Manchester firefighters mourning death of 25-year-old rookie
"He wanted nothing more than to become a firefighter, and he was just getting started."
Firefighters in Manchester, New Hampshire, are mourning the loss of a 25-year-old rookie after he was found dead in his home Sunday.
Mason Murphy was discovered in his Somerville Street apartment after firefighters responded to a report of a man in cardiac arrest and with ineffective breathing around 6:46 p.m., Manchester Fire Chief Dan Goonan told The New Hampshire Union Leader.
Murphy was hired in August and was a member of Engine Co. 9.
“The guys who responded were pretty shook up,” Goonan said. “He was well liked, well respected in the department already, after just a short time there. Everyone loved him. He was very active with the union and volunteering. Just a great guy.”
Heartbroken to announce the passing of an active duty member of the @ManchesterFD Firefighter Mason Murphy passed away unexpectedly last evening. Mason Murphy was a fine young man and a dedicated, caring and compassionate professional. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/QAXzDUq6MO
— Dan Goonan (@ChiefGoonan) February 17, 2020
An autopsy will be performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death — standard procedure for unattended deaths, the Union Leader reports.
“There’s nothing to indicate anything suspicious about it,” Goonan said. “All indications are that it’s just a tragedy, a tragic loss for his family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.”
Goonan recalled swearing in Murphy last summer.
“He was all smiles, he worked so hard for that day,” he told the newspaper. “He wanted nothing more than to become a firefighter, and he was just getting started. It’s such a tragic loss.”
In a statement, Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig said she is “deeply saddened by the death of Mason Murphy,” according to the Union Leader.
“We are all grateful for Mason’s courage as a Manchester firefighter and his dedication to protecting residents of Manchester,” Craig said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and fellow firefighters, especially those at Engine 9.”
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