SANFORD — Every year at this time, Sanford firefighters pause to remember those who have gone before them. They read the names of those who have passed – those who have died in the line of duty, and those who passed away in other circumstances.

On Sunday, they paused to rededicate the firefighters memorial. It is etched with the names of three Sanford firefighters who died in the line of duty: Corydon Goodwin in 1953, Robert Cluff in 1960 and Gerard Martel in 1981.

The area around the memorial stone, which was placed outside the station in 1968 when then-chief George Driscoll brought the granite from New Hampshire, was looking somewhat shabby. So firefighters worked together to beautify the space.

“A lot of volunteer time and effort went into it,” said Fire Chief Steve Benotti.

The stone is surrounded by a Maltese cross in shades of red and charcoal granite. The cross, according to firefighters, is a symbol of the courage shown by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades when they fought an enemy that was advancing with flaming torches.

Some of the granite was donated by Local 1624 Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, and some by Genest. A landscaper donated the hydroseeding for the lawn.

Rain on Sunday forced the ceremony inside.

“We’re here to remember those who have gone before and to rededicate the memorial,” said Benotti.

An honor guard posted the colors.

“Bless our time together as we honor their memory,” prayed the Rev. Philip Tracy.

Firefighters read the names of the fallen. There were renditions of “Taps,” “Amazing Grace” and the National Anthem.

It was a brief but solemn ceremony by firefighters and paramedics to recognize those who had come before them.

Among the attendees was Bernice Martel, wife of Gerard Martel, who died of a heart attack after fighting a three-alarm fire in 1981.

Her husband had started working for Sanford in the highway department, but when an opening emerged on the Fire Department, he applied and was hired, she recalled.

“He liked what he did,” said Martel.

The ceremony, she said, was “bittersweet.”

Outside, raindrops fell on the stone – the memorial with three names. Firefighters inside hoped there would be no more.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com