On December 3rd, 1999, Jay and five of his fellow firefighters gave the ultimate sacrifice when they perished in the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse fire. In Jay’s memory, his high school classmates (Doherty High, 1983) have established a scholarship fund through the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Established in January 2001, the Lt. James "Jay" Lyons Memorial Road Race has raised more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the sole purpose of funding the Jay Lyons Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a Doherty High senior at graduation and is made available to the recipient in each of the four college years. For example, in 2010, the scholarship was utilized by four college students.

The Jay Lyons Road Race is held every April as the major fundraiser for the scholarship.

Also, it is an opportunity to gather and honor Jay. In so doing, we are able to give back to the community that Jay served so faithfully.

Please go to the new web site for the race: www.jaylyonsmemorial.com