about this project

---

My name is Paul LaRochelle and Jerry Lucey was my partner on Worcester Rescue 1 and best friend. I am attempting to preserve the events and memories associated with the 1999 Worcester Cold Storage Fire.

As we get older and our memories fade, the experiences and memories of this terrible tragedy are gradually being extinguished. 

This was a pivotal event for many firefighters, family members, future firefighters and leaders in the fire service. The events that took place in the weeks and months that followed are fire service history. They need to be preserved for future generations. My hope is that this can be educational as well. 

I have heard many stories passed on from person to person but I would like first person experiences only so that the facts are not diluted. For example; I was told an FDNY chief and driver came to the scene and offered the assistance of the FDNY. They offered to "bring enough engines, ladders, a rescue and command staff to cover the city for the near future." I have no doubt this is true but a first-hand account of this would be fascinating to me and others. I would love to know who the chief was. I'm told 30,000 firefighters came to the memorial and there must be many stories of friendships and professional bonds that were made during this event. 

This is a forum to express your thoughts and memories both good and bad. I believe it is healing to put words to paper so as we approach the 25th anniversary help yourself and others heal with your words. We will find a place to keep this information (perhaps the Worcester Historical Society). 

You can submit your story here.

Thank you,

 Paul