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The Fallen Heroes
The following remembrances of the six fallen heroes who died in the December 3, 1999, fire appeared in the program for their memorial service in Worcester, Massachusetts, December 9, 1999, and are reprinted here courtesy of the Worcester fire fighters’ union, Local 1009, International Association of Fire Fighters.
Firefighter Paul A. Brotherton
“He was a very loving and caring husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. We will remember not only his sense of dedication to his job, but also his love of life and his sense of humor.” — The Brotherton Family
Firefighter Paul A. Brotherton, 41, was a 16-year veteran of the Worcester Fire Department and served on the Rescue Squad for five years. A native of Worcester, he graduated from Burncoat High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Paul and his wife, Denise, lived in Auburn with their six sons: Michael Paul, age 14, Brian George, age 13, Steven Patrick, age 11, Timothy Roger, age 9, Jonathan David, age 7, and David McCauliff, age 6.
Paul, described as a wonderful family man, raised his sister Kim after the death of their parents. His brother fire fighters were like a second family to Paul and all were invited to celebrate Kim’s marriage in 1998. When he wasn’t on duty, Paul enjoyed playing with his kids, riding his Harley-Davidson and going to Foxwoods. A talented cook, he could be counted on to whip up Sunday morning breakfast for his fellow fire fighters after night duty. While he took his role as a fire fighter seriously, he was also known to enjoy a good joke.
Fun-loving, with a zest for life, Paul leaves a legacy in his six sons. He will be sadly missed by his family, his friends and the community.
Firefighter Timothy P. Jackson
“What I will always remember is the way Tim lived for the action. He wanted to be in it all the time.” — Worcester Firefighter Kenneth A. Godbout, longtime friend
Firefighter Timothy P. Jackson, 51, a dedicated member of the Worcester Fire Department for 27 years, is remembered by family, friends and his brother fire fighters as a kindhearted man who spent many hours toiling in his yard, planting trees, shrubs and flowers, and polishing the chrome on his prized Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The oldest of 13 children, Tim had served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was committed to the causes of Vietnam veterans and would ride his motorcycle to Washington, D.C., for rallies.
Tim and his wife, Mary, referred to their home in Hopedale as God’s country and enjoyed raising lilacs, especially the fragrant Korean variety that he grew by his back porch steps. Neighbor Jane Dean said she envied his touch with plants and how he was always dedicated to seeing that everything was growing well.
His friend, Firefighter Ken Godbout, remembers that he began his career with the Fire Department the same day as Tim – December 17, 1972. He and his fire fighter brothers have been touched by the irony that Tim, with service in the Vietnam War, would lose his life in a Worcester warehouse while trying to save his comrades.
He leaves behind his wife, Mary, and three sons and a stepdaughter, Diane.
While serving his country, Timothy was awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and an Army Commendation Medal.
Firefighter Jeremiah M. Lucey
“He was a fire fighter’s fire fighter. He’s a guy you could count on in all aspects.” — Worcester Firefighter Paul R. LaRochelle, Jerry’s partner
Firefighter Jeremiah M. Lucey, 38, is remembered by family and friends as always smiling and a perfectionist in every way. A native of Worcester, he joined the Worcester Fire Department in 1991. He served with the Rescue Squad at the Central Street Fire Station and with the Mass Hazardous Materials Response Team. He was also a member of the Worcester Fire Department color guard.
Jerry was raised in the Main South area of Worcester. His parents remember a hard-working boy who was always willing to help whenever and wherever needed. When he was old enough, he took on a newspaper route and saved enough money to buy his first car - a 1970 banana yellow Plymouth Duster.
As an adult, it was his Harley-Davidson motorcycle that Jerry most enjoyed getting around on. Among his greatest pleasures were spending time with his family, coaching his sons’ soccer teams, scuba diving, fishing, camping, canoeing, and visits to the beach.
Jerry’s five-year partner on the Fire Department, Paul LaRochelle, recalls that being a fire fighter wasn’t just a job for Jerry. “He loved the camaraderie, the brotherhood and every aspect of the work, from helping people at all costs to participating in parades or standing guard at a colleague’s funeral.”
Jerry leaves behind his wife, Michelle; two sons, Jeremiah III, age 11, and John, age 8; his parents, Jeremiah and Bridget Lucey; and a sister, Noreen Fabrycki.
Firefighter James F. “Jay” Lyons III
“He was a gentle, loving boy. He was a hero here, and he was a hero the day he was born.” — Mr. James F. Lyons, Jay’s father
Firefighter James F. “Jay” Lyons III, 34, is remembered as a young man who lived by his dreams and dedicated himself to all those who were part of them. He joined the Worcester Fire Department in 1987 immediately after graduating from Clark University. Four years later, he decided to broaden his career in public service and joined the Massachusetts State Police. This was just another testament to his desire and commitment to protecting the lives of others.
In 1996, he returned to the job he always loved among the ranks of the Worcester Fire Department stationed at Grove Street, Engine 3. He challenged his goals and lived his endeavors to the fullest. He ran road races for charities, reached out to those in need, and spent his spare time bringing joy to his sick younger cousin he loved so much.
Jay also pursued other lifelong ambitions. He traveled around the country on another love, his motorcycle. He also returned to his ancestral roots with a visit to Ireland with his family. All the while, he remained focused on his job. He had recently placed fifth on the lieutenants’ exam and was awaiting promotion. His most recent quest as a fire fighter was to become a proud member of the Worcester Bagpipe Brigade.
A loving son, brother, friend and comrade to many, Jay will he remembered in life not for all he accomplished, but for who he was.
He is survived by his parents, James F. and Joan Lyons.
Firefighter Joseph T. McGuirk
“He was just a great kid and a good family man. He was never happier than when he became a fire fighter.” — John F. McGuirk, Joe’s older brother
Firefighter Joseph T. McGuirk, 38, saw a longtime dream come true when he was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department in 1997. A Worcester native, and the youngest of 10 children, he grew up the son of a Worcester fire fighter as well as the brother, nephew and cousin of local fire fighters.
A graduate of Burncoat Senior High School, he enjoyed playing hockey and played on several teams during and after high school. He made a living for many years as a talented carpenter, but always harbored a desire to serve as a fire fighter, following in the footsteps of his dad and older brother.
On December 5, 1997, he was sworn in as a member of the Worcester Fire Department and was assigned to Engine 3 at the Grove Street Fire Station. For those who working closely with Joe, he was known for his inability to say “no” regardless of how busy he was or what he was doing. He always had the time to help others fix what was broken or finish what needed to be finished.
Joe leaves behind his wife, Linda, and their two children, Everett and Emily. In early November, they enjoyed an eight-day family getaway to Walt Disney World in Orlando, and just several days ago, Joe and his wife attended his 20-year high school reunion. The family made their home in the Rochdale section of Leicester.
Lieutenant Thomas E. Spencer
“Most of all he was a good person. He would never hesitate to help.” — Kathy Spencer, Tom’s wife
Fire Lt. Thomas E. “Tommy” Spencer, 42, is remembered for his dedication to family and friends and his giving spirit. He joined the Worcester Fire Department in 1978 and was assigned to the Winslow Street Fire Station.
Upon its closing, he was stationed at Engine 2, South Division. But Tom wanted to be a “ladder man,” and transferred to Ladder 4, Webster Square. After two years at Engine 9, Tatnuck Square, he was promoted to Fire Lieutenant in August 1992, and was assigned to Engine 15, Quinsigamond Village. As soon as a ladder position became available, Tom transferred to Ladder 2, Grove Street.
A lifelong Worcester resident, Tom attended St. Peter’s Grammar School and St. Peter’s High School, where he was a valued member of the football team. In 1979, he married Kathleen Murphy and had three children: two sons, Patrick, age 16, and Daniel, age 13, and one daughter, Casey, age 15. Tom was described as a true family man, and his devotion was evident in his commitment to various community organizations, including St. Charles Boromeo Church, where he and Kathy served as liturgical ministers; the Boy Scouts of America; Worcester Youth Soccer; and the Jesse Burkett Little League.
Tom loved to spend family time outdoors, especially camping, kayaking and hiking. Tom also enjoyed going to Red Sox games and to tailgate parties at the College of the Holy Cross football games. A true baseball enthusiast, he was an expert in baseball trivia and made annual trips to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
Along with Kathy and his children, Tom leaves his parents, Robert and Barbara Spencer; a brother, Michael, who serves as a Worcester fire fighter; and a sister, Linda Morrow.
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