Heather Morrison
masslive.com
(TNS)
A New Bedford firefighter died from a medical emergency while on duty at the fire station Thursday.
Matthew E. Forand, 45, was a father of two and had received multiple awards for rescuing people during his time as a firefighter.
“On behalf of the New Bedford Fire Department and all our members, I want to express our most heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family and loved ones, especially his two children,” Fire Chief Scott Kruger wrote on Facebook. “I also want to pledge the Department’s support for them in a time of sadness. This is an unspeakable loss for them, for his brother and sister firefighters, and for our community.”
Forand completed the New Bedford Firefighting Academy in 2006. In 2014, he received the Medal of Valor at the Firefighter of the Year Awards for rescuing an unconscious person from the second floor of a burning building on Dartmouth Street, according to the fire chief. In March 2023, he also received a Unit Citation as a member of Engine Co. 6 for his part in battling the Royal Crown Apartment fire.
Many people shared their condolences on social media.
“Thanks for teaching me. We had some good times in that truck. You’ll be missed, friend. We’ll take it from here,” Ryan Lemieux wrote.
“Matthew Forand is, and always will be, a hero to our community in every sense of the word. Firefighter Forand represented all that is great abour [sic] New Bedford, and may his memory be a blessing to us all,” Ian Abreu wrote.
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The New Bedford Fire Department made the following Facebook post Thursday, Aug. 15:
“It is with great sadness that I must report the line of duty death of New Bedford Firefighter Matthew E. Forand. Preliminary information suggests that Matt suffered a medical emergency and passed away during the night while on duty at Fire Station 9.
“On behalf of the New Bedford Fire Department and all our members, I want to express our most heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family and loved ones, especially his two children. I also want to pledge the Department’s support for them in a time of sadness. This is an unspeakable loss for them, for his brother and sister firefighters, and for our community.
“Matt, 45, completed the New Bedford Firefighting Academy in 2006. He was most recently assigned to Engine Company 9 and was recognized repeatedly for his commitment to the residents of New Bedford. He received the Medal of Valor at the 2014 Firefighter of the Year Awards for rescuing an unconscious occupant from the second floor of a burning building on Dartmouth Street. He also received a Unit Citation as a member of Engine Company 6 for his efforts battling the Royal Crown Apartment fire in March 2023.
“Information on the services will be announced when it becomes available. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time.” — Fire Chief Scott Kruger.
