The Last Call Foundation was founded by Kathy Crosby-Bell in honor of her son, fallen firefighter Michael Kennedy, who along with Fire Lieutenant Edward Walsh died battling the nine-alarm fire on March 26, 2014, in Boston’s Back Bay.

 

Michael Kennedy was just 33 years old when he and other members of Engine 33 responded to the first alarm at 298 Beacon Street. On that day, gale force winds fueled the fire, which was later determined to have been sparked by welders who were working on renovations to the brownstone building.

 

Early reports suggested there was a resident trapped inside, so firefighters entered the front of the heavily engulfed building to make a rescue. At one point, a back door was opened, which caused a flashover blowing firefighters out of the building. However, Michael and Lt. Walsh were trapped in the basement, calling for water. Water was being fed through the hose, but the hose had burned through, leaving the two firefighters unable to fight the flames from within. A mayday call was issued, and 9 alarms were rung. Sixteen firefighters were injured that day, and Michael Kennedy and Lt. Edward Walsh were killed.