ST. JOHNSBURY, VT — September 5 — Members of the St.Johnsbury Fire Department came together on September 5 to honor career firefighter Eugene P.“Gene” McDonough, who lost his life in the line of duty 28 years ago while battling a warehouse fire in the nearby town of Lyndonville.

McDonough, who was 54 years old at the time, died on September 5, 1998, after a brick wall collapsed during the fire.

According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, McDonough had been serving with the St.Johnsbury Fire Department for almost 20 years and had begun his firefighting career in 1958.

The department’s memorial event featured the placement of a wreath at the memorial located outside the firehouse.

The St. Johnsbury Fire Department has continued to honor McDonough through its memorial initiatives and the Gene McDonough Scholarship Fund, which assists students who are pursuing careers in firefighting, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and related fields. The department’s main office was situated at 1187 Main Street in St. Johnsbury.