Our condolences to the Wentzell family, the Mexico Fire Department, and the Mill Fire Brigade of Maine. Fire Police Captain Harding Wentzell, 81, a veteran firefighter of the Mexico Fire Department and the Mill Fire Brigade died Monday May 5, 2003. Harding was responding to perform traffic control at the scene of a kitchen fire when he suffered a heart attack. The Buick he was driving veered off the roadway and crashed head on into a tree exploding in flames. Passersby were able to pull him from the car until Rumsford FireFighters and Med-Care Paramedics arrived but were unable to revive him.

     Harding enlisted in the Army in 1940. He served in England, Germany and France. He was a mechanic and even worked on General Eisenhower’s Staff Car in the motor pool. He was a member of the Mexico Fire Department, the Mill Fire Brigade, the Maine State Federation of Fire Fighters, and the Hawks Search and Rescue Team. He was honored with the George Downe Memorial Fire Fighter of the Year in February of 2003.

     Our brother Harding leaves behind his wife, Edith, his son, Gary, and his daughter Eileen as well as many grandchildren. Calling hours for Harding will be held on Wednesday May 7, 2003 2-4PM and 6-8PM at Meader & Son Funeral Home in Rumford with Fire Department Visitation at 7PM. A funeral will be held for Harding on Thursday May 8, 2003 at Mexico First Baptist Church in Mexico. Internment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Dixfield. Memorial contributions can be made to: