The Worcester Firefighter's Memorial honors the brave men who have sacrificed their lives as members of the Worcester Fire Department.
On December 3, 1999, a five-alarm fire at the Worcester Cold Storage & Warehouse Co. building claimed the lives of six brave firefighters who responded to the call. These six heros, The Worcester 6, sacrificed their lives to try and rescue two individuals who were believed to be trapped inside the inferno. May the Worcester 6 always be remembered; "Fallen Heroes Never Forgotten."
Crafted by artist Brian P. Hanlon, the three-piece tribute to the six fallen firefighters in the December 3, 1999 fire was unveiled to the public on December 3, 2008; nine years after the tragic fire and on the very spot where the warehouse once stood.
The artist used three elements to create this wonderful tribute:
Anyone wishing to view this fine tribute may do so by visiting the Franklin Street Fire Station at the site of Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse Fire. The tribute is located on the left-hand side of the main entrance.
The site of the former Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse building is now home to the Franklin Street Fire Station. Officially opened on November 19, 2008, the station houses Engine 6, Ladder 1 and Rescue 1.
This state-of-the art facility is a fitting site to those six brave men who gave their lives in the line of duty. At the official ribbon cutting ceremony, many family and friends of the Worcester 6 were in attendance to partake in this memorable experience; a day honor the fallen heros and to celebrate the spirit of our community.
Click on a thumbnail below to view the full-sized image.
On December 8, 2011, the Worcester Fire Department responded to a 3-alarm structure fire in a triple-decker at 49 Arlington Street. Upon reports of a civilian missing, members of Rescue 1 entered the building. During their search, a sudden catastrophic collapse occurred to the rear of the structure. The collapse claimed the life of Firefighter Jon D. Davies Sr. Jon selflessly laid down his life performing his duty. He will never be forgotten.
A tribute to Jon Davies was sculpted by Brian P. Hanlon. It mirrors the granite pedestal tribute to the Worcester 6. The bronze helmet is an exact copy of Jon Davies helmet. The plaque reads "From this Station, Firefighter Jon D. Davies, Sr. answered his Final Alarm. Box 12-07 for 49 Arlington St. December 8, 2011."
Click on a thumbnail below to view the full-sized image.
On December 9, 2018, the Worcester Fire Department responded to five-alarm structure fire in a 3-story, 6-unit building at 7 Lowell Street. Conditions deteriorated rapidly with heavy fire forcing several firefighters on the second floor to evacuate. With the assistance of other crews and the Rapid Intervention Team, five firefighters escaped over ladders. Firefighter Roy ultimately died battling the blaze.
Firefighter Christopher Roy left behind a daughter, his parents who are Worcester residents and a brother. He was a Shrewsbury resident.
One year after Firefighter Roy's passing, a memorial was unveiled at the Webster Square Fire Station, where he was assigned to Ladder 4, Group 3. Construction of the memorial was made possible through generous donations from the Kraft Family Foundation and the Leary Firefighters Foundation.
On November 13, 2019, Lt. Jason Menard responded to a fire at 7 Stockholm Street as the leader of Ladder 5. Faced with reports of a baby trapped on the third floor, Menard and his crew went to work despite extreme fire conditions, heavy winds, and freezing cold.
As fire conditions worsened, the crew of Ladder 5 became trapped on the third floor. Putting his crew before himself, Menard led his crew to safety, one crew member out a window, saving his life. Jason Menard never freed himself from the third floor and succumbed to the injuries he sustained in this heroic fire fight. Jason Menard left behind a wife and three children.
For those who would like to help his family and honor the sacrifice Jason has made for others, donations are being accepted through the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts Foundation.
To commemorate the Worcester 6 who died 20 years ago in the Worcester Cold Storage Fire, the Worcester Red Sox announced that the team will retire the number 6. Additionally, the team will sell commemorative "Worcester 6" jerseys and donate a portion of the proceeds to the Worcester Fire Department Memorials Care Fund.
In addition to these actions, the Worcester Red Sox announced that they will also reserve eight tickets per game at Polar Park for friends and families of fallen firefighters from Central Massachusetts, and there will be a permanent display at the park for those heroes who paid the ultimate sacrafice.
When I am called to duty, God where ever flames may rage, give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout and quickly and effectively to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me to guard my every neighbor and protect his property. And if according to my fate I am to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
AMEN
