Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Thursday marks 30 years since what the South Portland Fire Department calls one of the most challenging incidents in its history.
On Aug. 27, 1996, fire broke out at the Portland Welding Supply Company facility.
South Portland Fire Department Capt. Robert "Bobby" Wallingford Jr. of Engine Company 1 suffered a heart attack at the scene and died at Maine Medical Center. He was 47 years old.
He was a lifelong resident of South Portland‚ a 30-year member of the fire department‚ a member of the Police Reserve and a diesel mechanic/heavy equipment operator for South Portland Public Works for 23 years.
WMTW is your home for Maine breaking news and weather. For your latest Maine news and weather visit: wmtw.com
For licensing inquiries: wmtw.com/licensing
Thursday marks 30 years since what the South Portland Fire Department calls one of the most challenging incidents in its history.
On Aug. 27, 1996, fire broke out at the Portland Welding Supply Company facility.
South Portland Fire Department Capt. Robert "Bobby" Wallingford Jr. of Engine Company 1 suffered a heart attack at the scene and died at Maine Medical Center. He was 47 years old.
He was a lifelong resident of South Portland‚ a 30-year member of the fire department‚ a member of the Police Reserve and a diesel mechanic/heavy equipment operator for South Portland Public Works for 23 years.
WMTW is your home for Maine breaking news and weather. For your latest Maine news and weather visit: wmtw.com
For licensing inquiries: wmtw.com/licensing
