Procession plans have been announced for a Massachusetts firefighter who died less than 24 hours after battling a blaze.
Officials say Marion firefighter Thomas Nye, 72, helped extinguish a chimney fire on Point Road shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday and then returned to his home. He suffered what is believed to be a cardiac incident and collapsed early Wednesday morning.
He was taken to Tobey Hospital in Wareham, where he was pronounced dead.
Nye's body was transported from the hospital Thursday morning to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Mashpee to undergo an autopsy. A procession of firefighters and fire engines accompanied his body.
Fire Chief Brian Jackvony said following the autopsy, Nye's body will be taken in a procession from the medical examiner's office to Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home in Mattapoisett Thursday afternoon.
Funeral plans have not been announced.
Nye, who was set to head to Florida with his wife on Thursday for a couple of months, had served as a call firefighter since his appointment in January of 1974.
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"Firefighter Nye was a proud firefighter who served our community with distinction. We are a call fire department, and Firefighter Nye anchored our Station 2 during the day. While many of our younger firefighters are working their private jobs, he was always available when people needed help," Chief Jackvony said. "We are all feeling the loss of our friend and brother firefighter today."
Nye leaves behind his wife of 53 years, two sons, five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
The Nye family has requested privacy but offers their "heartfelt gratitude to everyone at the Marion Fire Department and all of Tom's friends and colleagues in the Marion community and beyond who have offered their condolences and support during this difficult time."
