Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh Jr. was killed on March 26, 2014, when he became trapped in the basement of a multi-unit residential building during a 9-alarm fire in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.

Ed was a devoted husband and loving father. He was the son of a firefighter and grew up watching his dad and his uncles fight fires in his hometown of Watertown, Massachusetts. Being a firefighter was in his blood, and Ed’s dream was to become a firefighter for the City of Boston.

A college graduate who could have chosen any path in life, Ed followed his dream to become a Boston firefighter. After several years working in the business world, where he met his wife Kristen, Ed’s dream came true and he joined the BFD in 2004. Appointed to Ladder 15 in the Back Bay, Ed enjoyed being part of one of the busiest fire houses in the city. After being promoted to lieutenant in 2012, Ed did everything he could to work his way back to his beloved firehouse at Ladder 15 and Engine 33. He loved working out of the oldest fire house in the city and being surrounded by great firefighters.

Respected and admired by all who worked with him, Ed was a person who led by example. He had a warm smile and quick wit that put everyone at ease. Ed had a big heart, a giving spirit, and he treated everyone with respect. Whether coaching baseball, volunteering, or working at the YMCA, Ed was always helping children, families, and his community. Ed’s life was devoted to serving others, but his greatest joy was being the proud father to three amazing children. With a smile that lit up a room, Ed was the type of person who was surrounded by friends wherever he went, and the moment you met him you knew you had a friend for life. He will forever be remembered as a person who brought out the best in all of us and who brightened our days with his upbeat personality and positive attitude.

Ed was taken from us far too soon, but his spirit will never be extinguished. He lives on with all of the family and friends who loved him, especially his wife, Kristen, and their three children, Dillon, Morgan, and Griffin. We celebrate and honor Ed by carrying on his legacy and continuing the charitable work he did throughout his life.