AUGUSTA – Gov. Paul LePage has directed that the state flag be flown at half-staff in Gorham and Hollis on Wednesday in remembrance of two local residents who died recently.

Durward Benjamin “Ben” Worster, 29, of Gorham, died on Wednesday, June 20, at Frye’s Leap on Sebago Lake.

Worster attended Gorham High School and shortly thereafter enlisted in the military, and was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas. He became a decorated Army sniper as a Team Leader 1st Platoon, 2nd Quad, 2-5 1st Calvary during his tour in Iraq, and he was awarded numerous honors and medals, including the Army Commendation Medal, distinction from the U.S. Army Sniper School and Advanced Marksmanship and Sniper Operations, as well as holding expert military qualifications in 11 different weapons systems. Upon receiving his honorable discharge from the Army, Worster became an officer of the Maine Correctional Center in Windham.

Hollis Fire Chief George Davis, 62, died unexpectedly Saturday, June 23.

Davis joined the Goodwin’s Mills Fire and Rescue in July 1983. He served as deputy chief from 2002-2004. He was also full time as a fire marshal in the Sanford Fire Department and a Maine state fire instructor.

In 2005, Davis was named chief of the Hollis Fire and Rescue Department. He was a member and past president of the York County Fire Chief’s Association.