By Connie Mish
MARLBOROUGH, October 15, 2012 

On Sunday, October 14^th, Father Michael J McKinnon offered the Mass honoring Marlborough’s Firefighters, expressing the deep respect he personally has for all first responders “who are not only willing to lay down their life for their family and friends, but for perfect strangers. There are three fire stations in this City that house heroes, ordinary men and women, willing to do extraordinary things in order to protect and serve our City”.

Brian Meddows, a Marlborough resident who recently suffered two tragic, unexpected losses in his family, asked that Fr. McKinnon express his thanks to the firefighters who responded to the death of his 2 year-old daughter, only a few short months ago, as well as responding to the tragic death of his wife who passed last week. “Tragedy stuck this family in a way that is indescribable and yet he asked me to thank each one of you for being there for his family. It is because of our Marlborough Firefighters, and their swift response time, that our congregation was able to be there to offer support their family”. Father McKinnon also serves as the Marlborough Fire Department’s Chaplain. 

Firefighter Christie Clement gave two readings at the Mass, one being the Firefighter’s Prayer, as her department and our community looked on from the pew’s below.

There was no mistaking the great respect our firefighters have for their duties and as a community member it was a privilege to see them in full dress uniforms and ceremonial action. Approximately 30-40 of Marlborough’s Firefighters stood stoically honoring their uniforms and the community they risk their lives for, while Fr. McKinnon blessed their fleet.