A firefighter died after returning home from battling a house fire in Marion, according to town manager Paul Dawson and Marion Fire Chief Brian Jackvony.
Firefighter Thomas Nye, a 72-year-old Marion firefighter who was with the department for 45 years, helped extinguish a chimney fire on Point Road shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon before returning to his house.
Officials say Nye suffered an apparent cardiac incident and collapsed early Wednesday morning. He was transported to Tobey Hospital in Wareham, where he was later pronounced dead.
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“Firefighter Nye was a proud firefighter who served our community with distinction," Jackvony said. "We are a call fire department, and Firefighter Nye anchored our Station 2 during the day. While many of our younger firefighters are working their private jobs, he was always available when people needed help. We are all feeling the loss of our friend and brother firefighter today.”
Nye was a husband for 53 years and a father to two sons, Thomas Jr. and Andrew, and he also leaves behind five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
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“You would be hard pressed to find a Marion resident who has not heard of or know a member of the Nye family,” Dawson said. “On behalf of the entire community, I wish to offer my heartfelt sympathy to Firefighter Nye’s family and I extend my unending gratitude to the Nye family for their tireless service to Marion.”
Nye was a Vietnam veteran, and worked as an automotie mechanic in his private and military careers.
A funeral with full fire department and military honors is anticipated, but arrangements have yet to be announced.