Local firefighters send respects to Boston station

By Greg Grant
HCP columnist

A recent business trip took me to the Boston area, but it was a feeling of brotherhood and compassion that took me to 941 Boylston Street downtown.

As my GPS guided me through the bustle of the big city and crowded streets of Boston on a rainy Sunday afternoon, I fought my way through traffic to find my way there. As the GPS said, “You are reaching your destination on left,” the sounds of the big city, the traffic and the people all faded away and disappeared.

All I saw was the firehouse.

Flags at half-staff. Doors draped in black bunting. An enormous pile of flowers stacked between the doors, and people looking at them and paying their respects.

I know the city was noisy with people and traffic, but – just like in the movies – this scene took all the sounds away. Shortly, though, that quiet will be pierced by the sounds of bagpipes and the shrill echo of the bugles playing taps.

It is ironic, that this station is just a few blocks away from the place known for the Green Monster (Fenway Park), but little did they know how close their station was to a black-and-red monster.

The thick, black smoke that quickly exploded into a big red monster and changed their lives forever. On Wednesday, March 26, two of Boston’s bravest lost their lives battling a fire in an apartment building in the Back Bay area of Boston. They, along with the 13 other injured firefighters, and many of their brothers started their day like any other as they reported for duty.

Yes, all firefighters know that there is always a possibility of being injured or losing their life on the job, as it is one of our nation’s most dangerous professions, but it is always way in the back of our minds, as we never expect it to happen to us. This day was no different.

The firefighters of Engine 33 and Ladder 15 said goodbye to their families and headed off to work, probably talking about what plans they had when their 24-hour duty was over, as they do every third day. On this day, they responded to what would become a nine-alarm fire in an apartment building, where two firefighters, Lt. Ed Walsh, 43, and Firefighter Michael Kennedy, 33, found themselves trapped in a backdraft in the basement.

They did not get to come home.

As is typical in Boston, I drove for quite some time, to finally find a tiny parking spot I could squeeze my rental car into and make my way down the street to go visit the brothers who worked so hard to rescue these brave firefighters from the inferno. As I reached the corner across from the firehouse, I had to stop and quietly look at the flags, the draped doorways, the flowers and the reactions of those passing by.

Most people took time to pause and look at this makeshift memorial, while many stopped at the station, with some leaving flowers or other memorials, while others just stood there in silent reflection and honor of these brave firefighters who gave their all. Some people stopped and talked to the firefighters on duty.

I stood on the corner for some time, my heart aching for these men, as well as their families, and the brothers left behind to carry on the job of protecting their city.

I finally walked across the street, stopping to look at all of the flowers, and the two uniforms hanging by the door. I took the final few steps to go in the doors of the station. I wasn’t sure what I would say to these men once inside.

The words weren’t important; but it was important to let them know firefighters from Hillsboro, Ohio send their condolences and prayers to their brothers in Boston.

I told them I was a retired part-time firefighter from the Hillsboro Fire Department and the Highland County Firefighters Association and that we were all thinking of them. I didn’t ask them anything about the fire or how they were doing. Countless stories have already been reported on those details.

I knew how they felt; I could see that story in their faces. They tried hard to be positive and welcome each visitor; but behind those outward appearances, it didn’t take much to see the pain, and the tired and worn expression behind that good front.

I stayed for a while to observe the people coming to share their condolences with these firefighters. They greeted each one, shaking hands and acknowledging each visitor who came in.

As children came in, they offered them a cookie from the many packages that had been left for them. They let them look around and even offered to let some of the kids try on a fire helmet. Yes, they just lost two of their brothers, but they were still glad to welcome children, who we all know are our future, into their world.

They were gracious hosts for the constant flow of visitors, but they were tired and drained, and still had all of the activities of the upcoming wakes and funerals to yet endure.

Firefighters from all over the country will travel to Boston to be there on Wednesday and Thursday as they carry their fellow firefighters on their trucks to their final resting place.

(The fallen firefighters' names will be added to the International Association of Fire Fighters Fallen Fire Fighter’s Memorial on Sept. 20, 2014.)

Before I left, I did purchase a Boston Fire Department T-shirt which carries the logo of their house, Engine 33/Ladder 15 on the front. It is something I can bring home, and wear proudly, remembering these brothers who gave all to protect the people and city of Boston.

Having been in their station and seeing the many memorials will be a lasting memory. Rest well, brothers, your job is done. Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy, may you rest in peace.

Greg Grant of Hillsboro is a retired part-time firefighter and a contributing writer to The Highland County Press.