Firefighters Memorial Sunday is an annual observance held on the second Sunday in June to honor and remember firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the line of duty. It is a solemn day of remembrance, reflection and gratitude for the bravery and dedication of those who protect communities.
The Methuen Fire Department held their service for firefighters and their families to honor their own. They also had a pinning ceremony for promoted firefighters as well as newly appointed firefighters. Additionally, Methuen Firefighters Local 1691 recognized their scholarship recipients.
Fire Chief David Toto welcomed everyone and read the names of Methuen firefighters who passed within the last year. The Rev. Nathaniel Burnes gave the invocation and blessed the firefighters.
Firefighters Michael Delaney, Juan Cepeda and Colin West read full list of departed members. The honor of “Ringing of the Bell” went to newly appointed Firefighter Trevor Abdallah. This is a somber and sacred tradition used to honor fallen firefighters. A special signal of three rings, repeated three times, signifies the “last alarm” meaning a comrade’s duties are complete, their tour of duty has ended and they are returning home.
Assistant Chief Daniel Donahue and Firefighter Christopher Fritschy placed the memorial wreath. Capt. Susan Vallera read “The Firefighters Prayer.”
At the closing of the service, Chief David Toto honored Lt. James “Jimmy Mac” McLachlan, who passed May 8. Engine 1, to which he was assigned, has been dedicated to him with a memorial insignia “In Loving Memory” with his name, firefighter logo and an Irish flag.
New hires and promoted firefighters were pinned.
*Daniel Donahue, promoted to deputy chief, was pinned by his wife Beth.
*Jesse Kattar, promoted to lieutenant, was pinned by his children Jesse, Jake and Olivia.
*Sean Wholley, promoted to lieutenant, was pinned by his wife Kelly.
*Craig Langlais, promoted to lieutenant, was pinned by his wife Kristen and children Carson and Juliana.
New firefighters who received pins were Michael Delaney (by his wife Maureen), Luis Corriea (by fiancée Dallas), Troy Donahue (by his father Shane Donahue), Nathan Sharples (by his wife Emily), Trevor Abdallah (by his father George), Kyle Panas (by his mother Sheri) and Zack Reil (by his father David).
Firefighter Zack Riel is pinned by his father, retired Methuen Firefighter David Riel.
Assistant Chief Dan Donahue receives a hug from his wife Beth.
Lt. Jesse Kattar is pinned by his son Jesse as children Jake and Olivia look on.
Winston Greco, 6, wanted to hold the ax that Firefighter Kyle Sheehy held during the ceremony as part of the Methuen Fire Department’s Honor Guard and Sheehy gladly obliged.
Alyssa McLachlan (right), daughter of the late James “Jimmy Mac” McLachlan, and his partner Judi Hey stand by Engine 1 – which has been dedicated to him and his legacy.
