DECEMBER 3, 2009

10 years have passed since the "6" Worcester Massachusetts Firemen were killed in the Worcester Cold Storage Facility fire.

     A day of tragedy is to be remembered as 6 brothers from Worcester Fire Department gave their lives while searching for reported subjects trapped in a cold storage facility.  They are known as the "Worcester 6".  Their names are FF Paul Brotherton, FF Jeremiah Lucey, FF James Lyons, FF Joseph McGuirk, Lt. Thomas Spencer, and Lt. Timothy Jackson.  On December 3, 1999, these brothers entered a fireman's deathtrap.  A building that by design was a fireman's worst nightmare.  The walls were over 18 inches thick; they lacked windows and doors; and the insulation of the building made it a 6 story furnace.

     The firemen entered the building to search for two homeless people that were reportedly still inside.  What they didn't know was that the homeless people had started the fire and fled.  And then they stood outside as the firemen entered the building risking theirs to search for them.

     As these firemen entered the building, the nightmare became a reality.  They became disoriented, lost, low on air.  It became an operation of search and rescue of the firemen themselves.  The losses kept compiling to a point where the Chief had to say no more.  I can not lose any more brothers.  Every brother in that Department would have risked their own lives to find the brothers they had lost.  The Chief knew that.  But he could not afford it.  Its a burden that no one wants to live with.

    To honor these brothers, we must honor the lessons learned:

• Be vigilant of your response area and the traps that they hold for you.
• Work as a team, and maintain the buddy system.
• Don't be afraid to call a mayday when you are lost or trapped.
• Use search lines when entering large structures.
• Carry a spare flashlight, a spare radio battery, and bring your hand tools with you.
• As a Rapid Intervention Team be on the offensive.  Ready to go at a moments notice.  Be proactive in removing bars, windows, doors.  Have ladders in place, as well as back-up hand lines ready to go.
• Know building construction.  Understand it.
• Get out and drill.  90% of the drills can be performed in the firehouse itself and be just as effective.  If you don't practice it, you will forget it.

    

     No one should say how these brothers acted was wrong.  No one should say they were not prepared.  Unless you were one of the brothers there that night, you have no voice in the actions that occured.

     Everyday a fireman is killed or injured in the line of duty.  Take the time to learn their story.  Learn a lesson from another's experience.  Senior men teach your rookies.  Drill with your crews.  Share your experiences.

STAY SAFE.

PROTECT THE BROTHERHOOD.

EVERYONE GOES HOME.