2 Firefighters Killed In Back Bay Fire One Year Ago Remembered
BOSTON (CBS) - A number of people continue to place flowers in front of Engine 33/Ladder 15 in honor of Lt. Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy who made the ultimate sacrifice one year ago when they responded to a wind-whipped fire on Beacon Street and became trapped in the basement.
On March 26, 2014, welding sparks caught a Back Bay brownstone on fire. Area firefighters battled the 9-alarm fire.
Walsh, 43, and Kennedy, 33, died battling the blaze. Walsh left behind a wife and three children. Kennedy was a single Marine Corps veteran.
Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn spoke with the families of both firefighters Thursday morning. He says it's a difficult day for them and for the men and women of the fire department.
"It's been a long year," Finn said. "Today is a very somber day. One year ago today we lost two great men, two brave firefighters...family men."
On Thursday, Mayor Marty Walsh tweeted, "This season will always begin for us w/ the memories of Lt. Ed Walsh + FF Michael Kennedy. May we strive always to live up to their example."
Memorial plaques have been placed in front of Engine 33/Ladder 15 to honor the men.
Private memorials are planned for Thursday night.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030 reflects on the one-year anniversary of the fatal fire: