Chief Gerald Reardon and the Cambridge Fire Department regret to announce the Line of Duty Death of Lieutenant Barry Bennett. Lieutenant Bennett, an eighteen-year veteran of the department died as a result of complications from Hepatitis-C.
Then Firefighter Bennett while working on the Rescue Company was inadvertently punctured by a needle while rendering assistance at a medical emergency on October 15, 1987. The Cambridge Fire Department responds to approximately 10,000 such medical emergencies each year.
The injury was reported immediately and he began a course of medical treatment and observation. Unfortunately he tested positive for Hepatitis-C when he thus began a more aggressive form of treatment.
He was promoted to Lieutenant on September 18, 1998 and continued to work until early 2003 when his illness progressed to the point where he could no longer perform his duties. He was placed on an organ donor list for a new liver, which he received in May 2003 because his condition had become so grave.
In spite of the best efforts of the medical community and the brave fight waged by Lt. Bennett and his family he succumbed to his injuries on November 2, 2003.
Lt. Bennett is survived by his wife Jane and sons Zachary, Christopher and Andrew.
A Wake and Celebration of Life will be held at the DeVito Funeral Home located at 761 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, Ma.
A visitation is being held from 4-8 p.m. on November 5, 2003.
A funeral ceremony is being held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on November 6, 2003.
Formation Requested at 11:15 a.m. with Class A uniform at the Funeral Home.
