Crime & Safety
Howard County Supports Fallen Boston Firefighters
'The brotherhood and sisterhood that exists in the fire department sees no distance and no bounds.' —Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services
When thousands lined the streets of Boston this week to salute two firefighters who died in the line of duty, Howard County first responders were among them.
The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Honor Guard and the Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums of Greater Baltimore County, which includes Howard County residents, took part in the funeral processions.
Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy died on March 26 while battling a nine-alarm building fire in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. As they were laid to rest, Howard County firefighters joined thousands in a show of support for the fallen.
"The brotherhood and sisterhood that exists in the fire department sees no distance and no bounds," Maria Hogg, public information officer for the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, said. "It was an honor for all of them to be offered the opportunity by the department to go up to Boston and show their gratitude to the two members they lost by celebrating the life commitment the fallen had for helping others."
The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services posted photos from the event, which we are sharing here for your convenience.
Boston's fire commissioner reported on Friday that sparks from welders, who had not secured a permit for their work, ignited the fire, according to Back Bay Patch, which said criminal charges may be filed. In addition to Walsh and Kennedy losing their lives, close to two dozen more first responders were injured in the blaze.
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