Third-generation firefighter dies after falling from third floor of burning home

BOSTON (WBZ) - A veteran firefighter who died after falling from the third floor of a burning Massachusetts home is being remembered as a hero who would do anything to help others.

Boston Firefighter Robert “Bobby” Kilduff Jr. was battling a large fire at a Dorchester home Saturday night when he fell from the third floor. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

“He was a third-generation Boston firefighter who proudly served this city. He was our friend, our brother and a dedicated family man,” said Sam Dillon, the president of Boston Firefighters Local 718.

Kilduff was a 24-year veteran of the Boston Fire Department as well as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He was also part of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, hosting training scenarios for elected officials about the dangers firefighters face.

He is survived by his girlfriend and adult daughter and son.

“Bobby was known throughout the department as one of those guys that you could go to for anything. He was just a firefighter’s firefighter. He would do anything for you. He would do anything for the people of this city,” said Boston Fire Commissioner Rodney Marshall at a news conference early Sunday.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined members of the fire department to honor their fallen brother.

“Boston lost a hero tonight. Firefighter Robert Kilduff Jr. came from a family of firefighters, and he held this calling as the highest duty to serve and protect. Because of his actions tonight, working alongside his fellow firefighters, every single resident came out of the flames safe and sound,” Wu said.

It’s an unimaginable loss for Boston Fire and a reminder that every day these men and women put their lives at risk to keep the public safe.

“Every day we put on this uniform, we know in the back of our minds that something like this is a possibility, but to actually have it happen to someone that you work with and actually know is something that you can’t put into words,” Marshall said.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff in memory of Kilduff.

The cause of the fire in Dorchester is still under investigation.