Firefighters Honor Their Fallen Comrades

Firefighters honored fallen comrades during their annual memorial ceremony Sunday at Forestdale Cemetery.

The yearly tradition dates back to the 1868 death of Malden Firefighter James Fagan, who died an agonizing nine day death after injuries from a fire at a Ferry Street bakery.

American flags adorned the graves of firefighters killed in the line of duty.

"That trail is marked with acts of heroism and bravery that truly illustrate service before self," Fire Chief Jack Colangeli said. "It is marked with the battered bodies and scars of memories most people with never know, and few will understand. The tragedy of seeing such horrific sites, which at times can be heart-wrenching.  

"But this trial is also marked with the knowledge that everyday someone’s life is better because of a Malden Firefighter. The feeling of satisfaction that only we know, that the community is as safe as we can protect it. Letting the public know that if they and their family want to feel safe then place them behind a Malden firefighter.