PAX Centurion - March / April 2014

Page 32 • PAX CENTURION • March/April 2014 617-989-BPPA (2772) N o sooner did I finish my article on the one year anniversary of the bombing of the Boston Marathon and tragedy struck in the form of two Boston Fire Fighters losing their lives while battling a fire on Beacon Street. There is and will always be a mutual respect between fire fighters and police officers. The public safety pro- fessions we chose have risks and we all understood this when we gave our pledge to serve and protect. It is none the less heartbreaking to hear this news of our two fallen brothers from the BFD. I watched this tragedy unfold in the media.You can always tell or feel when something is wrong. With this blaze Boston Fire Fighters were battling severe wind which may have caused a backdraft that sent the fire out of control. Lt. EdWalsh and Fire Fighter Mike Kennedy were stuck in the basement trying to contain the blaze when they became trapped. Their water hose may have burned through according to reports in the Herald. The two immediately after entering the basement sent out a mayday call. Captain Neal Mullane and his men from Ladder 18 were blown backwards while trying to reach the two firefighters in the basement with a hose. They were unable to reach their brothers on time. Truly this is every firefighter’s nightmare. Heroic actions dashed by a fireball which nearly killed Captain Mul- lane and his men. Mike Kennedy was pulled from the basement a short time later and rushed to Mass General Hospital where he was pro- nounced. His body was taken out the back by Boston EMS onto Storrow Drive where a line of Boston Fire Fighters, Boston Police Officers, Mass State Troopers and other agencies rendered a final salute to the fallen hero. Fire Fighter Mike Kennedy was also a United States Marine who fought in Iraq. He was one of the responders at last years bombings and was training to run the Boston Marathon in April. He served on the BFD for six years. Lt. EdWalsh was removed later when the fire slowed down enough for firefighters to go in and extract him. Sadly Lt. Walsh leaves behind a wife and three children who are all under the age of ten. Both Fire Fighters were again honored onAlbany Street where they were taken from the morgue and brought to the funeral home. Fire Fighters and Po- lice Officers along with EMS linedAlbany Street with their emergency vehicles (lights on). All stood at attention and rendered a salute to the fallen heroes as they A terrible loss By Mark A. Bruno passed by. It was reminiscent of the procession held almost a year ago in honor of MIT Officer Sean Collier. President Richard Paris of Local 718 has set up a fund through their credit union across from Florian Hall. BothWalsh and Kennedy served out of the Boylston Street Firehouse which was draped in black bunting and had theAmerican flag at half staff in honor of the two who gave their lives in the line of duty. The station had citizens dropping off flowers and extending their condolences to the grief stricken co-workers of Walsh and Kennedy. A solemn procession was being planned and is expected to have thousands of Firefighters from all over the country in attendance. EMS and Police Officers will also attend to pay their respects to their fallen public safety brothers. HearingAmazing Grace played by bagpipers is something we would like to hear a little less. The members of the BPPA would like to send their heartfelt sympathy to theWalsh and Kennedy Family. We would also extend the same to our brothers and sisters of Fire Fighters Local 718. May God bless and keep these two fallen heroes close to His Heart.