Patriots quarterback Tom Brady witnessed Wednesday’s nine-alarm fire in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood and the firefighters’ efforts to rescue those affected.
Two Boston firefighters — 43-year-old Lt. Edward J. Walsh, Jr. and 33-year-old Michael R. Kennedy — perished in the line of duty in the Back Bay blaze.
In an interview with WEEI 93.7 FM on Thursday morning, Brady expressed his condolences for the loss of the firefighters and his gratitude for the bravery of those who battled the fire.
“I feel so badly for the families of the two firefighters that were lost, and obviously all of the men that were associated with fighting that fire yesterday losing one of their close friends,” said Brady, a Back Bay resident.
“We as athletes think that we’re heroes, but when you witness firsthand what I saw yesterday, you realize who the real heroes are in this world, and that’s the people that work hard to protect our lives and protect our safety and our freedoms in America, and certainly the firefighters and Boston police and the state troopers.
“So I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”