Thursday, 4:30 PM
Officials react to fatal West Roxbury fire
(John Tlumacki/Globe Staff)
A fire lieutenant bowed his head today as he sat on a fire truck at the scene of a fatal fire in West Roxbury.
By Globe Staff
There was a moment of silence at Yankee Stadium this afternoon before the first pitch of the Red Sox game. Flags across Massachusetts have been lowered to half staff. Flowers and hand-written notes are piling up outside outside Engine 30, Ladder 25 in West Roxbury.
The sacrifice made by firefighters Paul J. Cahill and Warren J. Payne is being recognized today with gestures both large and small.
Governor Deval Patrick:
Last night brought tragedy to the city of Boston and the entire Commonwealth.Lieutenant Governor Murray and I are deeply saddened by the loss of firefighters Paul Cahill and Warren Payne. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and their brothers and sisters who were also injured.
Let us acknowledge the sacrifices made last night and everyday by the men and women who work to ensure public safety.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino:
Last night the City of Boston suffered a tremendous loss when two brave veteran fire fighters, Paul J. Cahill and Warren J. Payne, were killed in the line of duty. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this very difficult time. We ask that their privacy be respected as they cope with this devastating tragedy.Ten fire fighters and one paramedic were injured in the blaze. We are grateful for their services and pray for their steady recovery. I want to thank the Brigham and Women's hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Faulkner hospital for treating the victims and providing counseling to their families today.
The Boston Fire Department is also providing counseling to its members. We are all aware of the risks our public safety officers take to protect us. They always put our needs before their own. That doesn't make it any easier to accept the harsh reality we find ourselves in today.
Today is a day for the city of Boston to come together, to grieve, to reflect and to gain a new appreciation for the men and women of the Boston Fire Department. We have seen outpouring of support from the people of West Roxbury -- the flowers, the American flags line the entrance of the fire houses where these fire fighters were stationed. That unity, that compassion, that resilience is how we get going through this very serious tragedy.
Boston City Council President Maureen E. Feeney:
There are no words to describe the sadness our entire city shares today after learning of this tragic loss of these brave firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our city.Each day, our firefighters put themselves on the line responding to calls of all kinds with courage and resolve. We all share a tremendous loss when they do not return home.
All my thoughts and prayers are with these brave men, their families and their brothers and sisters in uniform.
Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley:
Today the people of Boston and throughout Massachusetts mourn the loss of two brave firefighters who tragically lost their lives last night.Paul J. Cahill and Warren J. Payne selflessly answered the call to service, placing our public safety above their own needs. At this terribly sad moment we pray for Paul and Warren, their families and friends, the more than 100 firefighters who responded at the fire, and all the men and women of the Boston Fire Department. We pray for those injured last night and ask God to bless them with the strength to recover.
The words of the Firefighters prayer remind us of the commitment to public service that Paul and Warren witnessed with their lives: "I want to fulfill my calling, To give the best in me, To guard my friend and neighbor ... "
God bless them and keep them.
Senator John F. Kerry:
Today Massachusetts mourns the loss of two heroes who gave their lives so others could live. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Paul Cahill and Warren Payne. Their deaths are a painful reminder that the firefighters who do their duty day in and day out are always one alarm away from the fire that could be their last. No one should ever take for granted the service of these incredible public servants. They define courage in our country. Words cannot express our deep gratitude to them and our sadness for their loss.
Teresa and I extend our prayers to the families and friends of Paul Cahill and Warren Payne and also to those firefighters injured in last night's blaze. We are here for the entire West Roxbury community, we pray for some comfort and peace to come to those affected by this tragedy, and we must all recommit ourselves to doing right by our first responders, not just today, but after the bagpipes stop wailing.
