AUGUSTA -- Whether rushing up the stairs of the World Trade Center towers on 9/11 while others fled for their lives or providing care and comfort to the family of a local woman killed in a car accident Friday in Monmouth, firefighters have answered the call, Augusta Chaplain Don Williams said at an annual memorial to Maine's fallen firefighters Saturday.

"They were there to protect and care for the people of their communities," Williams said at the site of the firefighter's memorial, near the Statehouse in Augusta. "These men and women didn't think of themselves first."

Williams, chaplain to the Augusta Fire Department and other area public-safety agencies, urged the approximately 50 firefighters, a few dozen family members and other members of the public and officials including Gov. John Baldacci to never forget the sacrifces firefighters have, and continue to, make.

The names of Maine firefighters who died over the last year were read aloud. A silver bell being rang after each name was read, symbolizing their "last call."

Several local firefighters were on the roll call, including late Jefferson Fire Chief Robert Walker, whose April funeral drew some 500 people and firefighters from across the state. Walker worked as a volunteer firefighter for more than 50 years, 35 of those in Jefferson, the last 22 as chief.

About 50 firefighters, most dressed in their formal uniforms, marched in a short procession down a closed-off section of State Street, led by bagpipers and an honor guard from the Poland Fire Department, to the memorial.

The memorial was dedicated in 1997. It includes the words of the Fireman's Prayer and the image of a firefighter cradling a child rescued from a fire in his arms.

Baldacci, who also spoke at last year's ceremony, said it was humbling to stand and speak at the memorial. He said sometimes firefighters pay the ultimate price and die while serving others, who they may not even know.

Ken Desmond, a trustee for the Pine Tree Burn Foundation, which is a nonprofit group of fire and rescue service professionals, physicians, burn nurses, attorneys, educators, administrators, and others formed with the goal of improving, and preventing the need for, burn care, urged attendees to practice fire safety.

Desmond said it is the duty of all firefighters "to remember to see that everyone goes home."

Bagpipers played the sorrowful notes of "Taps" as a wreath was layed on the memorial.

Fred Parsons, or "Freddy the Firefighter," of Presque Isle, sang the country song "Where Were You," a 9/11 tribute, and "God Bless America."

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com