Worcester 6

The Worcester 6: Lt. Thomas Spencer, Firefighter Paul Brotherton, Lt. Timothy Jackson, Firefighter Jeremiah Lucey, Lt. James Lyons and Firefighter Joseph McGuirk. Six men who lost their lives on Dec. 3, 1999, while battling a fire at the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. in Worcester, Massachusetts. The incident was the worst tragedy faced by the Worcester Fire Department in history, sparking calls for change and improved training and operations. Worcester has faced new tragedies in the years since the Cold Storage and Warehouse fire, with renewed calls for change and a widow of one of the Worcester 6 calling for an end to the cycle of firefighter death.

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FFs, officials, members of public gather to dedicate Worcester Fallen Firefighters Memorial
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The names of 31 firefighters who died in the line of duty and the names of 38 firefighters who died during active duty are etched into tributes
‘Broken’: New report on Worcester FD highlights dysfunctional communication as a key element in LODDs
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A nearly 250-page report described leadership that needs “immediate intervention" and a lack of on-scene management that lead to firefighter deaths
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Worcester 6 remembered 21 years after Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. fire
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Firefighters across Worcester will hold moment of silence Wednesday in honor of the six firefighters who died in the line of duty battling the warehouse blaze on Dec. 3, 1999
Worcester FD moves forward with safety study spurred by lieutenant's death
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Officials had announced a plan to study the department's safety practices following the 2019 death of Lt. Jason Menard, but say that plan was slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic
Worcester leaders detail improvements ahead of review
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City and fire officials detailed the changes and investments already made in the wake of nine firefighter deaths over the last 20 years
Worcester plans fire services review
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Fire Chief Michael J. Lavoie recommended hiring a consultant to analyze the fire department's practices and help develop a strategic plan
Photo of the Week: Honoring the Worcester 6
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This week’s Photo of the Week comes to us from the Worcester (Massachusetts) Fire Department, which shared the powerful image to thank everyone who helped honor the Worcester 6 this week. Dec. 3 ma...
Worcester 6 honored in emotional ceremony on 20th anniversary of Cold Storage fire
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"We feel them in our hearts and minds as they continue to guide us," said Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie at the Tuesday night ceremony
Sons of Worcester 6 carry on firefighting tradition
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Seven sons of Worcester firefighters killed in the Cold Storage and Warehouse fire 20 years ago share why they joined the fire service in their fathers' footsteps
Worcester reflections 20 years after the industry-changing event
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Fire service leaders remember that fateful day when six firefighters lost their lives at the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse fire
Center helps Worcester FFs cope with lasting trauma
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Worcester Fire Chief Michael J. Lavoie says the center that offered counseling after the 1999 Cold Storage & Warehouse Fire has improved its approach over the years
Worcester fire officials announce creation of task force to examine fire safety
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In addition to improving firefighter safety, the task force would look at the code side of how the city inspects buildings
Worcester FF widow: 'The cycle has to stop'
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The widow of Fire Lt. Thomas Spencer, who was killed in the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Fire of 1999, says changes must be made to prevent more firefighter deaths
'Worcester 6' remembered on 16th anniversary
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A new firehouse was built on the same spot where the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. fire took place
15 years later: Worcester remembers loss of 6 firefighters
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Fire Chief Gerard Dio said the men's deaths have inspired new research on safer firefighting technology and practices