Two years ago today we lost three young Dot Rats to a bad car accident. Everyone who knew these young folks has got nothing but good things to say about them. John Carter, Paul Reagan & Samatha Pinson were taken from us way too early….but we have not forgotten them. …
These are the actual people who made tonight happen…. My family….. Paula Skalinski and Heather Munroe worked with Saint Ann’s, the City of Boston and Prospect Hill. Niall Murphy and Alec Bonelli – Thank You! There was a team of big and little people who …
On Tuesday April 15th at 7:00 PM there will be a gathering at Garvey Park to remember those lost in last years marathon. I think everyone loved the way the neighborhood came together last year and I’m hoping to see that again.
This event will be rain or shine.
So far there has been an incredible response and I would like to thank Paula Skalinksi, Bill Forry, Scruffy Wallace, Tim Macmaster, Jim Leahy, Jill Cahill Baker, Heather Munroe, Prospect Hill, Saint Ann’s Church and the Mayor’s office for lending their support.
Bring your American flags!
Feel free check out the Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1386031044950773
Or drop me a line : dotrat@dotrat.com
So umm yeah, when I was young Dot Rat I was troublemaker. I know, you’re all sitting there like “aaahaaa I knew it”….to which I say GFY…..the majority of us were troublemakers in one form or another. Some of the funniest and most heartwarming stories …
On March 20th 1927, a young Boston Fire Lieutenant serving with Engine 9 in East Boston responded to Box 6184 for a fire aboard a steamer ship tied to the docks along the Chelsea River. The Lieutenant from South Boston had seen this all before, since the ripe old age of 10 he had been serving in one capacity or another for Boston Fire…this was his dream. I’m assuming that the 20 year vet approached this fire with all confidence and caution one would expect from a seasoned Jake, but that day forever altered the course of his young family living on Columbia road in Dorchester. While enduring the rigors of working the fire aboard this vessel, the Lieutenant fell through an access shaft and sustained serious injuries. Three days later the firefighter succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
That firefighter was my great grandfather…
It’s been 87 years and although much has changed, the men and women who find it within themselves to perform this vital role for our city never do…they just seem to have it in their DNA. There’s a lot of firefighters who say it’s all about the training. Who am I to disagree? But then again, how do you train someone to have heart? How do you train someone to run into danger? Being a first responder is in your fabric…it’s a different breed of human being. These are the small kids who one day dreamed of being someone’s hero and never let go of that dream.
Today, Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Michael Kennedy of Engine 33 became heroes to an entire city….and this city will be forever grateful that we have dreamers like them.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Boston Fire Department tonight and the families of these brave men.
Photos by Georgi Ruley and cityofboston.gov
I’m driving through South Boston yesterday morning, weaving my way through the side streets trying to avoid the masses that were converging on the parade route. For the first time in my life I was invited to the St. Patrick’s day breakfast. Those who know …
I think it was about 2 years back while trying to put together a dryer vent that found an appreciation for the folks in the sheet metal trade. After picking my hand up off the floor, I realized fairly quick that it was not something anyone could do.
My man Pat Rosso had a chance to meet up with the folks from Local 17 the other day. The guys were showcasing their skill sets and giving a peek at their contribution to the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Check out his article HERE.
