Sep 6, 2007 6:44 pm US/Eastern
Firefighter's Comrades Gather At Florian Hall
by Peg Rusconi
WEST ROXBURY (WBZ) ―
Following Thursday's funeral service for fallen firefighter Paul Cahill, his comrades from the Boston Fire Department and from around the world gathered at Dorchester's Florian Hall.
For them, it was a chance to share memories and strengthen bonds.
The brotherhood between firefighters was put on display Thursday as Cahill's casket was brought to the service on Engine 30 down West Roxbury streets lined with thousands of people paying tribute.
Firefighters from all corners of the country and beyond attended the service, standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of uniformed brothers saluting and mourning Paul Cahill.
"We drove down in a van with about 20 guys," said Tony Wallace from Toronto.
"We all recognize that it could happen to anyone, any time, anywhere," said Al Lee, a San Francisco firefighter.
"Today we feel like we're all Bostonians," said Chief Skip Sullivan of New Hampshire. "Whether we're from New Hampshire, Florida, California or wherever, when a firefighter goes down, we're all members of that community."
When asked how many funerals they have attended for fallen comrades over the years, firefighters said, "Too many."
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