August 30, 2007

Boston – Senator John Kerry today released the following statement on the death of two Boston firefighters in a West Roxbury fire.

"Today Massachusetts mourns the loss of two heroes who gave their lives so others could live," Senator Kerry said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Paul Cahill and Warren Payne. Their deaths are a painful reminder that the firefighters who do their duty day in and day out are always one alarm away from the fire that could be their last. No one should ever take for granted the service of these incredible public servants. They define courage in our country. Words cannot express our deep gratitude to them and our sadness for their loss.

"Teresa and I extend our prayers to the families and friends of Paul Cahill and Warren Payne and also to those firefighters injured in last night's blaze. We are here for the entire West Roxbury community, we pray for some comfort and peace to come to those affected by this tragedy, and we must all recommit ourselves to doing right by our first responders, not just today, but after the bagpipes stop wailing."