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    • Hundreds pay tribute to Worcester 6 on anniversary of warehouse fire
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    Hundreds pay tribute to Worcester 6 on anniversary of warehouse fire

    Pabio Posted on

    WORCESTER — One of the city’s darkest hours and one of its most devastating losses began innocently enough with the succession of three beeps, followed by the unassuming message: “Attention All Companies, Hit Box 14 -38 Franklin and Artic Street for 266 Franklin Street.”

    It resulted in the deaths of six firefighters, a grueling recovery effort that lasted eight days, and the city mourned the devastating loss of men who found themselves trapped in the belly of a hellish, windowless fire maze which had been the vacant Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co Building.

    Today, the lasting legacy of the Worcester 6 continues 25 years later, as Worcester firefighters, past, present and future, and the City of Worcester have taken a solemn oath to never forget their fallen heroes.

    And, Tuesday evening, the hundreds of firefighters in full uniform who marched to the Franklin Street station before silent crowds in the cold were a solemn reminder that the oath is stronger than ever.

    “Twenty-five years ago, six courageous men made the ultimate sacrifice on these very lands. The nation watched as stories of honor, valor and valor unfolded in the search for lost civilians and ultimately lost brothers,” Deputy Fire Chief Adam Roche said in his introductory remarks. “Twenty-five years ago, a commitment was made to never forget the sacrifices of six men who lost their lives here. Tonight, as time passes and generations of firefighters change, we gather here to fulfill this commitment. To never forget.

    In his invocation, Fire Chaplain Rev. Jonathan Slavinskas noted the courage, sacrifice and dedication of Firefighter Paul A. Brotherton, Lt. Timothy P. Jackson, Firefighter Jeremiah M. Lucey II, Lt. James F. Lyons III, Firefighter Joseph T. McGuirk and Lt. Thomas E. Spencer remain an inspiration.

    “Lord, we pray for their families, who have borne the weight of this loss with strength and dignity,” Slavinskas said. “Wrap them in your comforting peace, reminding them that their loved one’s sacrifice was not in vain but a testimony to the highest ideals of service and love for others.”

    Mayor Joseph M. Petty recalled a series of painful and poignant memories of that night 25 years ago, plus one positive memory: how the community came together and rallied behind the Worcester 6 and their loved ones .

    “The city of Worcester does not forget its heroes. We will always remember and respect those who are brave enough to lay down their lives to help others,” Petty said. “The legacy of the six brave men who gave their lives that night to help each other will always be remembered. »

    Councilwoman Kathleen M. Toomey, chair of the Public Safety Standing Committee, said the love and support for the families of the Worcester 6 will always be there.

    “Tears were shed and are still being shed,” Toomey said. “Every year, people still come together to remember our six heroes. »

    Toomey thanks Brian, David, Michael, Steven and Timothy Brotherton; Danny Spencer and Jerry Lucey III, all descendants of the Worcester 6 who chose to become firefighters themselves.

    During the ceremony, family members of the six firefighters laid wreaths of flowers in front of the memorial located in front of the fire station.

    City Manager Eric D. Batista said the sacrifices that took place here 25 years ago continue to help keep our firefighters, including their own children, safe.

    “They set the example that inspired the next generation of Worcester firefighters and will inspire generations to come,” Batista said. “But today, we honor their sacrifice and that of their friends, families and fellow firefighters who had to reckon with their loss. It was a sacrifice born of love for their community, the city of Worcester, and a commitment to saving their fellow human beings in the face of danger. We will never forget what they did for the Worcester Fire Department and this great city of Worcester.

    Calling the Worcester 6 extraordinary men, Fire Chief Martin W. Dyer honored the “fallen brothers” for their bravery and sacrifice, and their families for their strength and resilience.

    “On December 3, 1999, these men came to work with a shared commitment to protect and serve this city, ready to face any emergency that came their way. Little did they know that in a short time, Worcester firefighters would face one of their darkest hours and most devastating losses,” Dyer said. “We have kept our solemn promise to never forget. And tonight, we reaffirm that commitment, as we have done every year since that tragic night.

    Dyer also recognized the Leary Firefighters Foundationcreated by actor, comedian and Worcester native Denis Leary, who lost his cousin, Jeremiah Lucey, in the fire.

    To date, the foundation has awarded 252 grants to more than 47 states and nearly $4 million to fire departments to purchase equipment, technology and training.

    “Every year it’s the same thing, like it just happened,” Leary said in a statement sent Monday to the Telegram & Gazette. “For the family members, firefighters and friends who were there, the pain never fades. Five years feels like 25 minutes ago. Men so brave, so willing to save others. “

    District Fire Chief William Mosley, president of Worcester International Association of Firefighters Local 1009, and Lt. Michael Baer, ​​secretary and treasurer of Worcester Firefighters Local 1009, explained the he story behind the ceremonial ringing of the bell, which was followed by a 21-gun salute.

    Pabio
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