On Thursday the Boston Fire Department marked the 11-year anniversary of a tragedy that claimed the life of one of their own. Lieutenant Kevin Kelly was killed when his fire truck lost its brakes and crashed into a high-rise.
His death led to major changes within the department, such as those in how fire trucks are maintained in the city of Boston.
“That day was cold like it is today,” one firefighter said. “And you know, time flies. They say the days are long but the years are short.” The accident happened 11 years ago in Mission Hill.
“It was a tragedy that should have been avoided,” said Commissioner Joe Finn of Boston Fire.
Lt. Kevin Kelly was killed in 2009 when Ladder 27 crashed into a high-rise. The truck had lost its brakes traveling down Parker Hill Avenue toward Huntington Ave. It couldn't stop.