VIDEO: The Maine town of Berwick and first responders around New England are mourning the loss of a Berwick firefighter who died while battling an apartment building fire.
Captain Joel Barnes died and four other firefighters were injured Friday. Berwick Fire Chief Dennis Plante says the 32-year-old Barnes "died a hero, battling a large and dangerous building fire'' and "made the ultimate sacrifice for his community.''
Barnes was a paramedic and served as the Berwick Fire and Rescue training officer and emergency medical services coordinator. Before joining Berwick Fire in 2016, he previously worked for South Berwick Rescue, York Ambulance, and the Old Orchard Beach Fire Department. He was also actively involved with the Acton Fire Department as a per diem firefighter.