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A Massachusetts firefighter and father of three died while rescuing members of his crew at the scene of a 4-alarm blaze overnight, officials said.
The massive fire in Worcester, about 45 miles west of Boston, was reported just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday.
Lt. Jason Menard, a member of the Worcester Fire Department since 2010, died rescuing the other members of his crew, officials said.
It is with a heavy heart that Chief Michael Lavoie announces the devastating loss of Lt. Jason Menard, a member of WFD since 2010 assigned to Ladder 5, Group 2 at McKeon Road Fire Station. He leaves behind his wife Tina, 3 children & parents. Please keep them in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/VYYpHhvzcL
With heavy hearts, Boston EMS would like to send our deepest condolences to the family of Lt. Jason Menard and his brothers and sisters @WorcesterFD. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. pic.twitter.com/tS5T3eESvR
Menard’s family had planned to be leaving for a trip to Disney, said Michael Papagni, president of the local firefighters’ union.
“They’re now instead planning a hero’s send off,” Papagni told reporters Wednesday morning.
Menard and the other firefighters were working to rescue a resident and baby when they became trapped by heavy fire conditions, Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie said.
Menard “heroically and selflessly saved his crew, helping a probationary firefighter to the stairs and then returning to rescue another trapped firefighter, assisting him out the window,” Lavoie said at a news conference.
Fire conditions then overtook the third floor and Menard “was unable to escape,” Lavoie said.
Right Now: Fellow Firefighters and Worcester Residents pay tribute to Lt Jason Menard of Ladder 5. The Father of 3 perished overnight after saving 2 other firefighters battling a house fire. #wcvb pic.twitter.com/FqqM9bDH9Y
The high winds and brutally cold temperature made it difficult for the fallen lieutenant to be rescued, officials said.
Three other firefighters were injured while battling the blaze. One remains in the hospital in serious but stable condition and the other two firefighters have been released.
A neighbor opened her home to about a dozen residents who escaped the fire, some without shoes or socks into the frigid weather. She says among the victims were 2 babies and a 6y/o. By all accounts they are ok. #Wcvb pic.twitter.com/MsU1w4w6x6
Menard leaves behind his wife, three children and parents, the department said.
“He had a true passion for the job and he’ll be missed,” Papagni added.
Flag outside Worcester Fire Department headquarters lowered to half-staff for Lt. Jason Menard who died this morning #WCVB pic.twitter.com/7dn2u9vycz
Overpasses along the Mass Pike are lined with firefighters as body of fallen @WorcesterFD Lt. Jason Menard prepares to be transported back to Worcester from medical examiners office in Boston. #wcvb pic.twitter.com/Je2m07ZN7z
