Thousands Of Firefighters Pay Tribute To Cahill

Paul Cahill, 55, joined the department in 1993 and served on Engine 30, Ladder 25.

CBS



Photos From The Funeral

(WBZ) WEST ROXBURY Thousands of firefighters turned out to say goodbye to a fallen comrade. Bagpipes played and firefighters from all over the country lined the streets of West Roxbury as Paul Cahill's casket made its way to the church.

Cahill's flag-draped casket, riding atop Engine 30, passed his fire house before arriving at Holy Name Parish Thursday morning.

Two firefighters carried Cahill's ceremonial soft hat and helmet into the church. They were placed on a table alongside Cahill's casket for the service and were then given to the family, along with the International Association of Firefighters Medal of Honor.

Cahill's son Adam spoke during the family remembrance part of the service. Before talking about his dad, he asked everyone to show their appreciation for the firefighters. He named two firefighters in particular, Joe Lohan and Joe Thornton.

Adam spoke fondly of his dad. "There is an absence of proper words to describe the love I have for my father," he said. "It's not due to lack of vocabulary, they just don't exist."

At home, Cahill was affectionately called Cat Daddy.

"Although we do not have him by our side anymore, we will have the lessons he has left to us," said Cahill's son, Brendan Cahill. "It is my belief that if we carry that little piece of Cat Daddy with us, he will never truly die."

Other relatives and friends also reflected on Cahill's life during the service -- calling him a passionate firefighter, a caring friend, great cook and a loving husband and father.

An estimated 15,000 firefighters from across North America came to Boston to attend the funeral. Many arrived on Wednesday for his wake. One firefighter got on a plane in Washington State Tuesday morning just after ending a 24-hour shift.

To mark the end of Cahill's funeral service, a bell was rung by a fellow firefighter. This bell not only means the end of an emergency and the return to quarters, it also symbolizes the end of service for a firefighter killed in the line of duty.

Cahill and his colleague Warren Payne, both of Engine 30, Ladder 25, were killed in a West Roxbury restaurant fire last week.

Payne will be honored during a funeral service on Friday. You can read details here.

WBZTV.com will carry the service live, starting at 11 a.m.

The West Roxbury fire fund has been established for their families. Donations can be sent to:

West Roxbury Fire Fund
c/o Boston Firefighters Credit Union
60 Hallet Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
617-288-2420