Paul Cahill died August 29‚ 2007‚ from injuries sustained in a roof collapse while fighting a fire in a West Roxbury restaurant.

Born in Boston‚ Paul Cahill grew up in Dedham‚ the oldest of six siblings. He and his wife‚ Anne‚ began dating as teenagers and married in 1973. After graduating from Dedham High School‚ Cahill joined the Navy‚ serving on a tugboat in Newport‚ Rhode Island. After leaving the Navy‚ he became an electrician.

He joined the Boston Fire Department in May 1993‚ at age 40‚ and was assigned to the firehouse on Centre Street‚ home to Engine 30 and Ladder 25. There is a family tradition of public service. Cahill’s father and uncle were both detectives for the Boston Police Department‚ and his sister retired from the state police. Paul loved firefighting. He was remembered by coworkers as an aggressive firefighter who loved the camaraderie of the fire house and helped with anything that needed to be done.

Paul enjoyed fishing‚ taking vacations‚ walking along the beach‚ and gardening. He was a simple man. He worked two jobs to support his family.

He is survived by his wife‚ Anne; his sons‚ Brendan and Adam; and his daughter‚ Shauna.

He was truly a good person‚ a wonderful father‚ and a hero.