Boston firefighter Robert "Bobby" Kilduff Jr., a 24-year veteran of the Boston Fire Department, died while responding to a three-alarm house fire in Dorchester on Saturday night. City officials reported that Kilduff, 53, suffered critical injuries after falling from the third floor of the burning home. Despite efforts by firefighters and EMS personnel to save him, he later died from his injuries.
Mayor Michelle Wu expressed condolences, stating that all residents escaped the fire due to the efforts of the firefighters. She referred to Kilduff as a hero and noted his dedication to serving and protecting the community. Fire Commissioner Rodney Marshall described Kilduff as a respected member of the fire service and a dedicated firefighter from a family with a long history in the department.
Earlier on the same day, Kilduff had participated in a technical rescue, helping to save another person. Governor Maura Healey ordered flags at state buildings in Massachusetts to be lowered to half-staff in his honor. The fire displaced five residents and spread through all three floors of the home, with the cause still under investigation.