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Retired police officer, the father of a firefighter, dies in Revere, Massachusetts house fire

Retired Revere police officer killed in house fire mourned by neighbor
Retired Revere police officer killed in house fire mourned by neighbor 01:20

A house fire in Massachusetts ended in tragedy Tuesday. Richard Serino, a retired Revere police officer and father of a Revere firefighter, died. He was 77 years old.

The fire started just after 4:30 p.m. and quickly spread through the multi-family home on Washington Avenue.

"You could see the firefighters in and out of the house, the alarms going off to tell them to leave, it was utter chaos," said neighbor Irene Metcalf.

Firefighters found Serino inside and carried him out. He was rushed to CHA Everett Hospital where he died.

"Beloved in our community"

"This is a very sad day for the Revere Fire Department and the City of Revere," Acting Revere Fire Chief James Cullen said in a statement Wednesday. "Mr. Serino was beloved in our community. He served as a US Marine and a Revere Police officer for many years, and his son is a Revere firefighter. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and many loved ones."

Serino was with the department for 34 years, from 1979 to 2013, according to Interim Revere Police Chief Maria LaVita.

"He was quick-witted and always smiling. We will miss him immensely," she said. The department posted a photo of Serino from his days as Revere's motorcycle traffic officer on their social media accounts.

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Retired revere police officer Richard Serino. Jessica Giannino

No one else was hurt in the fire. There's no word on how or where it started, but the state fire marshal's office said there was no evidence that it was intentionally set. 

"He was very well-known in the community, he was a motorcycle officer, I believe he was, for many, many years," said Metcalf. "He was very well-respected."

Metcalf said she'll always remember Serino's dedication to decorating for the holidays. 

"He had the biggest Easter bunny, the biggest turkey, the biggest Santa Claus," said Metcalf. "And I believe that the community should come together and on the Fourth of July to pay respects to him is to maybe make a little something for this holiday."

"True pillar of the Revere community"

Serino was honored last month at the State House in Boston as a part of Military Appreciation Day. Massachusetts State Representative Jessica Giannino wrote a tribute to him on Facebook that day.

She told WBZ-TV she's "heartbroken" by his death and called Serino "a true pillar of the Revere community."

"Richie wasn't just a proud Marine or a veteran Revere police officer, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to so many. I'm grateful to have shared a beautiful memory with him and his family just a few weeks ago as we honored his service. Our families go back generations, and that deep connection makes this loss feel all the more personal," Giannino said in an email.

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Richard Serino at the Massachusetts State House on May 22, 2025. Jessica Giannino

"To the Serino family-especially Trudy, the kids, the grandkids, and my dear friend Ricky-my heart is with you during this immensely difficult time."

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