A late February sun hung low in the sky as a procession of Maine Department of Transportation vehicles approached the Augusta Civic Center. 

Inside, more than 300 people gathered to pay their respects to James Brown, 60, and Dwayne Campbell, 51, both of Waterville, who were killed last month in a crash on I-95 southbound in Waterville. 

Bouquets of blue, yellow and white flowers adorned the front of the room, as a screen showed photos of the pair, smiling and laughing in their Maine DOT uniforms. 

The music of “Amazing Grace” filled the air, a tribute from the Maine State Police Pipe and Drum Corps. 

Col. Earl Wiegelt, Chaplain of the Maine Army National Guard, delivered an opening prayer. Maine DOT workers, clad in bright yellow uniforms, bowed their heads. 

“May all that we say and do here be honoring to them,” Wiegelt said. 

Gov. Janet Mills honored Brown and Campbell in a heartfelt speech, highlighting their character and friendship. 

“The friends and family of Jimmy Brown and Dwayne Campbell couldn’t say goodbye before their loved ones lost their lives,” Mills said. “Today, DOT departments across New England are gathered to say goodbye and honor these two men.” 

Campbell loved his daughters and spending time outside, Mills said. He spent nearly every weekend camping or fishing, and teaching his youngest daughter how to hunt in the fall. 

“Every photo there is of Dwayne, there’s a big smile on his face,” Mills said. 

Brown was no different, known to spend as much time as possible outdoors with his children. 

“He loved bringing his son fishing at a special spot near Jackman,” Mills said. 

As longtime Maine DOT employees, Brown and Campbell were dedicated, committed, and hard working, Mills said. 

“If you needed something, they were there,” Mills said. “That is the hallmark of Jimmy and Dwayne’s characters.” 

Maine DOT Commissioner Dale Doughty also spoke on Saturday, donning his bright vest. 

“There, now I’m home,” he said. 

Through tears, Doughty honored Brown and Campbell, and asked the public to be more aware of DOT workers as they go about their lives day to day. 

“I am confident in our training,” he said. “I am less confident in drivers.” 

Brown and Campbell were killed after a driver failed to stop at a stop sign at the end of a southbound on-ramp in Waterville, causing her minivan to collide with a tractor trailer and three DOT employees, including Brown and Campbell, who were thrown from the bridge.

The driver, who was identified as Samantha Tupper, 34, has several prior driving infractions, including a suspended license. 

She has not been charged with a crime in relation to the incident.

The crash was nearly even worse, and would have been if Maine DOT worker Chad Manson hadn’t thrown himself and another worker out of the way of the minivan, saving both of their lives.

He tried to save Campbell and Brown as well, Manson’s wife, Cassandra, said, but it was too late.

Manson and the coworker he saved were both hospitalized, but their injuries were not life-threatening.

But on Saturday, Mills said Brown and Campbell would not be remembered for the crash that killed them, but for their kindness, dedication, and generosity.

“I know that Jimmy and Dwayne will be missed every day, but I hope one day their memories will bring more joy than sadness,” Mills said.