Firefighter’s death grieves communities
Flags in 10 River Valley towns will fly at half-staff.
By Terry Karkos
Staff Writer

MEXICO – Tuesday and Wednesday were somber days for the community as people and children struggled to cope with the loss of Harding Wentzell.

Wentzell, 81, a beloved firefighter, died Monday morning of an apparent heart attack while driving in Rumford on Route 2 to a fire call at the Muskie Building on Congress Street.

“The community is stunned by this, shocked for this to have happened,” said Town Manager Joe Derouche. “I even hear kids talking about it. (Wentzell) was a tremendous man so it’s going to be a deep loss leaving a big void. It’s going to be a big change.”

As far as anyone could recall, Wentzell, who captained the department’s Fire Police, handling traffic control, is the first Mexico firefighter to die in the line of duty.

“This is real new territory for us. It’s a huge loss not only to the Fire Department but also to the town. Whenever he walked into a room he brought a ray of sunshine. He always had a smile on his face.

“He was such a happy-go-lucky guy, a super guy who helped out in many community events, like the Haunted Hayride. Whenever you needed help, he’d step in,” Derouche said.

Derouche attended one of two visitation periods Wednesday at Meader & Son Funeral Home in Rumford.

“The honor guards all had tears in their eyes and the firefighters and police are all touched by this. You can see it in their faces. He was like a father to them and a close friend,” Derouche added.

That’s why Wentzell’s 10 a.m. funeral service at the Mexico First Baptist Church on Route 17 will be a difficult time.

“It’s going to be a tough day, but at the same time, it’s going to be a celebration of his life, of what he did. And he passed away doing something he loved to do, his way,” Derouche said.

To honor Wentzell, all Mexico municipal offices and functions will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Flags in 10 River Valley towns will be lowered to half-staff from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“When something tragic like this happens, people come together to celebrate life. This town comes together as one. The best way to heal will be to get together and talk. We need to come together, talk about it, and learn from it,” he added.

Following the funeral service, there will be a procession of family members, police, medics, fire departments, and bagpipers down Main Street from the church to the fire station.

“When you lose someone in the line of duty, they come from everywhere. Firefighters are a group that sticks together,” Derouche said.

Buses will be available at the station, where a reception will be held, to take people to Wentzell’s internment at Greenwood Cemetery in Dixfield.

In addition to the room above the fire station, which can hold 200 people, more space will be available downstairs in the municipal building, Derouche added.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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