Credit: Marion, MA Fire Department
MARION, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Marion firefighter is dead after helping to put out a fire.
Marion town officials say that Thomas Nye, 72, helped extinguish a chimney fire on Point Road shortly before 1p.m. Tuesday and then returned home.
It is believed that Nye had a cardiac incident and collapsed early Wednesday morning. He was brought to Tobey Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Nye, a Vietnam Veteran, served as an on-call volunteer firefighter for the town’s fire department for 45 years.
“Firefighter Nye was a proud firefighter who served our community with distinction. We are a call fire department, and Firefighter Nye anchored our Station 2 during the day. While many of our younger firefighters are working their private jobs, he was always available when people needed help.” Chief Brian Jackvony said. “We are all feeling the loss of our friend and brother firefighter today.”
Nye worked as an automotive mechanic in his private and military career.
Officials noted through a release that the Nye family has a long and proud history of service in the Marion Fire Dept. and in the town government, boards and committees.Nye’s nephew, Christopher, serves as a captain on the Marion Fire Dept.
He leaves behind a wife, two adult sons, five grandchildren and a great granddaughter officials say.