December 3 was the anniversary of the Worcester,MA, Cold Storage Warehouse fire. On that night in 1999, a homeless couple sought shelter from the cold inside a vacant, six story, cold storage warehouse and lit a fire to stay warm. That fire extended to the structure, which was a series of cork insulated rooms in a maze like setting, designed to provide refrigerated storage. When the Worcester Fire Department arrived, they mounted an interior attack and conducted a search to ensure the couple were accounted for. In a tragic turn of events, six Worcester firefighters perished when they could not find their way to safety as the fire consumed the structure.
I remember that night well. I responded as part of a team from the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts to assist with staging and logistics. Once on scene, the grim reality of the loss of the six was apparent by the somber look on everyone’s face. Area departments had sent crews and apparatus and the beginning of a recovery operation that would last nearly a week was underway.Hundreds of firefighters, fire officers and chief officers from across the region stood by the rubble pile with our brethren from Worcester during that painful time.
On this anniversary, two thoughts remain with me. First, on that awful night there was courage and leadership shown by District Chief Mike MacNamee. He stood in the door of the building and would not let anyone enter, and absorbed the frustration, anger, and grief his firefighters vented at him, wanting to enter and search for their lost brothers. Mike saved many lives that night and has shared his story with the fire service in the hopes of saving many more. Listen to Mike share his story;
Ret. District Chief MacNamee reflects of the night six Worcester Firefighters perished in the Worcester Cold Storage Fire.
Second, the fire service is a service like no other. During this dark time, dozens of fire departments from the region and beyond sent apparatus and crews to staff the Worcester Fire Department for many days, allowing its members to recover and mourn. One hundred thousand fire department personnel attended the memorial service, where President Clinton and Senator Edward Kennedy spoke. I will never forget that service and the compassion shown by the President and our Senator.
Courageous leadership and willingness to help one another are the hallmark of the fire service.We here at NFPA will never forget the Worcester 6 and their sacrifice.
Visit Worcester Six Memorial Site to learn more about Firefighters Paul A Brotherton, Timothy P. Jackson, Jeremiah M. Lucey, James F. “Jay” Lyons III, Joseph T. McGuirk and Lt. Thomas E. Spencer.
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