"Boston Fire fighters are dedicated to the advancement of the moral, economic,
and social standing of the members of the Boston Fire Department
in keeping with the dignity of their heroic calling." 

Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts

Affiliated with International Association of Fire Fighters AFL-CIO and Massachusetts AFL-CIO Council

130 Bowdoin Street, Suite 710, Boston, Massachusetts 02108

Tel. (617) 523-4506   http://www.pffm.org   Fax (617) 523-5312

For Immediate Release                                                                         Contact: Robert B. McCarthy

May 16, 2008                                                                                                                (617) 803-5222

PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS OF MASSACHUSETTS ANNOUNCE THE ELECTION OF EDWARD KELLY, PRESIDENT OF BOSTON FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 718, TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS OF MASSACHUSETTS

Boston – Robert B. McCarthy, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM), is pleased to announce the election of Edward Kelly, to the office of Legislative Agent. Kelly was elected by acclimation today at the monthly state meeting held in Lynn, MA and attended by more than 500 members.

“In these tough financial times when cities and towns are reducing staffing and services, Ed Kelly will bring a fresh voice and new perspective,” McCarthy said. “He has always been an active voice in our legislative efforts and I look forward to working with him in his new role representing union fire fighters at the State House.”

Kelly will fill the position formally held by Boston Fire Lt. Robert T. Kilduff, Sr., who lost a courageous battle with cancer in March. Kelly will join the PFFM’s senior Legislative Agent, Cambridge Fire Lt. Bradford Tenney.

“I am honored by the trust the membership has bestowed to me,” Kelly said. “I look forward to working with the Massachusetts Legislature to bring attention to our priorities in the FY’09 budget and legislation that we have filed.”

The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts represent more than 12,000 professional fire fighters from across the Commonwealth.  More information about the PFFM can be found at www.pffm.org.

Retired Brockton Fire Chief Ed Burrell, age 93, stands to the right of the Strand Theatre Fire Memorial which was unveiled on Saturday, May 10th. Chief Burrell is the last surviving member of the Brockton FD who was at the Strand Theatre Fire on March 10th, 1941.  A large turnout of Brockton citizens and fire fighters from near and far came to witness the dedication of the Strand Theatre Fire Memorial.

Kudos to Brockton Fire Fighters Local 144 for being the driving force behind this wonderful tribute to their fallen Brothers.

     Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley today released the following statement upon the completion of the investigation into the Aug. 29, 2007, deaths of Firefighter Paul J. Cahill and Firefighter Warren J. Payne in West Roxbury: 

“On Aug. 29, 2007, Boston Firefighters Warren J. Payne and Paul J. Cahill were killed while fighting a fire at the Tai Ho Mandarin and Cantonese Restaurant in West Roxbury. As with all unnatural or unattended deaths within the City of Boston, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with homicide detectives from the Boston Police Department, began an investigation into these deaths to determine whether any crime was committed. After a complete and thorough review of all of the evidence, I have determined that there is no basis for criminal charges to issue.
“In addition, I have authorized the release of the contents of our entire investigative file, including autopsy and toxicology results, to Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick J. Fraser, Jr. and the Boston Fire Department’s Board of Inquiry should they wish to review it in the course of their own investigation.
“As in every death investigation, our legal obligation in this case was specifically to determine whether any crime was committed: that is, whether any action by any individual or individuals rose to the level of wanton and reckless conduct, causing the deaths of these two firefighters. The question of the presence of alcohol and/or other intoxicating substances was considered along with all other evidence and in no way changes our determination that there are no criminal charges to attach to the deaths of these firefighters.
“Firefighters Warren Payne and Paul Cahill went into a dangerous fire – an inherently deadly environment – fully aware of the risks. They gave their lives in the line of duty to protect the lives and property of strangers. Nothing in our investigation has produced any evidence that diminishes the magnitude of their sacrifice or the heroism of their actions.”
Conley notified Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick J. Fraser, Jr., of the investigation’s findings via telephone this afternoon.