Last night, Worcester, Massachusetts, fire fighters suffered yet another unthinkable loss. Worcester, MA Local 1009 member Jason Menard lost his life during a multiple alarm fire overnight. His death is the third in the line of duty for the Worcester Fire Department in less than 12 months and comes within weeks of the 20th anniversary of the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse fire that killed six Worcester Local 1009 members.
“Brother Jason Menard’s tenacity and dedication to service above self was evident last night as he made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to rescue his fellow fire fighters,” says General President Harold Schaitberger. “Our hearts break for his young family and for his Local 1009 brothers and sisters. Brother Menard represents the very best of the IAFF and fire fighters nationwide.”
“Lt. Menard’s actions last night – first leading his crew of Ladder 5 into an inferno to search for a baby and then courageously rescuing one fire fighter and continuing to rescue a second trapped fire fighter – are the most heroic I’ve heard in my 25 years of firefighting,” says General Secretary-Treasurer Ed Kelly.
IAFF 3rd District Vice President Jay Colbert adds, “To lose a young, vibrant leader like Jason is a monumental tragedy, not just for his family but for the family of fire fighters in Worcester and across New England and the nation. Brother Menard will be remembered as a hero for his actions and honored for his selfless sacrifice.”
The IAFF is providing support to Worcester Local 1009 during this period of mourning. The IAFF will always remember and never forget the service and sacrifice of Brother Menard.
