West Roxbury Vigil Honors Memory Of Fallen Firefighters

BOSTON (CBS) – An emotional ceremony was held in West Roxbury as many in the neighborhood turned out to honor fallen firefighters Lt. Edward Walsh and Michael Kennedy.

The two men raced into a burning Back Bay building on Wednesday to save others who may have been trapped inside.

The ceremony was held at Engine 30, Ladder 25, the station that lost two firefighters in a devastating blaze in August 2007.

"We remember not just now, but always, the risk they take going into these buildings," said Tricia Joyce of West Roxbury.

The vigil brought emotional hugs and tears in the community where Walsh and Kennedy were their neighbors.  They held candles, observed a moment of silence and prayed.

Michael Kennedy's mother and girlfriend attended and drew support from friends and well-wishers.  Kennedy's childhood friend Sean Monahan said it's giving back.

"He was just always there for you, whatever you needed he was there, and that's why these people are here."

Firefighter Mike Lozanne who worked alongside Walsh last year, had a memory of a different kind.

"He had a ritual every day and that was exercise," Lozanne recalled. "This would be the time right now he'd be back there running on a treadmill."

Now they remember the sacrifice, and in the crowd was a fellow firefighter injured in Wednesday's fast moving blaze.  His wife Karen said it's the outpouring that helps.

"It's nice to know everyone cares and is around. It keeps people's spirits up."

At nearby Holy Name Church, hundreds turned out for a prayer service. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said he hopes it helps the pain being felt.

"People just want to be a part of something.  It does begin the healing process but there's a long way to go for a lot of these young people."

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