WALPOLE, Mass. — Firefighters are mourning the loss of a six-year veteran who died after an off-duty medical emergency Monday.
Wicked Local reported that firefighter Ryan Ferreira, 30, with the Walpole Fire Department, died due to an unspecified medical emergency. Fire Chief Tim Bailey said Ferreira’s personality was infectious and that he was a strong part of the bond created by firefighters.
“He was a dedicated and well-respected member of our department,” Chief Bailey said. “He was an excellent firefighter and paramedic. He was a caring person who took his job very seriously.”
The department set up a memorial fund to help offset any costs incurred by Ferreira’s family.
“We want to raise as much as we can,” Lt. Peter Carter said. “He was a great guy, a dedicated firefighter and paramedic who got along with everyone.”
A wake and funeral will be held on Sunday and Monday.
Walpole Common flag @ half staff in honor of @WFDLocal2464 FF Ryan Ferreira.An exemplary firefighter& 1st responder pic.twitter.com/Hy1tt3ydDd
— Chief Carmichael (@WalpoleChief) April 27, 2016
Our thoughts and condolences are with @WFDLocal2464 after the loss of FF Ryan Ferreira pic.twitter.com/1m4UzbCI3Y
— Hanson Firefighters (@hfd2713) April 26, 2016