 |
Photo by David Christiana
The Westford fallen Firefighters Memorial was dedicated in 2002. The monument was erected to give honor to those Firefighters who were killed in the line of duty. Westford has had two Firefighters killed in action during its 99 years.
Lt. Daniel Harrington of Graniteville's Company 2 died on November 7, 1909, several days after suffering a critical head injury and being rendered unconcious, then slipping into a coma. The Lieutenant was fighting a fire in one of J.A. Healy's Barns when he was struck in the head with a hose line. He was only 29 years old when he died and he left behind his wife.
Firefighter Richard St. Onge of Westford Center Company 1 died on December 5, 1970 after succumbing to smoke inhalation at a Barn Fire at Sunny Meadow Farm in Chelmsford, MA after Chelmsford Fire called Westford to assist in fighting the roaring blaze. Firefighters tried to save him but were unsuccessful. He was also just 29 years old and he left behind his wife and his newborn baby.
The bell and granite post is dedicated to all who have served on the Westford Fire Department, past, present and future. To serve is to dedicate your self and in itself is a sacrifice for all, especially the families of those who serve.
The Monument is made in Black Granite from Fletcher Quarry, the plaque on top is in bronze and depicts a Firefighter carrying a fallen Firefighter. On the back of the monument is an engraved Maltese Cross with a rose crossing over it, representing the last alarm these Firefighters responded to. The monument sits on top of a Maltese Cross cut out into the pavers donated by Ideal Block of Westford. Off to the side is a Black Granite Post with a Bronze Bell on top, to sound out the Last Alarm. At night the monument is lit by small spotlights behind the plantings surrounding the monument.
The Firefighters were very involved not only in the planning, design work, and raising of funds, but also the prep work needed to put the monument in, including digging out the base, prepping the footing for the monument and actually assisting putting the monument in place, with the help of Garside Granite. Firefighters also put in the additional lighting. Over 300 people came for the dedication ceremony, including family members of the Firefighters honored.
Cinder's Monument
Photo by David Christiana
Many who lived near the Center of Westford knew who Cinder was. Cinder was the Firehouse dog for 14 years. Cinder lived in the Center Fire station since she was a little puppy, brought there by George Fletcher, who was Deputy Chief at the time as well as the Town's Dog Officer. Cinder had been abandoned by her owners and so George brought it to the Fire Station,  where she was adopted overwhelmingly by the
Firefighters on Duty (conveniently the Chief was away on vacation at the time). She remained for 14 years, until she passed away, the day after the September 11th attacks. She was surrounded by her loved ones and even the Vet, who said he never cries, shed tears.
For 14 years, Cinder was the highlight for Children and Adults at the Center station, when they came in for tours, business, or just happened to be walking by the Station. Cinder was known to walk on down to the Roudenbush Community Center and play with the Children on the playground. During the warmer months, she would lay outside in the front of the station by her favorite tree and either fall asleep or watch the cars driving by. Cinder could be seen in the back of the Fire Prevention car as it drove to inspections, her head hanging out the window. When she was younger, she would actually ride in the trucks to fire calls. She was known to block people's cars  from leaving if she thought she could get a ride out of the person. Cinder had her own couch upstairs in the meeting room where she would lay down and sleep (she snored very loudly) and occasionally move her legs like she was running and bark. Cinder had her own locker in the locker room where we would store her food
and old collars.
Cinder was known to steal food off the counter when the opportunity arose and it didn't matter what it was, a 5 pound package of hamburger was her favorite. She would even steal food cooking on the grill or stove, she didn't care. When they built the new Police Station out back, it was a dream come true. She would hang out there whenever the workers would go on break and she would drool until they gave her scraps.
In her 14th year, things became more difficult for her and it broke all of our hearts. So when her time came, it was very emotional for all. Not only for those who cared for her, but the community as well. For some years after, children and adults would come into the Station and ask where Cinder was. We will miss her greatly. Cinder rests outside the station in the Center, under her favorite tree, a
Granite Stone marking her place. There is usually an American Flag and a Rawhide Bone on the stone as well, but occasionally a dog on their daily walk will take the bone for a snack, so then we just replace it. Cinder still has her own locker upstairs, her collar and tags still hang inside.
Click on all images for full size pictures.
| |
