Firefighters and community members came together to pay their respects to Worcester firefighter Christopher Roy Friday night.
Thousands of people came to calling hours for the fallen firefighter. The 36-year-old firefighter was killed fighting a fire in a Worcester apartment building this past Sunday.
People were lined up into the parking lot outside Saint John’s Church in Worcester Friday night, waiting to pay their respects to the fallen firefighter.
“We really appreciate the community coming out for us,” said Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie. “To honor Chris, and to remember his service.”
For the people of Worcester, the loss is grimly familiar.
Roy was the eighth firefighter killed in the line of duty in the last 19 years. One firefighter was killed on the job in December of 2011, and six firefighters were killed in the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse single blaze in December of 1999.
“Ever since that tragedy, that’s devastating,” said Michael Mulagrn of Worcester. “And it’s around Christmas time, so that’s even worse. To see the support and the love back, that’s a nice thing.”
Firefighters from western Massachusetts will head to Worcester on Saturday for Roy’s funeral. A contingent of West Springfield firefighters plan to go to honor their fallen brother.
“We’re all going out together early in the morning we’ll be staging where the procession comes up,” said West Springfield Fire Lt. Michael Dickson. “It’ll be an honor to be there. Whether it’s a small community or a large community, the risks are all there for everyone. So, we understand. Our thoughts go out to the family and the firefighters.”
There will be a procession before and after the funeral. Stopping at several Worcester fire stations, with one displaying his gear.
Roy leaves behind a nine-year-old daughter.
A memorial fund has been started in her name.
