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Terminally ill Mass. boy, 3, becomes honorary firefighter before dying

Firefighters showed up to the boy’s house in four engines with lights and sirens flashing, and gifted him his own turnout gear

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Tony Maschino and a relative.

Photo/GoFundMe

By FireRescue1 Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — One of firefighters’ biggest fans had his wish come true when he became an honorary firefighter, days before he died.

Tony Maschino was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in October; he died Saturday, reported Western Mass News.

Pittsfield firefighters drove four engines to Tony’s house Dec. 6 with lights and sirens flashing. The crew brought Tony his own set of turnout gear and some presents, reported Iberkshires.

“This is something he truly loves. He’s always been a fan of the police and fire departments,” Tony’s mother, Stephanie Maschino said. “We’d be driving down the street and he’d be wanting to put his window down to wave to them. They’ve always been so kind to him.”

Since Tony was unable to attend a benefit for him, so firefighters brought the gifts to his house. A GoFundMe was also created to support Tony and his family.

“I’m honored and proud of these guys today for pulling together for this family. It is just a little something we can to to put a smile on their face, brighten up their day … I couldn’t be prouder of a group of guys to have working for us and working for the city,” Pittsfield Fire Chief Robert Czerwinkski said.

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