Retired Deputy Fire Chief Armand E. Paquette, who served with the Saco department for 27 years, died Wednesday at his home. He was 94.
Mr. Paquette also played fiddle for several bands, including the Ken McKenzie Orchestra and Pard and the Countrymen. He was inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame in 1991.
Mr. Paquette joined the Saco Fire Department in 1958. He started out working on the ambulance, then drove a pumper truck. He was promoted to captain, held that post for several years, and was then promoted to deputy fire chief before retiring in 1985.
Two former Saco fire chiefs and the current chief reflected on Paquette’s career and how they enjoyed working with him.
“He was a great friend and a pleasure to work with,” said retired Fire Chief Larry Smith Sr. in a statement.
“As my deputy, he was in charge of daily operations and completed every task that I asked of him. He made my job easier. You’ll never meet a more polite and honest man.”
Retired Fire Chief Alden Murphy praised Paquette’s firefighting skills.
“He was probably the best pump operator I’ve ever known,” Murphy said in a statement.
Saco Fire Chief John Duross said Paquette had an outstanding work ethic.
“I very much appreciated everything he taught me,” Duross said. “He was always willing to share his firefighter knowledge.”
Paquette was married to Rachel Paquette for 67 years. The couple lived in Saco, where they raised two children.
His son Marc Paquette, a captain with the Saco Fire Department, said his father was a dedicated family man who worked hard to provide a good life for his wife and children.
“Growing up, he came from a large family,” his son said. “He didn’t have a lot. He was determined to be a good provider. He was proud of the fact that he put both my sister and I through college. He was so supportive. He was a great dad.”
Mr. Paquette had a passion for playing the fiddle. He picked up the instrument as a young man and played in a band, The Dixon Brothers, with two of his brothers. He later played with the Ken McKenzie Orchestra and Pard and the Countrymen.
Marc Paquette said his father played gigs several nights a week in venues across the state. His music was also played on TV and the radio. He was inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame in April 1991.
“He loved performing,” his son said. “It was an adrenaline rush being on stage. He was always practicing and asking us to help him with new songs.”
Mr. Paquette stayed active throughout his life. In his earlier years, he played softball. His son said he was one of the best pitchers in the state. Once, he pitched four games in one day and was named York County MVP, his son said.
Visitation hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James St. Saco. A Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Monday at Most Holy Trinity Church of Good Shepherd Parish, Main St. Saco.
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