Hoseman Patrick H. Disken 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 Disken was born on March 17, 1858. He was employed as a teamster before being appointed to the Department on October 16, 1886 and assigned to Engine 15 (South Boston). He transferred to Engine 8 (North End) on March 11, 1888, and on May 31, 1889 he transferred to Engine 3 (South End). He transferred to Engine 7 (Downtown) on December 19, 1890 and to Engine 27 (Charlestown) on October 6, 1895. His last transfer was on July 28, 1896 when he was assigned to the double-engine company Engine 38/39 (South Boston).
Captain James H. Victory 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.
Captain Victory was born August 1, 1853. He was employed in the grocery business before he was appointed to the Boston Fire Department on July 31, 1880, as a Call-Man in Ladder Co. 12 (Roxbury). He was made a permanent member of the department on April 3, 1884, assigned to Engine 22 (South End). He was promoted to Lieutenant on May 18, 1891, assigned to Engine 6 (West End). On February 10, 1893 he was transferred to Engine 26 (Downtown). On December 22, 1893 he was promoted to Captain and transferred to the double-engine company Engine 38/39 (South Boston).
District Chief John F. Egan and five members of the same fire company lost their lives during a fire at the George Bent Bedding Company, known as the Merrimac Street Fire, which occurred in the early morning hours of February 5, 1898, during a collapse of the interior floors.
District Chief Egan was born on April 21, 1849. He was employed as a roofer before being appointed to the Department on February 3, 1876, and was assigned to Ladder 1 (Downtown). He was promoted to Lieutenant on April 18, 1882, remaining assigned to Ladder 1. He was promoted to Captain one year later, on July 10,1883, and again remained at Ladder 1. He was promoted to District Chief and assigned to District 1 (East Boston). He later transferred to District 3 (Downtown) and had his quarters at Fort Hill Square (Downtown).
In the over twenty years he served in the Department, Chief Egan had developed a reputation as one of it’s most daring members. He was injured many times and had several narrow escapes. The Lincoln Street Fire of 1893 and the Masonic Building Fire of 1895 were several of his most memorable experiences.
Thomas A. Nye Sr. was born August 9, 1947, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, son of the late Ichabod and Florence (Parker) Nye. He lived in Marion for all his life and died unexpectedly on February 27, 2019, at age 71.
He was the husband of Patricia M. (Westgate) Nye, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.
Tom served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
He served his community as a call firefighter for the Marion Fire Department for 45 years.
Tom lived a full, active, and proud life. He loved his family endlessly and adored his five grandchildren. He was a gentle soul who would have done anything for those he cared about.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia; two sons, Thomas Nye, Jr. and Andrew Nye (Gail); five grandchildren, Christopher, Hailey, Camryn, Lily, and Piper; and his great-granddaughter, Madison.
Lt. Jason J. Menard died in the line of duty on November 13, 2019, while searching for reported trapped residents during a three-alarm fire in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts. Lt. Menard was able to get his crew to safety, but he succumbed to his injuries, and we lost an amazing man. A loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend.
Jason loved the job and went to work each day with a smile on his face. Joining the Worcester Fire Department in October 2010 was a dream come true for him. Early in his fire service career, he spent time on Ladder 6, Engine 11, and finally on Engine 4, the city’s busiest engine, his dream truck with his dream crew. He was hardworking, driven, and eager to learn and was known to ask to do drills. He was constantly looking for ways to better himself. All that carried over with him when he was promoted to lieutenant in October 2018 and assigned to Ladder 5. A true leader, he gave his crew 100% and even then always had training and drilling on his mind. He was never more excited than when a green shield was headed to his truck. Jason was a great teacher and would take all the time you needed to make sure you understood what he was teaching you. The passion he had for the job and the role he worked hard to achieve was demonstrated by his actions on every shift. “No days off,” he’d say.
A true believer in family first, he could always be found in the front row, whether it was a dance recital, track meets, softball, or basketball games. He was a great firefighter but an even better dad and husband. Watching him be a dad was very special. He took the time to make each one of us feel just how loved we were. He loved spending time with the kids outside, biking, yard work, playing in the dirt. His favorite family trips were beach trips and camping trips. Jason knew how to make people laugh and had an incredible sense of humor. He was one of the most loyal and positive people you could ever meet. He cherished every moment he had with his family and friends
Jason was taken from us far too soon and way too young. He is deeply missed each moment of every day. We will always remember his unforgettable laughter and that famous smirk of his. His memory will live on with his family and friends who loved him more than he could ever know. Especially his wife Tina, and their kids, Joshua, Hailee, and Morgan.
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure,
you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
On March 10, 1941, 12 Brockton firefighters were killed, while fighting a fire in the Strand Theater when the roof collapsed. Firefighter Bartholomew Herilhy passed away from injuries sustained during that fire on 3/12/1941.
On March 10, 1941, Firefighter William Murphy was killed, along with 12 other Brockton firefighters, while fighting a fire in the Strand Theater when the roof collapsed.
On March 10, 1941, Firefighter John McNeill was killed, along with 12 other Brockton firefighters, while fighting a fire in the Strand Theater when the roof collapsed.
On March 10, 1941, Firefighter Mathew E. McGeary was killed, along with 12 other Brockton firefighters, while fighting a fire in the Strand Theater when the roof collapsed.
On March 10, 1941, Firefighter Henry Sullivan was killed, along with 12 other Brockton firefighters, while fighting a fire in the Strand Theater when the roof collapsed.
You can receive information on National Fallen Firefighters Foundation resources, news, events, and ways you can help families and the fire service through our online newsletter.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Does Not Solicit Donations by Phone
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation does not solicit donations by phone or employ outside companies to do so. You can make a donation by mail, by phone or through our website. If you have any questions/concerns please contact us.
