Worcester community members commemorated a tragic event in the city’s history Tuesday, which marked 25 years since a horrific warehouse fire led to the death of six firefighters.

On Dec. 3, 1999, Lt. Thomas Spencer, Lt. Timothy Jackson, Lt. James Lyons, firefighter Paul Brotherton, firefighter Jeremiah Lucey and firefighter Joseph McGuirk lost their lives while attempting to rescue people they thought were trapped inside the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse building on Franklin Street. They became known as the “Worcester Six.”

Worcester Fire Department Assistant Chief Adam Roche said the investigation into the incident — started by a candle left burning in the abandoned building — led to changes in safety and security protocols for future generations of firefighters.

“It’s important to really learn from this tragedy,” he said, “and also make sure that their sacrifice wasn’t in vain.”

Of the department’s 425 uniformed members, fewer than 50 firefighters who were active on the Worcester Fire Department in 1999 are still active on the force, Roche said.

“The pledge back then was to never forget the sacrifice these six men made,” he said. “We’re moving to the next generation of firefighters to really remember that sacrifice and keep that sacrifice — and their memory — alive.”

Framed photos of six men are displayed in a wooden and glass case. There are also toy fire trucks, a medal and a stuffed bear.
FILE - A display case in the lobby of the Worcester Fire Department Grove Street station. Pictured from top left clockwise are firefighters Joseph McGuirk, James Lyons III, Jeremiah Lucey, Paul Brotherton, Lt. Thomas Spencer and Timothy Jackson.
Charles Krupa AP

The Worcester Six will be honored at a memorial at the Franklin Street Fire Station at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Family members of those who were lost will make speeches and active duty and retired firefighters will march down the street to the site of the 1999 incident. Department members will strike a memorial box and honor the six firefighters with placing of wreaths and a 21-gun salute.

“It’s a somber time,” Roche said. “These six men made the ultimate sacrifice.”

A pop-up exhibit, managed by retired members of the fire department, will be on display Tuesday and Wednesday at Worcester’s Union Station. The exhibit features photographs and news clippings from the incident, silhouettes of the Worcester Six, pictures donated by friends and loved ones, a 3-D model of the original building and letters from school children expressing their sympathy for those impacted by the tragedy.