BELFAST — “The unity that is represented by the gathering today gives me hope – hope that our tomorrow will be good. And hope that a next generation coming up will take this further than ever. For a safe, secure, and a united, community,” said Pastor Warren Heath. “I believe that that is what Wayne would say as well.”

Firefighters gathered at Belfast Area High School on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to recognize Searsmont Asst. Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, who passed away June 14, due to injuries suffered in the Robbins Lumber fire, May 15, 2026.

“Stories of heroes and sacrifice by our own men and women should be honored and retold to the next generation so that they have real heroes to aspire to,” said Heath. “Thankfully, there are still young men and women for whom honor and sacrifice mean something tremendous.”

In every group, according to Heath, there are a few who will stand up and stand out. The protectors.

Woodbury dedicated decades to the fire service, accruing training hours and knowledge, and passing that knowledge along to others. He had patience and a calm presence. He was a firefighter, a leader, a mentor, and a friend. He taught by example, according to Searsmont Selectman Chris Staples. And, as Maine Fire Marshal Shawn Esler said, Woodbury answered the call; he showed up.

“Communities like ours, they are protected by people willing to answer the call, often without recognition or reward,” said Staples. “Wayne was one of those people. Through thousands of ordinary acts of service over many years, he’s helped make Searsmont and Belmont a safer place to live.”

More than 60 percent of Maine’s fire departments are volunteer, according to Esler.

“They leave their families, their jobs, their farms, their businesses...simply because they care about their neighbors and their communities,” said Esler. “Wayne embodied that spirit of service, commitment, and sacrifice.”

In return, hundreds of firefighters showed up for him on June 24.

This year, firefighters have endured tremendous loss, according to Esler. Mourning Firefighter Andrew Cross, Warden Joshua Tibbetts, and now Asst. Chief Woodbury.

“These losses have left us heartbroken,” he said. “They have left us bruised. They have tested us in ways we never thought we’d be tested.”

Thoughts are also with those who were injured. And how we support. How we care for the fallen. How we move forward.

The fire service will honor Woodbury’s legacy by continuing to answer the call. They will pass along his knowledge, his patience, his leadership.

And, for those who knew him personally, they will be heartened in remembering his love of cribbage and ice fishing. His cats. His identifiable red pickup truck. His pride in his family’s orchard. His deep and long-lasting friendships, and, as a native of the area, the fact that his family donated the land that now holds the Belmont Fire Station.

His lifetime of making a difference.

Those who stood on stage to honor Woodbury's legacy are:

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com

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