Firefighters Memorial Event Held in Remembrance of 11 Lives Lost

By Kathy Wallace

Westwood Firefighters Local 1994 held its sixth annual Firefighters Memorial event on Sunday, June 8, 2025. This event commemorates the lives of 11 Westwood firefighters lost in the line of duty or due to career-related illness. Westwood firefighters past and present were in attendance for the ceremony and wreath laying in the memorial garden at Fire Station 2 on Washington Street.

Speakers included Chief Steven Lund, Select Board Chair Robert Gotti, Norfolk County Commissioner Richard Staiti, Lieutenant Anthony Burke, Lieutenant Bill Little and Firefighter Andrew Reardon. Select Board members Joseph Previtera and Marianne Leblanc Cummings were also in attendance, along with families of the departed firefighters and several Westwood residents.

Photo courtesy of Kathy Wallace.

The governor annually issues a proclamation setting apart the second Sunday in June as ''Firefighters Memorial Sunday,'' to honor all departed firefighters. Ceremonies are held by firefighters across Massachusetts. Below is one of the readings from the memorial.

Firefighters Prayer

When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may rage,
give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child before it's too late,
or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout,
and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me,
to guard my neighbor and protect his property.
And if according to your will I have to lose my life,
bless with your protecting hand my loving family from strife.

Photo courtesy of Kathy Wallace.

Events like Firefighters Memorial Sunday remind us all of the dedication and service our firefighters provide 24/7 365 days a year. Such bravery and commitment to our community is commendable.

Thanks to Kathy Wallace, Westwood resident, for contributing this article to Westwood Minute.

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