A New York-based foundation that supports families of fallen first responders with young children will be raising money to pay the mortgage of the Worcester fire lieutenant who died Wednesday, the organization said Thursday.
The firefighter, 43-year-old Lt. Jason Menard, died in a four-alarm fire after heroically helping two of his fellow firefighters to safety. He leaves behind a wife, Tina, and three young children.
HOW TO HELP: Here's how to contribute to Menard's official memorial fund.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation said it will orgainze a fundraiser to pay off the Menard family’s mortgage, with a formal announcement planned for 10 a.m. Friday, according to a news release.
The foundation, established in honor of fallen 9/11 firefighter Stephen Siller, has helped 40 families of fallen first responders with young children to stay in their homes, according to the foundation.
"Lt. Menard gave up his life to save the lives of his fellow firefighters, going back into the flames to make sure they got out safely. Lt. Menard, like my brother Stephen, ran towards danger thinking only about the lives he could save, not what could happen to him," Frank Siller, chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, said in a statement.
Last year the foundation assisted the family of fallen Weymouth police Sgt. Michael Chesna and helped pay off his family’s mortgage after receiving donations from around the country, according to the foundation.
