Celtics Honor Firefighters' Families

BOSTON (AP) -- Six Worcester, Mass., firefighters killed in a warehouse fire were remembered during Wednesday night's game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat.

AP World Wide Photos/Winslow Townson Family members of the six Worcester, Mass., firefighters killed in a warehouse blaze are given a standing ovation by fans during the Boston Celtics-Miami Heat game Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000, in Boston after being recognized in the "Heroes Among Us" program by the Celtics.

Recognized as part of the team's ``Heroes Among Us'' program, the firefighters' families were given a standing ovation by the FleetCenter crowd during a second-quarter timeout. Many players and the three referees applauded as well.

Paul Brotherton, Timothy Jackson, Jeremiah Lucey, James Lyons, Joseph McGuirk and Thomas Spencer were killed Dec. 3 after entering a burning warehouse to save homeless people believed to be inside.

"This game will be dedicated to all firefighters who put their lives in jeopardy every day, but especially to those six brave men who paid the ultimate price for their devotion to helping others," Celtics coach Rick Pitino said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of their families."

Before the game, the flag was presented by Boston and Worcester fire department color guards. After the crowd observed a moment of silence, four Boston firefighters sang the national anthem.