LEWISTON – Raymond Desrosiers recently retired after working 28 years for the Lewiston Fire Department. The 55-year-old veteran joined the department on April 27, 1978, and spent most of his career working at the Main Street and Central Stations.

His last four years were spent on Engine 3 at the Lisbon Street Station, where he said he really enjoyed the truck and the station.

Desrosiers started the department’s honor guard in 1994. During the Sept. 11 crisis, Desrosiers and three other honor guard members traveled to New York to attend wakes and funerals for fellow firefighters who died in the line of duty.

Desrosiers said he has always been proud to be a member of the LFD and Local 785. In his early days, there were more fires due to less prevention. Since he preferred going into buildings rather than driving the truck, he incurred a few injuries on the job, though none were life threatening. The firefighter said he will miss the guys, the adrenaline rush of firefighting and the meals.

His career started to transform about two years ago, as he went from “saving lives” to “saving souls.” Desrosiers is now assistant pastor at the Church of Nazarene in Auburn, has been the LFD assistant chaplain and is now the Auburn Fire Department chaplain. He is also a member of the Maine Fire Chaplain’s Association.

Desrosiers stated his wife, Bettye, has been instrumental in his career. As his best friend, she has guided and supported him, he said.