LEWISTON – If the fire that ravaged a downtown apartment house Friday had happened a day earlier, chances are good that firefighter Gerard Lamiette would have been there battling the flames.

Lamiette, an 18-year veteran of the fire department, died late Thursday night after collapsing at a home on Wood Street while off-duty. He was 45.

“We’re all very saddened by it,” said fire Chief Paul LeClair as he returned from Friday’s blaze on Pierce Street. “But everybody is holding their heads up high. We’re focusing on his memory.”

Police said Lamiette, who lived in Auburn, was visiting a friend at 84 Wood St. when he collapsed about 8:15 p.m. Thursday.

Police, fire and rescue teams responded, and rescue efforts were attempted at the scene. Lamiette was taken to Central Maine Medical Center, where he died a short time later.

The cause of death was not immediately known.

For police and firefighters, many who did not learn about Lamiette’s death until Friday morning, the period of uninterrupted mourning was brief. Before noon, on-duty firefighters were called to the Pierce Street fire and some off-duty crews were sent in.

LeClair fully expects that Lamiette would have joined his comrades as they cleared occupants from the burning building and then battled the fire for hours.

“He was very active, very supportive of every aspect of fire service,” the chief said.

Police officers were also noting the absence of the longtime firefighter. They knew Lamiette well from his years on Engine 7, and from the many fires he had battled.

“A great guy,” said police Lt. Danny LaChance. “He would always come talk to me at a scene. He was very friendly.”

A funeral is planned, though details were not available Friday night.