Local 589 members who volunteered their time for the wakes and funerals of two Boston Fire Fighters, a Boston Police Gang Unit officer and a Plymouth Police Officer were honored on June 3rd at a special recognition ceremony.

The event, attended by the Local 589 Executive Board, MBTA officials and Police and Fire Department leadership took place in a crowded Florian Hall – the headquarters of Boston Fire Fighters Local #718 – in Dorchester.

Guest were entertained by the Boston Gaelic Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums and were treated to a buffet dinner provide by Local #718. Richard Paris, President of the Boston Fire Fighters Union, opened the program and offered his thanks to Local 589 Bus Drivers who volunteered for the wakes and funerals of Lt. Edward J. Walsh, Jr. and Fire Fighter Michael R. Kennedy. Brothers Walsh and Kennedy were killed in a Back Bay fire in late March.

Local 589 President James O’Brien introduced the Executive Board, praised the Local 589 members who gave up days off or used vacation time to volunteer for the four funerals, and told the crowd that Local 589 stands ready to assist again. President O’Brien stressed that the evening’s recognition should focus on Local 589 members.

MBTA General Manager Dr. Beverly Scott, joined by Bus Operations Management, thanked the Local 589 members and the Boston Carmen’s Union for our commitment to the job and the community.

Representatives from the Boston Police Gang Unit presented Bus Drivers with a special memorial plaque for their volunteer work on behalf of Officer Dennis Simmonds. Representatives of the Plymouth Police Department thanked Local 589 members for volunteering during the funeral for Plymouth Cycle Officer Gregg Maloney.

Fire Fighters Local #718 told the crowd, “the newspapers love to write about any problem a public worker has but where are they tonight when the good work you do is being recognized?”

Local 589 Bus Drivers received a plaque from Mass DOT, sweatshirts from the Police and Fire Unions, and Local 589 tee shirts and COPE Tournament jackets in recognition of their volunteer service.

Click here to see more photos from the event.