SAUGUS — A crowd gathered at the Public Safety Building Sunday morning for Firefighters Memorial Sunday, remembering the firefighters who served the town and have since died.
Firefighter Anthony Arone, president of the Saugus Firefighters Relief Association, gave the opening remarks, welcoming all to the event.
“We would like to sincerely thank you for joining us today to honor our fellow firefighters. Firefighters Memorial Sunday is an important day that honors the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of those who have served the Town of Saugus,” Arone said. “It serves as a solemn reminder of the risks firefighters take to protect their communities and ensures that their legacy is never forgotten.”
Arone continued that keeping the traditions of those who came before them preserves the rich heritage of the fire service, instills pride and courage in future generations, and strengthens the bond among firefighters for years to come.
Retired Fire Cpt. Bill O’Malley was then invited up to speak and give the invocation.
“At this time, Lord, as we do every year on Firefighters Memorial Sunday, we ask you to welcome into your kingdom our deceased members of the Saugus Fire Department, or any member of their families that have passed away this past year,” O’Malley said.
Some of the names remembered during the service were Chief George W. Parrott Jr., George W. Parrott III, retired firefighter Robert F. Folino, and Barbara MacKenzie, wife of retired Chaplain Hank MacKenzie.
Firefighters Robert Roberto and Patrick Cross were then invited to post the colors, and Lt. Paul Sullivan and Lt. Andrew McDermott were invited up for the placement of the Memorial Wreath.
After the posting of the colors and placement of the wreath, Cpt. Christopher Rizza spoke about Parrott, who died Dec. 20, 2024.
“Chief Parrott would most aptly be described by people who knew him as a consummate gentleman, who never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was a well-respected firefighter, officer and chief of department. The men who worked for him had a great deal of admiration for him,” Rizza said.
He continued that Parrott was a chief who advocated for his department and those who worked for him.
“He was even accused by one former town manager during contract negotiations as working for the union when he should have been sitting on the side of management. When Chief Parrott retired, he was the lowest-paid fire chief in all of Metro Fire as a result of his putting the needs of his men before his own. And he wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said.
Rizza said Parrott “put Saugus on the map” and that his legacy continues every day.
Cpt. Bill Cross was invited to speak about Folino, who died Feb. 7, 2025, and served the department for 25 years.
“In those 25 years, Bob was directly and indirectly responsible for saving the lives and property of the people of Saugus and around the state,” Cross said.
He then spoke about the letters of praise and accolades he found while going through Folino’s file, and read one that described how Folino saved a man’s life.
“One such letter came from a captain from the Everett Fire Department,” Cross said. In the letter, the captain described how Folino rescued a man who went into cardiac arrest during a racquetball tournament.
The letter read: “Mr. Folino worked on the victim, administering treatment, giving breaths and compressions that saved the man’s life.”
Folino was awarded the Thomas R. Linskey Award of Merritt in 1999 due to his actions that day and was the fourth member from Local 1003 to receive the award.
Cross also spoke about how Folino helped him and his wife buy a house. “That’s what Bob was about. He didn’t know me; I was only on the job eight months, but he wanted to help.
Rizza once again went to the podium to read the names of all the deceased firefighters while Lt. Damian Drella rang the Memorial Bell. The Firefighter’s Prayer was then read by Cpt. Christopher Vinard.
Arone then presented the Thomas R. Linskey Award of Merritt, the highest commendation the Saugus Fire Department can bestow.
“It’s a distinction not granted every year, but only in moments of truly exceptional service. It is awarded by the vote of our own members, making it a deeply personal and meaningful honor. This past March, the Department voted unanimously to bestow this award upon a member whose impact reaches far beyond his official duties. While it’s often said in the fire service that we shouldn’t receive awards for simply doing our jobs, every so often, someone rises above the call of duty, not by seeking recognition, but by giving themselves in a way that elevates us all.
This year’s recipient is one of those individuals. He has a rare, invaluable gift. The ability to tell the story of our department, of our daily lives in the firehouse, of our daily challenges and victories all through his camera,” Arone said.
He continued that the firefighter winning the award has been featured by local and state media and that even the State Fire Marshal’s Office depends on him for documentation.
“We are incredibly proud to present the Thomas R. Linsky Award of Merritt for 2025 to Lt. Damian Drella,” Arone said.
The department also honored Bill Cross for his service as union president for Local 1003 for 26 years.
“Through his tenure, Bill championed the rights and well-being of his fellow firefighters, always putting the needs of the department and his members first. He served and continues to serve on several boards and committees around Saugus to ensure fair treatment for all public employees,” Arone said.
Cross made the decision to step aside in 2024, allowing new leadership the opportunity to grow into the role.
“His legacy continues at the state and international level, continues to help and shape, while molding the future for future union leaders in the fire service,” he said.
Arone thanked everyone for coming out, including the North Shore Pipe Band, Stoneham Fire Department, which was covering their calls at the time, and the local and state delegation.
