LEWISTON – Roland G. Dumais, former Lewiston fire chief, age 91, of 550 College St., Apt. 106, Lewiston, died unexpectedly on Sunday, March 18.

He was born on Oct. 20, 1915, in Wales, the son of Joseph and Marie Sirois Dumais. At a very early age, his family relocated to Lewiston. Chief Dumais was very active in Lewiston government affairs, serving on many city committees. At an early age he was associated with his father, in Dumais’ Market, located at the time at 1 Bridge St., in Lewiston, and also in some realty holdings. He was one of the first inductees to leave the city during World War II, entering the Army on March 26, 1941. He served in the European theatre of operations with the 10th Armored Division, and saw action in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. He was awarded three battle stars, and the Bronze Star for heroic achievement at Serring, Germany. He was separated from the service on Dec. 19, 1945, with the rank of captain, field artillery. He continued in the Army Active Reserve on Sept. 17, 1962, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, field artillery.

He joined the Lewiston Fire Department on May 5, 1946, and retired as chief of the department on Oct. 17, 1971. He was active in the construction of the present Central Fire Station on Bates Street, supervising federal funding requirements used in the construction. He served as civil defense director for four-and-one-half years.

Survivors include his wife, the former Mildred Kaulakis Backer, of Lewiston; nephews Alfred Dumais, of New York City, N.Y., and Normand Gagnon, of Auburn, and another nephew, William L. Plante, of Longmont, Colo., who was raised by Chief Dumais and his deceased first wife, the former Beatrice Plante.