Left to right: Firefighter Dustan McGlinn and Capt. Joshua Denham place two ceremonial axes on a table next to a ceremonial bell and Firefighter Thomas Nye’s gear as Capt. Brooks Wilson stands by during a memorial service today. (Courtesy Photo Town of Marion)
MARION, MA – The Town of Marion honored the life and service of Firefighter Thomas Nye during a memorial service today.
Firefighter Nye, age 72, served as a call firefighter with the Marion Fire Department for 45 years. On Feb. 26, he responded to and helped extinguish a chimney fire on Point Road. The following day, he suffered what is believed to be a cardiac incident and was transported to Tobey Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
At noon today, firefighters from around the region marched from the Mattapoisett Police Department, 64 County Road, to the Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home, 50 County Road (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett for a walk-through.
Following the walk-through, a service was held in the parking lot of the funeral home, which included a moving tribute to Firefighter Nye from Chief Brian Jackvony
“Tom was to all firefighters a mentor,” Chief Jackvony said during the service. “I have heard this word used frequently at the station the last several days. He always answered as many fire calls as possible and always did this with a great sense of pride and ownership for his company, Engine 2. He did this with no thought other than to serve his community and help his brother firefighters in completing their primary mission of saving lives and property.”
The Nye family has a long history serving the Town of Marion. Firefighter Nye worked in station two, which is dedicated in memory of his older brother, Deputy Chief Nathan Nye and now under the command of his nephew, Capt. Christopher Nye.
Firefighter Nye died just a few blocks from the station fighting the chimney fire. Chief Jackvony reflected on Firefighter Nye’s valor, courage, sympathy, honor and love that guided him throughout his career.
“Firefighter Thomas Nye, we will miss you and you will live in our hearts forever,” Chief Jackvony concluded.
Following the Chief’s tribute and prayer service, members of the Marion Fire Department struck Box 41, transmitting Firefighter Nye’s final alarm.
“I was extraordinarily moved by today’s fitting and solemn service, as firefighters and community members came together to honor a man who dedicated the vast majority of his life to serving others,” Town Administrator Paul Dawson said. “I want to thank the more than 100 firefighters from all over who came together today in brotherhood and solidarity.”
