The Paul Simard Funeral
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The Paul Simard Funeral Some 100 Maine law enforcement officers including the entire Lewiston Police force marched under darkened skies yesterday at the funeral of Lewiston Patrolman Paul J. Simard. The procession led first to the Fortin funeral home where officers passed by Simard's body and then formed again outside for the march to SS.Peter and Paul Church for the requiem high Mass. The Lewiston officers were followed in the procession by Civil Defense auxiliary police officers, representatives of the Auburn, Augusta, Brunswick, Waterville and Portland police departments, State Liquor Commission inspectors, State Police and Androscoggin County Sheriff's Department officials. They marched to the beat sounded by two Montagnard band drummers. Many local residents stood in solemn silence along the march route and outside the church. Wives of the Lewiston Policeman attended the funeral as a body. The large group went in the funeral cortege to St. Peter's cemetary where the final committal service was conducted. Many flowers lined the area including a floral piece the shape of a policeman's shield and with Simard's number 45 on it. The grief stricken Mrs. Simard accompanied by her two daughters, wept during the final service. Rev. Alexandre DesRochers O.P. conducted the church Mass, assisted by Rev. Jacques Blais and Rev. Jean Marie Lapointe. Father DesRochers also said the committal prayers. Active Pall bearers were Lewiston Officers Jean Samson, Guy Pilotte, Richard Roberts, Gerald Gilbert, Gerard LaRoche, and Ernest Labrie. Mayor Romeo T. Boisvert and the Lewiston police commisioners were honorary bearers. Department members were headed by Chief Roland C. Amnott. Amnott said yesterday action will be taken by the commission to retire Simard's Badge 45 from service in memory of the slain officer.
Paul Simard Gravesite |
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