Approximately 150 people gathered in Lisbon Falls for an evening vigil to mourn the victims of a deadly shooting that occurred in the community. The vigil provided an opportunity for community members to come together and support one another during this difficult time. Volunteers were present with trauma therapy dogs, offering comfort and solace to those in attendance.
Randy Carin, a resident of the town, expressed his grief over the loss of his high school friend, Ron Warren, who was among those killed in the shooting. Carin described Warren as a great guy who had a knack for making people laugh.
Robert McCarthy, a city councilor and lifelong resident of Lewiston, spoke about the impact of the shooting on the community’s sense of security. He emphasized that Maine is typically considered one of the safest states in the nation, making the incident all the more shocking. McCarthy acknowledged that it will be a long process for the community to heal from this tragedy.
The shelter-in-place order that was in effect following the shooting prevented grieving neighbors from coming together and supporting one another. McCarthy highlighted the importance of community support during times of grief and expressed the difficulty of reaching out to affected families without intruding on their grieving process.
As the community begins to come together, resources are becoming available to support residents in processing their feelings. Mental health professionals, chaplains, and a comfort dog named Niko are volunteering their time at the local Ramada hotel to provide support and assistance to those in need.
Rev. Cheryl Cuddy emphasized the positive impact that dogs can have on people’s emotional well-being, stating that having a dog present can make everyone feel better. She encouraged community members to seek help and support, as it is a normal and beneficial part of the healing process.
The community of Lisbon Falls is now focused on healing and supporting one another as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.
