MA Firefighter Dies in 4-Alarm Blaze During Frigid Night

Nov. 13, 2019
Worcester Fire Lt. Jason Menard died trying to rescue a baby trapped on the third floor of a burning three-decker during one of the coldest nights of the year.

Worcester Firefighter Lt. Jason Menard was killed overnight in a 4-alarm blaze, officials confirmed Wednesday morning.

Menard was fighting a fire at a three-decker on Stockholm Street during one of the coldest nights of the year. Sources told MassLive three other firefighters were injured in the fire and one appears to be in critcal condition at this time.

Several residents were displaced from the fire.

Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie called it another unimaginable loss for the department.

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Menard leaves a wife and three young children, Lavoie said. The chief called Menard a passionate firefighter.

Worcester Local 1009 President Michael Papagni said the family had been planning a trip to Disney. Now instead, the family is planning a hero’s send-off.

There was a baby trapped on the third floor, Lavoie said. Menard and his fellow firefighters were making heroic efforts, the chief said. The condition of the baby is not clear.

Firefighters on scene made courageous efforts, Lavoie said. Other firefighters were injured in the blaze.

The loss of Menard comes as the Worcester Fire Department braces itself for the anniversary of other firefighter deaths.

Dec. 3 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. Fire, which killed six firefighters.

Last year on Dec. 9, Firefighter Christopher Roy was killed battling a blaze on Lowell Street.

Earlier this year, Lt. John Kennedy died a few days after fighting a fire.

And in 2011, Firefighter Jon D. Davies Sr. died on Dec. 8, while battling flames inside an Arlington Street three-decker.

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