Berwick, ME — March 1st — The Berwick Fire Department commemorated the seventh anniversary of Captain Joel Barnes' death while on duty. On March 1st, 2019, Captain Barnes passed away while responding to a Berwick residential building fire. Crews were battling a home fire when a firefighter was stuck inside the building and a mayday was sent out. Captain Barnes went inside to help with the rescue. Later, both firefighters were taken out of the building and sent to a hospital.

Due to injuries he received during the incident, Captain Barnes passed away. Captain Barnes was well-known for his dedication to training and firefighter safety over his many years of service with the Berwick Fire Department.