FARMINGTON – Residents lined the downtown streets Friday afternoon – six feet apart, many carrying flags or signs and some wearing masks. They applauded and cheered as an escort of police cruisers, fire trucks and ambulances escorted Larry Lord home.
Lord, 62 of Jay, was the maintenance supervisor for LEAP Inc. who evacuated the Farmington Falls Road office building of a dozen fellow employees on the morning of Sept. 16, 2019 prior to an explosion that leveled the building. Lord was in the building with members of Farmington Fire Rescue when it exploded. Capt. Michael Bell was killed and Lord and several firefighters were badly injured in the blast. Lord was the last person injured in the explosion to be discharged from a hospital.
The State Police Honor Guard, NorthStar EMS, local law enforcement and fire departments from across the state took part in an escort for the ambulance transporting Lord from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, Mass. to his home in Jay.
“This is great news for the town of Farmington and for the State of Maine,” Governor Janet Mills said in a statement released Thursday night. “On behalf of the people of Maine, it is my honor to say to Larry Lord: welcome home. Your heroism on that tragic day, as well as your perseverance every day since, is a reminder during this difficult time that, with courage and kindness like yours, we can and will overcome. I know the journey ahead will be difficult, but may the love of your friends, family, and the people of Maine continue to provide you comfort as you heal.”
In a statement also released Thursday, Lord’s wife, Sandy Lord, said that Larry Lord’s family was happy and grateful to bring him home. She also thanked healthcare professionals at Massachusetts General Hospital and Spaulding, as well as first responders in the Farmington area and Lord’s friends and family.
“In Larry’s mind the real heroes are the entire Farmington community, especially the many firefighters who paid a heavy price and Captain Michael Bell who gave his life,” Sandy Lord said.
The family has asked for privacy after Lord’s return.
I hope to heavens he will not be saddled with overwhelming medical bills.
That’s the last thing he or his family needs.
Welcome home, Mr. Lord! At last, all our Farmington heroes are home. Thank you so much!
Enjoy your home and family.
Welcome home Larry! Prayers for a full recovery. God bless you and your family
It was an inspiring demonstration. There must have been at least 40 first responder vehicles from dozens of police, fire and ambulance departments from all over this part of Maine in the entourage.
@ Permanent Snowbird…Larry Lord was critically injured while doing his job..They have to have workman’s compensation and I’m sure liability insurance. If I was him I wouldn’t pay a nickel of any bill..Isn’t Leap a state thing?
Bravo Larry Lord!!! Welcome home to continue your healing among family and friends!
Welcome home Larry and Sandy
Prayers to you and your family.
Rod and Sheri
I haven’t had the pleasure to know Larry.
This has put a smile on my face, Every day since I heard of his home coming. Best news I’ve heard all year!
May you and your family continue to get well.
Peace love and happiness
Kee, LEAP is a private non-profit organization.