As Worcester’s fire department and residents mourn the loss of Lt. John R. Kennedy, officials for the union have said Monday that the firefighter’s passing was a line-of-duty death.
Michael Papagni, the president of Worcester Local 1009, said he could not get into specific details, but that Kennedy’s death was a result of injuries in the line of duty.
Papagni said Kennedy, 46, was “a true example for all our firefighters young and old.”
The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts also referred to Kennedy’s passing as a line-of-duty death.
A spokesman for the Worcester Fire Department said more information would be released later Monday.
Kennedy’s death was announced Saturday. He was a 21-year veteran of the department, member of Rescue 1 Group 2, longtime member of the Dive Rescue and Special Operations teams and State District 3 Hazmat Team. He was also an instructor at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow.
Kennedy leaves a son, Sean, and his girlfriend, Heather, officials said.
“John was an exemplary firefighter,” Papagni said. “He was truly everything that we look for in our firefighters. He embraced not only the brotherhood but the profession.
“His demeanor, his personality was always enlightening,” Papagni continued. “His professionalism, his expertise in firefighting was always appreciated and an example for all of us.”
Kennedy died Saturday Norwood Hospital after being stricken ill, an obituary reads.
“He had a true passion for the fire department and enjoyed every aspect of his career,” the obituary reads. “His fellow firefighters always looked forward to the nights when Lt. Kennedy would make his tortellini soup.”
Kennedy served in the United States Navy and was awarded medals including the Southwest Asia Service Medal with a Bronze Star, according to his obituary.
“John was the ultimate Boston sports fan who enjoyed taking trips to the beach, attending concerts and cooking on the grill for his family and friends,” his obituary continues. “John had a special bond with his two dogs, Ollie and Sophie who will miss him dearly.”
A wake for Kennedy is planned for Wednesday at Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at the Immaculate Conception Church in Worcester.
In December, Worcester Firefighter Christopher Roy was killed in the line of duty.
Roy was battling a blaze on Dec. 9 at 5-7 Lowell St. when he became trapped. Despite being pulled out of the building by fellow firefighters, Roy succumbed to his injuries.
Prosecutors have said that fire was intentionally lit by Momoh Kamara, who is awaiting trial on charges including second-degree murder and arson.
December historically has been a grueling month for the Worcester Fire Department.
Firefighter Jon D. Davies Sr. died on Dec. 8, 2011, while battling flames inside an Arlington Street three-decker.
And this year will mark the 20th anniversary of the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse fire, which claimed the lives of six firefighters on Dec. 3, 1999.
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