Our condolences to the Vargason family and the Maine, New York Fire Department. Fire-Police Volunteer Joe Vargason, 69,
a 22 year veteran with the Maine Fire Department, NY, died Saturday June 30, 2001. Joe was directing traffic shortly after midnight
for a vehicle fire only 40 feet from his own home on Route 26, when he was struck by a pickup truck. Joe was wearing an orange
vest and a yellow helmet and was using a flashlight when the accident occured. A paramedic from the department's crew
worked on Joe until he could be transported to the Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center in Johnson City, where passed
away later that day. The driver of the car has been charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, and second-degree
manslaughter, a felony, in connection with the accident.
Joe was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with the U.S. Army. He was a member and Past Commander of the Maine American
Legion Post #1390. He was also a member of the Veteran's Foreign Wars Major Ray H. Humphrey Post #1449, Endicott, N.Y.
Our brother Joe is survived by his wife, Aline, and two daughters and a son-in-law. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make
contributions in his memory to:
