Crime & Safety

Thousands of Firefighters Attend Funeral for One of Their Own

The Boston firefighter was killed in a nine-alarm blaze in Back Bay last week.

By Jason Claffey and John Waller

Thousands of firefighters, emergency personnel and area residents gathered in Watertown Wednesday morning for a funeral for Lt. Ed Walsh, one of the Boston firefighters killed in a nine-alarm blaze last week.

Engine 33 carried Walsh's casket from Stanton Funeral Home to St. Patrick's Church on Main Street, where his funeral was scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. Walsh's young nephew was wearing a firefighter's uniform to the funeral. Bagpipers were playing on Main Street Wednesday morning, and firefighters from every state in the country lined the street for the procession.

Walsh's sister, Kathy Malone, and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh spoke at the funeral mass, and tenor Ronan Tynan sang "Ave Maria." Walsh's family was presented with his Medal of Honor at the mass.

Walsh, who lived in West Roxbury, grew up in Watertown. He was married and had three children all under the age of 10. His father and uncle, now deceased, served on the Watertown Fire Department. His cousin, Tom, is currently a captain there.

Services for Mike Kennedy, the other fallen firefighter, start Wednesday.

Ongoing coverage:


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