Edward Walsh Jr. - Firefighter - Boston, Massachusetts

Edward Walsh

Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh Jr., age 43, of West Roxbury, died in the line of duty on March 26, 2014, at 298 Beacon Street in Boston, Massachusetts.

Lieutenant Walsh was a member of the Boston Fire Department. He was stationed at the Engine 33 Firehouse. He had 9 1/2 years of service.

He was known as Eddie to his family and friends.

A call came in about 2:43 p.m. that a suite in the basement of an apartment block was on fire. The fire was fanned by high winds and escalated quickly. 160 firefighters responded to the scene.

Lieutenant Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy went straight to the basement. Within several minutes they became trapped and called "mayday". Their colleagues tried valiantly to rescue the trapped men but the super-heated air and smoke and an explosive backdraft made it extremely difficult to reach them. 

The fire chief ordered the building evacuated and firefighters could not reach Edward's body until hours later.

All of the building's residents were evacuated safely. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Boston Fire Department is in mourning over the deaths of their brothers.

After graduating from Watertown High School in 1989, Edward worked side jobs for a

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for Eddie and
for those who have lost him.

while and attended Bridgewater State University. He later worked in finance, but he longed to become a firefighter. Both his father and his uncle were firefighters in Watertown.

Comrades describe Edward as always the first to enter a burning building. At work he led by example. He was a very competent fire officer who took his men under his wing. He got along with everyone.

He was a family man who played with his kids and contributed to his community. Friends said that he was the glue that kept old friends in touch.

His family are devastated over his tragic death. He will be forever mourned.

Edward is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his wife Kristen; his two sons; and daughter.

Thank you for your service to the public, Edward.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next.

Pray that Edward is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.