Boston Fire Fighter Recognized for Heroic Rescue

February 16, 2007 – Three Massachusetts children owe their lives to Boston, MA Local 718 member Andrew Lee who located and removed the youngsters from an apartment fire. Lee is new to the Boston Fire Department and still within his probationary period. He joined the department after serving three tours in Iraq with the U.S. Marines.

Acknowledging the valiant efforts of Lee and his Engine Company 24, Mayor Tom Menino issued a special citation for the entire company and designated February 14 as “Andrew Lee Day.”

Engine Company 24 was dispatched to the February 10 apartment fire in the Roxbury area of Boston after neighbors smelled smoke and called 9-1-1. Once there, residents were quick to tell fire fighters that there were three children trapped inside.

Lee and another fire fighter rushed into the apartment, which was filled with smoke. Lee found the children and handed them out to other responding fire fighters.

“The responding Local 718 fire fighters showed very good teamwork,” says Ralph Dowling, secretary of Local 718. “As a U.S. Marine, Lee is no stranger to teamwork.”

Lee spent three months with the fire academy and has spent three months with his engine company assignment. He has six more months to go before losing his probationary status.

“There are 1,599 other guys who would have done what I did,” says Lee. “I just happened to be the guy. It could have been anyone.”

The children – ages 6, 4 and 11 months – were home alone when the fire broke out, but are reported to be recovering. The Department of Social Services has not commented on the family or why the children were by themselves.

Damage to the apartment is estimated at $50,000.