession was bolstered by apparatus representing Smithfield, Bangor, Kenduskeag, Belgrade, Skowhegan, Stockton Springs, Rockland and Belfast. Ambulances came from Augusta, Delta Ambulance, LifeFlight of Maine, and more. 

They left Augusta at 11 a.m., traveled into Searsmont via Route 3 on their way to Morrill where they past by the Fire Station before winding their way onto Route 137 and onto Waldo Avenue and that final stretch. The public gathered to welcome Cross and everyone else around him. A few American flags in spectators' hands emphasized the good-will.

They brought Cross right up to the funeral home's entrance. Lining the driveway, they stood at ceremonial attention before saluting a farewell.