For many years the Farmington and York Village Fire departments have been close. We have crossed paths at the annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters conventions for as long as we can remember. The faces have become familiar and after so many years even more like a family that we get to see once a year. This morning they lost one of their own in a tragic explosion. The companies were investigating a possible propane leak in a building in Farmington. Crews were on the scene investigating for approximately 20 minutes when the building exploded, leveling the structure. Also injured were Chief Terry Bell, Captain, TD Hardy, Captain Scott Baxter, FF Teddy Baxter, and a member of the building staff. The injuries were all serious. But Capt. Mike Bell paid the supreme sacrifice. Rest In Peace, Captain Bell.
