BOSTON, Mass.- Boston firefighter Robert Kilduff Jr. died Saturday night after falling from the third floor of a burning home during a three-alarm fire in the city’s Dorchester neighborhood, officials said.
Kilduff, of Rescue Co. 2, was operating at 18 Treadway Road when he suffered severe injuries in the fall. He was transported to Boston Medical Center, where he died despite efforts by firefighters on scene, Boston EMS, and hospital staff, Boston Fire Commissioner Rodney Marshall said during a press conference shortly after midnight.
A 24-year veteran of the Boston Fire Department, Kilduff was a third-generation firefighter and a former U.S. Marine. Officials said he is survived by an adult daughter and son.
“Boston lost a hero tonight,” Mayor Michelle Wu said, noting his family’s legacy of service and his commitment to protecting the city. She said his actions, alongside fellow firefighters, contributed to the safe evacuation of all residents from the building.
Boston Firefighters Union President Sam Dillon described Kilduff as a “brother firefighter” and “dedicated family man,” adding that Local 718 “lost one of our best.” He said Kilduff “laid down his life for this city and for his brother and sister firefighters.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Note: This article has been updated with confirmed information from Boston Fire officials.
