In memory of this week’s “Special Person of the Week: Fallen Firefighter Christopher Roy

STATEMENT FROM WORCESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie announced this past weekend the Line of Duty Death of Worcester Firefighter Christopher J. Roy. Firefighter Roy, age 36, was assigned to Ladder 4, Group 3 at the Webster Square Fire Station. He had served on the Worcester Fire Department for 2 ½ years.

Two firefighters were transported to a local hospital from the scene; the second firefighter has been evaluated and released.

“This is a sad day for the Worcester Fire Department and the City of Worcester,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “Firefighter Roy died fighting a fire at ‪7 Lowell Street‬. The fire was first reported ‪at 3:58 a.m.‬ Initial reports were for a fire in the basement of the 3-story, 6-unit building. Ultimately the fire went to five alarms. Conditions deteriorated rapidly with heavy fire forcing several firefighters on the second floor to evacuate. With the assistance of other crews and the Rapid Intervention Team, five firefighters escaped over ladders.”

Firefighter Christopher Roy, leaves behind a 9-year old daughter, his parents who are Worcester residents, and a brother. He was a Shrewsbury resident.

“Fire crews were heroic in their efforts to rescue their colleagues under extreme conditions.’’ Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie said. “Every person on the fire-ground gave 110% to try to rescue the firefighters who were in danger.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Worcester Fire Department, Worcester Police Department, and the State Police assigned to both the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early.

“On behalf of the entire city of Worcester, I want to offer condolences to the Roy family, Chief Lavoie and the entire Worcester Fire Department,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus. “I would ask the media to respect the privacy of the family and firefighters during this difficult time.”

Chief Lavoie said, “This is a difficult day for the Worcester Fire Department and particularly painful as this is the week we remember and mourn the passing of Worcester Firefighter Jon Davies and the six who perished in the Cold Storage Warehouse fire.”

We here at the Somerville News Weekly salute you for everything that you have done to make this world a better place.