By: MA State Senator Pavel Payano – 9-26
When a fire breaks out, firefighters do not hesitate. They run toward danger, often without knowing what awaits them inside. Their courage deserves more than our gratitude. It demands that we do everything in our power to reduce preventable dangers and hold accountable those who recklessly disregard safety laws.
That responsibility was at the forefront of my mind recently as the Massachusetts Senate welcomed members of the Lawrence Fire Department to the State House.
During a formal Senate session, we recognized Firefighters Dan Sirois, Otoniel Pedrosa, and Jason Martinez for their heroic response to the five-alarm fire on Haverhill Street in Lawrence on July 12. Facing an incredibly dangerous and rapidly developing situation, they helped evacuate 51 residents and rescued an elderly resident trapped on the third floor.
Their actions reflected the courage, training, and commitment that firefighters across Massachusetts bring to their work every day. It was a privilege to welcome them to the Senate Chamber and recognize their service alongside Chief Patrick Delaney.
But honoring firefighters must also mean acting to protect them.
During that same period, the Senate unanimously passed legislation strengthening the consequences for fire and building code violations that result in serious injury or death.
The bill implements key recommendations of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission, which was established following the tragic 2014 Back Bay fire that claimed the lives of Boston Fire Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy.
That fire was caused by unpermitted welding work. Lieutenant Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy lost their lives responding to a tragedy that could have been prevented had proper safety procedures been followed.
The legislation establishes serious criminal penalties for certain building or fire code violations that cause death, including up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Violations resulting in serious bodily injury could carry up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
It also strengthens oversight of “hot work,” including welding, cutting, and other construction activities that produce flames or sparks. The bill increases penalties for violations and establishes clear standards for the training and certification of those conducting this dangerous work. It also requires the Department of Fire Services to maintain an accessible electronic database so a worker’s certification can be verified.
These provisions are not about punishing an honest mistake. They are about establishing meaningful consequences when safety requirements are recklessly ignored, and lives are placed at risk. Codes exist because past tragedies have taught us what can happen when proper precautions are not taken.
The bill builds upon legislation previously passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor requiring more consistent tracking and notification of code violations. Together, these measures represent important progress toward preventing fires, protecting workers, and giving first responders greater confidence that dangerous construction activities are being performed by properly trained individuals.
The Senate has acted, but the legislation must still complete the legislative process before it can become law.
I hope the House will take it up so we can deliver these protections for firefighters, construction workers, residents, and neighborhoods across Massachusetts.
The Legislature’s official bill history reflects that the Senate passed the measure and returned it to the House for further consideration.
Firefighters Dan Sirois, Otoniel Pedrosa, and Jason Martinez showed us what service looks like when our community is in danger. I am grateful to them and all of our firefighters from Haverhill, Lawrence and Methuen for the courage and leadership they demonstrate every day.
We can never eliminate every risk firefighters face. We can, however, ensure that preventable hazards are taken seriously, safety laws carry real consequences, and those who protect us receive the protection they deserve. The Senate’s passage of this legislation was an important step toward fulfilling that responsibility.
Pavel Payano is a Massachusetts state senator representing Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen. He is also a former member of the Lawrence School Committee and City Council. You can email his office at Sharoline.Galva@masenate.gov ◊