By Kenneth Roberts,Special to the Sun Journal

TURNER – The town is collecting money to build a monument to the late Laurence Gagne, who served the community in many capacities for more than 25 years.

Selectman Glenn Richardson presented the idea at a recent board meeting. Selectmen will work with Gagne’s family and friends on a design and decide on a site for the memorial.

The Town Office staff will collect donations.

Gagne was still dispatching emergency vehicles in Turner, Hartford and Leeds until three weeks before his death in September 2003.

His community service is legendary. He joined the Turner Volunteer Fire Department in the early 1950s and served as chief from 1979 to 1993. He and his wife, Laurel, co-founded the Turner Rescue Service in 1978, and their home served as “home base” for the service.

Until his death, Gagne also served as forest fire warden, civil defense director for more than 20 years, and constable for most of his adult life.

The 2002 Town Report was dedicated to him, noting his many years “of limitless dedication” and “hundreds of days and nights he has spent helping others.”

Those interested in contributing to the Laurence Gagne Memorial Fund may send contributions to the Turner Town Office, P.O. Box 157, Turner, ME 04282, to the attention of Town Clerk Eva Leavitt. Checks should be made out to Gagne Memorial Fund, and donors are asked to write “Gagne Memorial Fund” on the check’s memo line as well.

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