Caribou, ME - The Caribou Fire Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of former full-time and volunteer member Donald “Donnie” DeMerchant.

Donnie began his service with the department in 1961, becoming a full-time firefighter in 1966. Following an off-duty accident in 1967, he returned to serve as a volunteer firefighter, dedicating a total of 25 years to the department before retiring in 1986 with the rank of Captain. In the early 1970s, he also held the position of Chief of the Caribou Civil Defense Auxiliary Fire Department.

A proud member of a multi-generational firefighting family, Donnie followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, David DeMerchant, one of the department’s early members who provided horse teams to pull fire equipment. His father, Elray DeMerchant, served as Fire Chief, while his brother David, along with several cousins and uncles, also devoted years of service to the department.

Even after retirement, Donnie remained a cherished part of the CFD community. He was a regular attendee at the department’s annual Oyster Stew Supper, where he enjoyed reconnecting with fellow retirees and reminiscing about the “good old days.”

The Caribou Fire Department extends its heartfelt condolences to Donnie’s family and friends during this difficult time.