On June 17, 1972, a fire broke out at the Hotel Vendome on Commonwealth Avenue. It would be the first of four alarms required to extinguish the raging fire It took nearly three hours to stop the blaze. Fire Lieutenant Thomas Carroll, along with eight other firefighters were killed without warning from a collapse during overhaul.
Tom was born on February 1, 1955. He was one of five children. He lived his entire life in Easthampton, Massachusetts. After graduating from high school in 1973, Tom worked in construction, building log homes throughout New England. He soon understood the importance of obtaining a job with benefits to support his family. Tom’s interest in a fire service career began with his wife’s uncle, a firefighter in Easthampton.
Tom became a certified EMT in 1977. He became a provisional firefighter in 1979, a permanent firefighter in 1980, and a captain in 1995. He completed an associate degree in fire science in 2002. Tom’s firefighting career spanned 33 years, retiring in 2010.
Tom was a talented mechanic and could fix anything, including fire trucks and ambulances. In fact, he acquired a secondary title as EFD’s mechanic. He played a key role in the department’s fleet design and replacement program. He achieved certifications in hazardous materials, radiological monitoring, and pump operations. He attended many FEMA and tactical trainings. Tom mentored many young firefighters and trained captains and chief officers alike.
Tom was a humble, reserved, and stoic man, never boastful about his accomplishments. He was devoted to both his family and the fire service. He enjoyed helping others, was a sincere listener, and loved to offer advice to family and friends. Tom was affectionately known to his fellow firefighters as “Zip.” According to one of his chiefs, “His presence at a fire made those who worked with him better firefighters, and you never wanted to let Zip see you quit.”
Tom was a member of the National Street Rod Association and enjoyed building his own street rods. He was an avid skier who often joined fellow firefighters on Okemo Mountain in Vermont. He also enjoyed “shopping” in junkyards and watching collector car auctions. After retiring, he spent his final days enjoying his eight grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. In his memory, one of his daughters opened a salon and spa in Easthampton called “The Fix,” to honor her father who loved the challenge of fixing everything.
Tom departed this life after a long and valiant battle with occupational cancer. He left his wife, three daughters and sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and countless friends. He served his community selflessly with integrity and moral character. A “good Jake,” he represented the fire service with the highest standards.
Tom impacted many lives in his community and loved his family deeply. His memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Firefighter James B. Sheedy, age 37, of the Boston Fire Department, lost his life along with 4 others, on October 1, 1964, during a collapse while fighting a vacant 4-story factory fire at 34 Trumbull Street.
Firefighter Francis L. Murphy, age 42, of the Boston Fire Department, lost his life along with 4 others, on October 1, 1964, during a collapse while fighting a vacant 4-story factory fire at 34 Trumbull Street.
Firefighter Robert J. Clougherty, age 31, of the Boston Fire Department, lost his life along with 4 others, on October 1, 1964, during a collapse while fighting a vacant 4-story factory fire at 34 Trumbull Street.
Fire Lieutenant John J. Geswell, age 40, of the Boston Fire Department, lost his life along with 4 others, on October 1, 1964, during a collapse while fighting a vacant 4-story factory fire at 34 Trumbull Street.
Fire Lieutenant John J. McCorkle, age 53, of the Boston Fire Department, lost his life, along with 4 others on October 1, 1964, during a collapse while fighting a vacant 4-story factory fire at 34 Trumbull Street.
Hoseman William J. Welch and five members of the same fire company lost their lives during a fire at the George Bent Bedding Company, which occurred in the early morning hours of February 5, 1898, during a collapse of the interior floors.
Hoseman Welch was born on November 19, 1870. He was employed as a blacksmith before being appointed to the Department on June 20, 1894. He was assigned to Engine 43 (South Boston). On September 4, 1896 he was transferred to to the double-engine company Engine 38/39 (South Boston).
Hoseman John J. Mulhern and five members of the same fire company lost their lives during a fire at the George Bent Bedding Company, which occurred in the early morning hours of February 5, 1898, during a collapse of the interior floors.
Hoseman Mulhern was born on December 25, 1867. He was employed as a carpenter before he was appointed to the Department on October 14, 1892. He was assigned to the double-engine company Engine 38/39 (South Boston), where he remained since appointment.
Lieutenant George Gottwald and five members of the same fire company lost their lives during a fire at the George Bent Bedding Company, which occurred in the early morning hours of February 5, 1898, during a collapse of the interior floors.
Lieutenant Gottwald was born June 25, 1866. He was employed as a clerk before he was appointed to the Department on May 24, 1889 and assigned to Engine 31 (Fireboat) in the North End. On September 16, 1890 he was transferred to Engine 15 (South Boston). On August 28, 1896 he was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the double-engine company Engine 38/39 (South Boston).
