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83rd Anniversary of the Strand Theatre Fire in Brockton

This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

BROCKTON, MA - On the morning of Friday, March 8, 2024 members of the Brockton Fire Department gathered together at Brockton City Hall to remember the lives of 13 firefighters who were killed in the line of duty 83-years ago.


Brockton firefighters, active and retired, packed City Hall where remarks were made by Brockton Firefighters Union President Bill Hill, Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan, and Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli, among others. Following the remarks and prayers inside, firefighters gathered around the Strand Theatre Memorial, which sits just outside of City Hall. The memorial is just a short distance from where the Strand Theatre once stood.


On March 10, 1941 thirteen of the city's firefighters lost their lives when the building collapsed as they fought a blaze at the Strand Theatre. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the Strand Theatre fire was one of the top-6 deadliest incidents for firefighters in the United States.


We will never forget the 13 firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty on that fateful day. Captain John F Carroll - Ladder-3, Lieutenant Raymond A Mitchell - Engine-4, Firefighter Matthew E McGeary - Ladder-3, Firefighter Roy A McKeraghan - Squad-A, Firefighter Denis P Murphy - Squad-A, Firefighter William J Murphy - Squad-A, Firefighter Daniel C O'Brien - Squad-A, Firefighter George A Collins - Engine-1, Firefighter Fredrick F Kelley - Engine-1, Firefighter Martin E Lipper - Engine-1, Firefighter Henry E Sullivan - Engine-1, Firefighter John M McNeill - Ladder-1, Firefighter Bartholomew Herlihy - Ladder-1.


More Photos Available At: www.NEFirePhoto.com

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PAT TRAVERSSenior Correspondent

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