Worcester Firefighter Killed Battling Blaze, 3 Others Injured

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

GoLocalWorcester News Team

Jason Menard killed on duty

Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie announced this morning the Line of Duty Death of Worcester Fire Lieutenant Jason Menard. Lieutenant Menard, age 39, who was assigned to Ladder 5, Group 2 at the McKeon Road Fire Station.

The fire at 7 Stockholm Street was first reported at 12:58 a.m. Initial reports were for a fire on the second floor, with a baby possibly trapped on the third floor.

Four firefighters were transported to a local hospital from the scene. One firefighter is in serious but stable condition. Two other firefighters were being treated for non-life threatening injuries and have been released. An adult female occupant was transported with serious injuries. All other occupants are accounted for and no other civilian injuries have been reported at this time.

“This is an extremely difficult day for the Worcester Fire Department,” said Chief Michael Lavoie. “Lieutenant Menard’s heroic actions saved the life of one of his crew members.”

Lieutenant Menard, leaves behind his wife Tina and 3 children, and his parents. He was a Worcester resident.

“This is a tragic day for the Worcester Fire Department and the City of Worcester,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lieutenant Menard’s family.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Worcester Fire Department, Worcester Police Department, and the State Police assigned to both the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Office of Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early.

“Our hearts are heavy this morning as we learned of the devastating loss of Lieutenant Menard. On behalf of the entire City of Worcester, I wish to offer condolences to the Menard family, Chief Lavoie and the entire Worcester Fire Department,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus. “I would ask the media to respect the privacy of the family and firefighters at this time.”

He had served on the Worcester Fire Department since 2010.