WORCESTER, MASS. (WHDH) - JetBlue normally does not fly this particular aircraft into Worcester Regional Airport, but they made an exception Saturday after receiving a special request from a firefighter hoping to honor a fallen Worcester lieutenant.
The jet is named “Blue Bravest” wrapped in red to honor the firefighters who died while saving others on Sept. 11, 2001.
Jowel Grzyb, a firefighter in Webster, reached out to the airline knowing that the plane’s arrival in the heartbroken city would offer a fitting tribute to Lt. Jason Menard, who sacrificed his life to save others in a house fire in Worcester on Wednesday.
Menard and his team entered a burning home at 7 Stockholm St. around 1 a.m. on Wednesday in search of a reported trapped resident and baby, Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie said.
The firefighters from Ladder 5 gained entry into the third floor, where they became trapped by raging flames. The flames overtook the third floor and Menard was unable to escape because he put the lives of his crew members before his own.
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Grzyb said he hopes this small act will help the community heal as well.
“After a tragedy like that, you know, a couple days afterward, it’s just something as small as a plane like that coming in with the FDNY livery on it,” he said. “It just takes your mind off it for a little while.”
The plane spent about 40 minutes in Worcester before taking off for its next destination.
Incredible tribute to Lt. Jason Menard by @JetBlue. Their “Blue Bravest” aircraft painted in the colors of the @FDNY flew into the @FlyWorcester today. Thank you to everyone across the country and world who are showing their love and support for @WorcesterFD &family of Lt. Menard pic.twitter.com/r4Zr9X5PcZ
— City of Worcester (@TweetWorcester) November 16, 2019
Visiting hours for Lt. Jason Menard will be held at the Mercadante Funeral Home from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
His funeral will be held Monday morning at St. John’s Catholic Church, following a private family procession from the funeral home. Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to the church.
Officials say they are expecting firefighters from across the country to attend Monday morning’s funeral.
The city of Worcester has set up a memorial fund in Menard’s honor to help support his family and three children.
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