Breaking News: Site Of Deadly Worcester Fire Reborn | Officials turn out for dedication of Franklin Street Fire Station
Several hundred people gathered this afternoon to honor six firefighters who died nine years ago in a fiery vacant warehouse in Worcester and to celebrate the opening of a brand new fire house built on the Franklin Street site.
Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray said the building would forever honor the men who answered the call to duty that night and entered the building to be sure a homeless couple had gotten out.
"Time is fleeting, but at other moments time seems to crash to a halt. That night was such a moment. We mark our lives by such powerful moments, good and bad, and we build the stories that define us as individuals and as communities," he said.
Murray said he hoped the building would attract visitors or even inspire a few children to a life of service.
Also expected to speak at the event were City Manager Michael V. O'Brien, Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes, State Sen. Edward M. Augustus Jr., State Rep. Vincent A. Pedone, City Councilor Philip P. Palmieri and Firefighter Frank Raffa, who is the president of Local 1009. Fire Chief Gerard A. Dio was the master of ceremonies.
Nine years ago on Dec. 3, 1999, the property was home to the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse, which was vacant and had homeless people living in it. An accidental fire started and six firefighters lost their lives fighting the blaze. Firefighting efforts were hampered because the building's interior had been cut up into different areas but the changes were never filed with the city.
The Franklin Street station replaces the Brown Square station, which is closed, and will store equipment for the Providence Street and Central Street stations. The Providence Street station is also slated to close.
View a video clip of Murray's remarks this afternoon:
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