Strafford News

City of Dover recently issued the following announcement.

Two Dover firefighters were among the four added to the New Hampshire Fallen Firefighters Memorial during a ceremony in Concord on Saturday, Sept. 25.

Dover Fire Chief James Smith, who was killed in 1925, and Lt. Ernest LeBlanc, in 1959, were honored with Newington Fire Chief Darin Sabine, who died in 2019, and Goffstown Fire Capt. Steven Tower, who died in 2020.

Current and former members of Dover Fire and Rescue were part of the ceremony. Retired Dover Fire Chief Perry Plummer was the keynote speaker. Perry has also served as the Director at New Hampshire Fire Academy, Director of New Hampshire Homeland Security, and Department of Safety Assistant Commissioner. Deputy Fire Chief Michael McShane and Newington Fire Chief E.J. Hoyt, a former Dover Fire lieutenant, participated in the bell ceremony. Retired Dover Fire Capt. Dave McLean and current Fire Lt. Brendan Driscoll played bagpipes at the ceremony.

About the fallen

Dover Fire Chief James Smith: Chief Smith was killed during a fire call on Feb. 8, 1925, at 83 Washington St., in Dover, now home to the Thirsty Moose. At the time, it was the Strafford Bank. Smith was searching for a gas leak in the basement when an explosion occurred, killing him instantly. According to his death certificate, a doctor determined he was hit in the head by flying debris. He is buried in Pine Hill Cemetery. Smith joined the Fire Department in 1898 as a member of Hook and Ladder Company Number 1 and was promoted to first assistant engineer in 1901. Smith played a role in managing the January 1907 great fire at Cocheco Mill Number 1. (Visit the library history page for a synopsis.) Smith was promoted to chief engineer in 1911. Smith immigrated from Ireland and lived in Dover for 35 years, achieving much prominence in the city. He lived at both 25 Court St. and at 57 Belknap St., where he lived when he died at the age of 55.

Dover Fire Lt. Ernest LeBlanc: Lt. LeBlanc died of smoke inhalation while battling a Valentines' Day fire in 1959, at 29 Second St., in Dover. LeBlanc, 45, worked on the roof to provide vertical ventilation with his brother Lucien when he was overcome with smoke. He collapsed after making his way down the aerial ladder and was transported to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital but was pronounced dead within 30 minutes after arrival; the cause of death was asphyxiation by smoke inhalation. He is buried at St. Charles Cemetery in Dover.

Newington Fire Chief Darin Sabine: Chief Sabine died on Sept. 7, 2019, after a two-year battle with colon cancer at the age of 35. Sabine worked his way up through the ranks in Newington, becoming fire chief for several years before his passing. His wife and two daughters survive him.

Goffstown Fire Capt. Steven Tower: Capt. Tower died on Aug. 31, 2020, at 54 years old after becoming ill during a physical training assessment at the New Hampshire Fire Academy. Tower served the Goffstown Fire Department for 30 years, working his way up through the ranks, including interim fire chief in 2019. After completing the chief assignment, he remained part-time as the acting deputy chief and training captain.

Original source can be found here.