Michael Kennedy

Sergeant Michael Ryan Kennedy served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps. during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his active duty, Michael immediately joined the Boston Fire Department, first with Tower Ladder Co. 3 and then Ladder 15. While serving as a firefighter, he was one of the first responders to the 9 Alarm Fire in Boston’s Back Bay, dying in the line of duty attempting to save others.

Michael Kennedy was fun loving, charismatic, full of mischief, and lived life with the kindest of hearts. He was a Big Brother and a member of the Boston Fire Department’s Burn Foundation, where he worked closely with children. Michael was not only always a supporter and organizer of endless charitable causes, but he was also the life of any party.

The impact that Kennedy had went beyond his sacrifice as a fire fighter. There was a surge in volunteers for the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in Massachusetts after his death. Additionally, The Last Call Foundation, which works directly for firefighter’s health and safety was created as a legacy of his dedication and service to others. Michael was a hero long before his death.