Crime & Safety

Nashua Firefighters Remember Those Who Gave All

Annual memorial ceremony honoring Nashua Firefighters who have served the city well.

Sunday's rain brought Nashua Firefighters together in close quarters at the East Hollis Street Station for the city's annual remembrance ceremony.

Every first Sunday in October, the Nashua Firefighters Association puts out the call, bringing family and friends of firefighters, past and present, to pay respects to those who have died -- in the line of duty over the history if the department, and those who have passed on in the year since the last gathering.

Normally the outdoor event takes place at Manchester and Concord streets near the firefighters memorial. However, raindrops brought attendees indoors for the brief but meaningful observance, which also marks the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week.

Although solemn by nature, this particular ceremony is also one that celebrates the long tradition of family ties within fire service, and the future – with many future firefighters, no doubt, in attendance. 

Harry and Dorothy Chesnulevich were there to honor their son, John Chesnulevich, who served Nashua as a Deputy Chief until his retirement, a career of dedicated service he learned from his dad.

"I was a call firefighter for Hudson for 44 years," said Harry Chesnulevich. "And her great-uncle, Robert Poff, was the first Nashua firefighter killed in the line of duty," he said, nodding toward his wife. 

"Yes, he was heading to a fire in the horse and wagon and somehow the wagon rolled over and he was killed," Dorothy Chesnulevich said.

Nearby Michael McGovern and his wife, Lindsey, were doing their best to keep 3-month-old Bryce in good spirits. His pacifier wasn't cutting it. 

McGovern has only been with Nashua Fire Department for about 18 months, having served previously with Acton and Lancaster. But they were among a growing number of younger firefighter families with kids in tow, many of them babes in arms and strollers, or toddlers in colorful rain gear.

The service began and ended with the Nashua Fire Pipers. In between were remarks from Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, Chief Brian Morrissey, Deputy Chief Kevin Kerrigan, Fire Commissioner Paul Garant and Deputy Chief Michael O'Brien.

Four roses were placed in this year's wreath, honoring the four men who passed since last year's ceremony: Superintendent of Fleet John P. Marcum, Captain Dana Merrill, Firefighter Dennis Vaillancourt and facilities manager Donald McAlman.

Also included is the ritual of ringing the fire bell for the 10 firefighters who died serving the city. They are:

Firefighter Robert Poff, died Feb. 21, 1895, from injuries sustained in an accident while operating horse-drawn fire apparatus.

Firefighter George Hidden, died March 31, 1909, from injuries sustained in an accident while operating horse drawn fire apparatus.

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Deputy Chief Guy Lewis, died July 3, 1944, from injuries sustained while fighting a fire.

Lt. Sylvio Vigneault, died Aug. 24, 1948, from injuries sustained while on duty at Station 1.

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Capt. Alfred LaPlante, died Jan. 13, 1949, from injuries sustained while Hose 1 was involved in an accident at Temple and Main streets while responding to a fire at the Downtowner on Chestnut Street.

Firefighter George McCaugney, died Jan. 13, 1949, from injuries sustained while Hose 1 was involved in an accident at Temple and Main streets while responding to a fire at the Downtowner on Chestnut Street.

Capt. Raymond Duplisse, died May 1, 1950, from injuries sustained while operating at Box 113 Daniel Webster Hotel on Main Street.

Capt. Honore Raymond, died March 8, 1971, of injuries sustained while operating at Box 221, a second alarm fire occurring at 23 Damon Avenue.

Lt. David Sullivan, died Nov. 27, 1978, from injuries sustained while operating at Box 91, a second alarm fire at 23-25 East Pearl St.

Firefighter Marc Bechard, died March 16, 1987, of a medical emergency while on duty at Station 3.



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