Statement of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh Regarding 9-Alarm Back Bay Fire

Tonight the City of Boston mourns the loss of two of our own. Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy lost their lives battling the nine-alarm fire on Beacon Street today.

Words cannot do justice to the grief that we feel tonight. Our hearts are heavy with the knowledge that these brave men gave their lives to protect the safety of our city and its people.

The men and women of the Boston Fire Department are the brave heroes who run towards the danger when others run away. A day like today makes us all too aware of what they are risking in the course of doing their jobs. They are heroes simply by virtue of accepting this duty. They put themselves in harm’s way so that others might be safe.

Thank you to the Boston Fire Department, Boston Police Department (Official), Boston EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and all other first responders and volunteers for your heroic work today.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families tonight as they face this terrible loss. We also hold close their fellow firefighters, who have lost friends as dear as brothers.

UPDATED: Boston 9-Alarm Fire Claims Two Boston Firefighters (Fire Knocked Down)

Firefighter Mike Kennedy, L-15 and Lt. Ed Walsh, E-33. Killed in the Line of Duty March 26,2014

Update on Beacon St. 8: The Boston Fire Commissioner regrets to announce the Line of Duty deaths of two Boston firefighters killed today. Killed was Lt. Edward J. Walsh,Jr. assigned to Engine Company 33 on Boylston Street. 43 yo, a 9 1/2 year veteran. Second killed was Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy of Ladder Company 15 on Boylston St. 33yo, a 6 1/2 yr veteran. Also Veteran USMC. 

Lt. Walsh was the son of a Watertown firefighter. Married with 2 boys, 1 girl- all under age 10. He lived in West Roxbury.

Lt. Walsh's late father was a Lieutenant as was his late Uncle Bill. His cousin Tom is currently a Captain, all on Watertown Fire

Firefighter Kennedy was single and lived in Hyde Park. He was a veteran of the Marine Corps.

Boston Fire says; Thanks to everyone for supporting us today. Special thanks to @BOSTON_EMS , @bostonpolice  and @MassStatePolice  True friends

The fire is knocked down with remaining firefighters chasing hot spots.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says; Tonight we mourn the loss of 2 of our own. Lt. Ed Walsh, Firefighter Michael Kennedy lost their lives battling a 9-alarm fire on Beacon St.

Our hearts are heavy with the knowledge that these brave men gave their lives to protect the safety of our city & its people.

The men and women of @bostonfire are the brave heroes who run towards the danger when others