Richard G. Henning, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Boston, released a statement following the death of Boston firefighter Robert “Bobby” Kilduff Jr., praising the veteran firefighter’s service and offering prayers for his family, fellow firefighters and first responders.
Kilduff, a 24-year veteran of the Boston Fire Department and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, died while serving in the line of duty.
In his statement, Henning said the fire department “is a family” and praised firefighters for their willingness to “run towards danger.”
“His loss in service to our city is tragic for his family, friends, the Boston Fire Department and the wider community,” Henning said.
The archbishop also connected Kilduff’s death to the significance of Memorial Day weekend, saying the firefighter exemplified “service, love of country and care for his neighbor.”
Henning said the Catholic faith offers strength during grief and healing, adding that “the Spirit sustains us during times of great pain and in our time of healing.”
