Fire Police Captain Harding O. Wentzell‚ 81‚ with the Mexico Fire Department died on May 5‚ 2003 when he suffered a heart attack while responding to an incident. He was a 23 year veteran with the department and served with the fire brigade at the local paper mill. He received the George Downes Memorial Firefighter of the Year award in 2003.

He was active with the youth fellowship at his church‚ where he served as a deacon. Formerly active in scouting‚ he served as a scout master and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He also served in the U.S. Army in England‚ Germany and France during World War II.