Local Brew Honors Fallen Worcester Firefighter

Local firefighters have designed a beer to honor fallen Firefighter Jon D. Davies Sr., and a portion of the proceeds will go to a fund supporting his family.

Firefighter Davies died in the line of duty Dec. 8 while battling a fire on Arlington Street.

The beer, Rescue One Kolsch, is produced by Watch City Brew Company of Waltham. Aaron Mateychuk, brewmaster at Watch City, and Assistant Brewer Kelly McKnight developed the idea for the beer and fundraiser with help from Aaron's brother, James Mateychuk, a Worcester firefighter who served with Firefighter Davies.

Mr. Mateychuk explained the inspiration behind the beer's flavor: The company tried to create a beer that everyone could enjoy, so although Firefighter Davies was a fan of darker brews, such as Guinness, Rescue One Kolsch is closer to a light beer or pale ale. The majority of the Fire Department drinks light beer, so it just made sense, Mr. Mateychuk said.

Kegs can be purchased from Watch City Brewing for $155, with $20 of that going to the Jon D. Davies Memorial Fund. There are also a limited amount of 22-ounce bottles of the beer available at the brewery in Waltham for $10 a bottle. Rescue One Kolsch can also be found on tap at bars from Boston to Amherst. There is certainly no shortage in Worcester. Local bars that have purchased kegs include Peppercorn's, the Armsby Abbey, Dive Bar, the Blackstone Tap, the Cosmopolitan and the Parkway Diner.

Deputy Fire Chief Geoffrey Gardell tried Rescue One Kolsch at Pepe's on Franklin Street. Being right near the Franklin Street fire station and having the beer on tap has turned the restaurant into a sort of gathering spot. Besides enjoying the brew, the Worcester Fire Department is not directly involved with Rescue One Kolsch, Deputy Chief Gardell said.

There are numerous special interest events that have developed with Davies and his family in mind.

Worcester firefighters played firefighters from Connecticut in a home and away hockey series, traveling from the DCU Center to Watertown, an event which raised more than $6,000. The Worcester Rugby Club will play the New York Firefighters Club at Foley Stadium at 5 p.m. Saturday, and all proceeds will go to the Jon D. Davies Memorial Fund.

Copyright 2012 Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Inc.All Rights Reserved

Find out more about Rescue One Kolsch and places you can find it in the greater-Boston area.