UPDATE: BOSTON FIRE LIEUTENANT KILLED IN APPARATUS CRASH:
A HERO AND A WELL KNOWN TV STAR. The Secret List www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
As previously posted, very tragically yesterday, Boston Fire Lt. Kevin Kelley of Ladder Co.26 was killed in the Line of Duty in an apparatus crash involving Ladder 26. Ladder 26 is one of 23 ladders in the BFD and 1 of 8 that are 13 years or older. It is a 1995 E-One, 110′ rig. Reports are that it passed its last annual safety inspection in March 2008 and an aerial inspection in September 2008. A panel will be investigating to determine how this tragedy could happen.
The apparatus went out of control on a steep side street yesterday afternoon…it went across four lanes of traffic, then through a gate and smashed into a high-rise building, killing a Lt Kelley, critically injuring another Firefighter as well as causing minor injury to the 2 FF’s in the rear..
As soon as the wake and funeral arrangements are made, they will be posted here: http://www.bostonfirelocal718.org
LT. KEVIN KELLEY WAS WELL KNOWN AS A HERO FIRE OFFICER….AND TV STAR:
Lt. Kelley, with 30 years on BFD was married and a Dad of 3 daughters. He was a devoted family man and a reality television star (see below). Boston Firefighters Local 718 VP Richard Paris describes Lt. Kelley as a “great firefighter” and a “great father….he loved taking trips with his family….Kevin always enjoyed coming in to do his job and then going home – but not today,” said Paris, who came on the job with Kelley 30 years ago. “He’s not going home.”
The TV Show “Firehouse USA: Boston,” prominently featured Lt. Kelley…and he played a "starring" role as seen in the video clips below. The filming crew became close to Kelley and he invited them to film a backyard barbeque at his home. You can see them below.
Lt Kelley was a second-generation firefighter and one of the longest-serving firefighters in BFD…he was promoted to lieutenant in 1988. In 1997, he and other FF’s received the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for rescuing several adults and children from a burning building, including some rescued by ladder from balconies.
Thanks to Dave Statter911 for providing the video clips….odd’s are, MANY of us have seen the program and knew Lt Kelley at least through the TV…..and sadly, we all know him now:
Here are related links:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/01/10/horrific_crash_kills_firefighter/
Our sincere condolences to the BFD…but especially to his friends, family and his wife and 3 daughters.
Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 1-10-09 / 0532 hours
