State Senator Nick Collins and Rep Dan Ryan Forward Legislation to Protect Massachusetts Firefighters

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Courtesy of Boston Fire Department 

On March 26, 2014, Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy of Ladder 15 and Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh of Engine 33 lost their lives battling a nine-alarm fire at 298 Beacon Street in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.  The fire was started by accidental sparks from welding, according to news reports.

Twelve years later, on March 26, 2026, there is a concerted effort in the Massachusetts State Legislature to pass An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Kennedy-Walsh Commission,  which would require the Department of Professional Licensure to ensure that "all certifications and training programs for cutting, welding, and hot works processes shall be performed using the existing National Fire Protection Association program....This would require a thorough and accessible electronic database and a public notification system for  violations of the state’s fire codes, or Chapter 148 of the General Laws."

Courtesy of Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts

The legislative effort is an outgrowth of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission - co-chaired by South Boston State Senator Nick Collins and Charlestown State Representative Dan Ryan - which pursued historic regulatory reform for cutting, welding, and hot works processes to prevent accidental fires like the one that led to the deaths of Kennedy and Walsh.

"The Senate’s action advances critical reforms shaped by the work of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission. The loss of BFD Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy is still felt deeply today, and the work to improve our laws continues in their memory," said Senator Collins. "By strengthening training, oversight, and accountability around hot work and welding, we are creating safer conditions for our firefighters, the building trades and the public. While we have made progress in our state and local regulations, this legislation would build upon that progress and codify these enhanced protections into state law."

The Walsh-Kennedy Commission worked with Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, who wrote on March 26, 2026, "Today, on the 12th anniversary of their deaths, we call to mind the memories and legacies these two men left behind and we pray for the Walsh and Kennedy families, their friends, and fellow Firefighters."

Dedication of the Cherry Tree at 298 Beacon Street, Courtesy of Garden Club of the Back Bay

Also today, March 26, 2026, there was a moment of silence at 298 Beacon Street in Boston’s Back Bay, where a cherry tree in their honor was dedicated by the Garden Club of the Back Bay on April 18, 2019.

“The legislation requires the Department of Fire Services to track hot work violations and establishes a public notification system to alert property owners and insurers when violations occur," Senator Collins said.  "Passing this legislation will ensure that these critical reforms will mandate the training, oversight, and accountability to prevent tragedies like the Back Bay fire."  Read more about Senate Bill S1647. 



In 2007, a monumental sculpture honoring Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial was unveiled on the grounds of the Massachusetts State House in Boston. It was created by sculptor Robert Shure at Skylight Studios, Inc.  The names of Walsh and Kennedy, along with 27 others, were added to the stones surrounding the memorial on September 11, 2014. 

Visit the Boston Fire Museum to learn about the illustrious history of Boston Fire Department.

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