Massachusetts firefighter dies saving two colleagues from blaze, hours before he was due to take family to Disney World
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS: A heroic Massachusetts firefighter died while rescuing two of his colleagues who were trapped in a fire, just hours before he was set to take his wife and three children on a trip to Disney World.
Jason Menard, 39, was called into action after a raging fire broke out on Stockholm Street in Worcester around 1 am on November 13 and left two of his fellow firefighters, including newlywed Chris Pace trapped inside, according to The Daily Mail.
They were trapped on the third floor of the building after they ventured inside to rescue a woman and a baby, and Menard, without regard for his safety, had rushed inside to help them.
He threw Pace out of a third-story window and guided the other colleague to the stairs, but in the process, he got trapped himself. High winds at the time hampered efforts to reach him, and by the time they finally got to him, more than an hour had passed.
The 39-year-old was rushed to the hospital but did not survive his injuries. Three other firefighters, including Pace, were also taken to the hospital, though the latter is the only one who is still receiving treatment for grievous injuries.
The newlywed, who has been with the department for 18 months and had tied the knot two months ago, reportedly suffered a collapsed lung, eight broken ribs, 13 fractures, and third-degree burns all over his body.
But his family is just thankful that he's alive, and say they owe it all to Menard. "He will always be our hero, and we're very thankful," said Pace's sister-in-law Tiffany Hansmar to WCVB5. "Without him (Menard) Chris would not be here. He would not be here with his son. He would not be here with my sister who's expecting her second. So, it's hard."
Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie also paid tribute to the fallen firefighter, telling reporters, "Lt. Menard heroically and selflessly saved his crew, helping a probationary firefighter to the stairs and then returning to rescue another trapped firefighter, assisting him out the window."
"He was a passionate fire officer who absolutely loved being a firefighter. He took his job very seriously, performed it admirably and his dedication to the residents of Worcester was unwavering," he added.
Local 1009 President Michael Papagni revealed Menard was due to go on vacation before his tragic death. "They had planned this morning to be on a trip to Disney," he said. "They are instead planning a hero’s sendoff. We’ll support his family and his children for the rest of their lives."
It is still unclear how the fire broke out, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Worcester Police currently investigating the scene.