A firefighter who died after being struck by a vehicle in Portland on Wednesday night was supposed to become First Selectman in January and there was supposed to be a celebration for him last night.
A firefighter has died after being hit by a vehicle in Portland on Wednesday night, police said.
The police department responded to a reported pedestrian crash across from the police station in the 200 block of Main Street around 6:20 p.m.
The firefighter was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, according to police. He was later pronounced dead.
Authorities said the firefighter also serves on the Portland Board of Selectmen.
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Police have identified the man who died as Shaun Manning, 58, of Portland. On the fire department's website, they list Manning as a first lieutenant with Portland Fire and Rescue Station 3.
Manning would have taken over the role as First Selectman in January when the current first selectman left for a new role and there was supposed to be a celebration on Wednesday night to appoint him to that position.
“Just yesterday we had an administrator meeting here where I introduced Sean to everyone and he was just so excited to step into this role. He was a true public servant in every sense of the word,” Portland First Selectman Ryan Curley said. “He cared deeply about the town of Portland, about all of the people here, and he just wanted to make our town a better place - and he will be sorely missed.”
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The Portland Fire Department is remembering Manning as a dedicated firefighter and first responder and said he will be greatly missed.
"While he was not on duty nor responding to an emergency call, if the tables were turned he would have been the first one there. Any loss of life is tragic, however this one hits closer to home for our department. He was a dedicated firefighter and first responder that will be greatly missed. Shaun was devoted to serving our community, giving decades of his life to the fire department, as well as to the Town of Portland. The hole that this leaves is a big one and we will miss him dearly. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts as they navigate through this tragedy. Rest easy brother. We’ll take it from here,," the department posted on social media.
"It is with profound sadness that the Town of Portland mourns the tragic loss of a member of the Board of Selectmen and the Portland Fire Department," First Selectman Ryan Curley said in a statement.
"The town of Portland extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues," Curley said.
Manning is described as a dedicated servant who was a lifelong resident of Portland, graduating from Portland High School in 1985, according to officials.
Portland Republicans said Manning had a wife, daughter and three grandchildren. He has been a member of the fire department since 1984.
The driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Police say the crash doesn't appear to be suspicious.
Main Street was closed in the area of the crash for several hours but has since reopened.
"Coming out of the bridge, it's a very busy road, active road, it's not a good night with the rain," Officer Paul Liseo said.
There was a Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Curley said Manning was heading to a town meeting when he was struck.
The first selectman said there will be grief counselors available for members of the fire department and town employees on Thursday.
Police are looking to see if speed played a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
