GLOUCESTER, Mass. — A longtime Gloucester firefighter is being remembered as a dedicated public servant after a crash that claimed his life.
Retired Gloucester Fire Lieutenant Dan Kennedy died after being hit by a Lowell police cruiser outside UMass Lowell last week.
The proud Desert Storm veteran, who retired from the Gloucester Fire Department two and a half years ago, was taking courses to help veterans dealing with PTSD.
The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office is still investigating the now fatal crash.
“This is someone whose whole life was characterized by public service, and he was readying to write that next chapter,” said Republican Senator and lifelong Gloucester resident Bruce Tarr. “This is someone who had a deep connection to the community in many ways.”
Senator Tarr describes Kennedy as a mentor and a familiar face to many.
“If you didn’t see him out in the field in a piece of apparatus or at a scene, you’d see him at the fire station standing out front talking to folks,” he told Boston 25 News.
The 60-year-old leaves behind two daughters in their 20s and an entire North Shore community in mourning.
“He is that all-American hero. Served his country. Served his community,” said former Gloucester Fire Chief Steve Aiello. “Dan was such a big strong guy. We thought if anybody could survive an incident like this, it would be Dan.”
Gloucester Firefighters Local 762 union addressed the tragedy in a statement:
“The Gloucester Firefighters regret to announce the passing of recently retired Brother Dan Kennedy (Lieutenant) after succumbing to injuries sustained in an accident last week,” it said in part. “Dan had a huge heart and truly committed to a life of service.”
The Lowell Police Department declined to comment on the status of the officer involved in the now fatal crash.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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