Retirees Mourn Boston Tragedy

MARCH 27, 2014: On behalf of our members, the Association offers the deepest condolences to the families of Boston Fire Lt. Edward J. Walsh and Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy, as well as to the Boston Fire Department. The two members of Boston Fire Fighters Local 718 were tragically lost on Wednesday, while fighting a nine-alarm fire on Beacon Street in Boston’s Back Bay.

MARCH 27, 2014: On behalf of our members, the Association offers the deepest condolences to the families of Boston Fire Lt. Edward J. Walsh and Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy, as well as to the Boston Fire Department. The two members of Boston Fire Fighters Local 718 were tragically lost on Wednesday, while fighting a nine-alarm fire on Beacon Street in Boston’s Back Bay.

As members of the Back Bay’s Ladder 15, Walsh and Kennedy were among the first to enter the dwelling. Driven by high winds the fire unexpectedly spread, trapping the firefighters in the building’s basement. However, firefighters were able to safely evacuate all of the buildings residents.

The family of Lt. Walsh has long been active members of our Association. Both Eddie’s father and uncle are retired Watertown Firefighters, as is his cousin Tom Walsh.

Association President Frank Valeri responded to the tragedy by stating,

“We seem to take for granted, all too often, the firefighter’s ability to gain the strength to respond to the call of duty for the purpose of saving a life. The ultimate sacrifice of Lt. Walsh and Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy is a tragic and harsh reminder of the dedication of the professional firefighters”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these two brave men, as well as the 13 firefighters and five police officers who were injured fighting the severe blaze and rescuing building residents.

A fund to benefit the families of Lt. Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy has been established by the Boston Firefighters Credit Union.

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