05/17/2026
This was a multiple casualty incident. I was in the Portland Maine Medical Center emergency room myself for a personal health reasons when the casualties were arriving. Like an old fire horse hearing the bell, I wanted to get up from my stretcher to tend to injured and provide comfort to their comrades. It was a difficult reminder to me that I was not well myself and my body wasn’t going to allow me to do what what my head was telling me. So I just started praying, for all concerned in the incident, their families and the Medical staff helping them. I’m put out pasture, but not without the means to prick my ears, raise my head and still care when hear the tone.
The tragedy and horrific events in Searsmont affect all of our public safety colleagues. Maine EMS wishes healing thoughts and deepest respect for the responders, civilians, investigators, families, friends, and community members impacted. We are a state with deep ties and beyond the event we see the strength, dedication, and support that arises. We have many who are still facing significant medical hurdles and this support will help them each day.
We also face the loss of one of our own. The Maine State EMS office sends our condolences to the family of Andrew Cross, his friends, the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department, and his colleagues. Thank you Andrew for your bravery, your service and your selfless valor.
