Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued this statement on the passing of John Richardson, a former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives:
“John began his public service as a volunteer firefighter. At age 19, a courageous attempt to rescue someone from a burning building put him in the hospital for nearly five months. John didn’t let that incident stop him, however, and instead he dedicated his life to serving others.
“As an attorney, Maine’s Speaker of the House, and the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, John worked tirelessly for the people of Maine. As Speaker, John built consensus and got things done.
“John’s passing is a loss to the entire State of Maine, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.”