Line of Duty Death Funeral 12/30/2011

On December 23, 2011 During the afternoon hours; Peabody Fire department officials got reports of a building fire at 5 Hancock Street. Crews responded and within minutes arrived on the scene and went to work. Of those companies that responded was Engine Co 5. Fire Fighter James Rice was on board that apparatus as it answered the call to duty.

During the battle to save the house; FF Rice became trapped when a collapse occurred within the structure. Members went in to recover their comrade & removed him from the building. EMS crews transported him to North Shore Medical Center where he passed away due to the extent of his injuries.

Another fine member of the firefighting community was laid to rest this afternoon after a spectacular funeral mass and procession through the streets of Peabody this afternoon. Thousands of fire fighters from across the country including Canada attended and members of the community gathered to mourn the loss


Peabody Square near Engine 5's house on Lowell Street

 Firefighters gathering near church

 Peabody Police Honor Guard

Procession to the church

 Boston Fire's Gaelic group

 Firefighter Rice's last ride: