HOLLIS — In remembrance of the late Hollis Fire Department Chief George Davis, Gov. Paul LePage has directed that the State of Maine flag be flown at half-staff on Wednesday.

Davis’ funeral will be held on that day in Portland. On Saturday, Davis died of an apparent heart attack after returning to his home following a fire call. He was 62.

“The firefighter’s funeral is to pay respects to a chief who died in the line of duty,” said Saco Fire Chief John Duross, who is helping multiple departments in York County with arrangements for the funeral. Davis was considered to have died in the line of duty, said Duross, because his death occurred soon after a call.

Duross said he had known the late Hollis chief personally for more than 30 years.

“Along with our friendship, George was a true professional,” he said. “He held the fire service in high regard.”

An antique fire engine from the Goodwin’s Mills Fire Department will be a part of the funeral procession Wednesday. Firefighters will be in full uniform, and Davis will be escorted by pallbearers to the Holy Cross Church in South Portland. Retired Goodwin’s Mills Fire Chief Bruce Mullen will speak at the Catholic funeral Mass, to be held at 10 a.m.

In Hollis, fire department personnel are still mourning Davis’ loss. Deputy Chiefs Jason Johnson and Harlan Huff are running the department’s day-to-day operations until a permanent replacement is found, according to Lt. Crystal Stack, and the search for a new chief will not take place until after Davis’ funeral.

“He was a very involved chief,” said Stack, Monday. “He was always very proud of his crew.”

According to his obituary online, Davis was a 1968 graduate of Greeley High School in Cumberland and became a junior member of the Cumberland Fire Department at age 15. He served with the Army in the Vietnam War, as a helicopter door-gunner.

Davis joined the Goodwin’s Mills Fire and Rescue in July 1983, and served as deputy chief from 2002-04. In 2005, he was named chief. From 2001-07, Davis was also a fire marshal in Sanford and a Maine State fire instructor, and he was a past president of the York County Fire Chief’s Association.

Sanford Fire Chief Jeff Rowe recalls a man who lived to serve in his appointed roles.

“He was very dedicated to the fire department,” said Rowe. “He served Sanford well, and contributed to the safety of the citizenry.”

Waterboro Fire Chief Matt Bors joined the chorus of fire responders in mourning Davis’ loss.

“We enjoyed working with him very much,” said Bors. “He was a pleasure to talk to ”“ very genuine.”

Davis leaves behind his wife, Denise, and a grown son, Aaron, among other family members.

According to his obituary, visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. tonight at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway in South Portland. Fire and rescue personnel are encouraged to visit from 6-7:30 p.m.

Some Maine State flags may have black ribbons affixed to them in lieu of lowering to denote mourning, according to the statement from Gov. LePage.

— Staff Writer Jeff Lagasse can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 319 or jlagasse@journaltribune.com.

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