The firefighting and veteran communities are mourning the loss of Matthew Troy, a Boston firefighter from Engine Company 10, who passed away after a courageous battle with stage 4 liver cancer. Matthew, appointed to the department on February 14, 2018, was just 30 years old when he received his devastating diagnosis in 2022.
Matthew Troy’s life was characterized by bravery and selflessness both in his military service as a Marine Veteran and his role as a firefighter. Colleagues and friends remember him as embodying the essence of a Boston firefighter—courageous, determined, and deeply committed to his duty. Despite facing tremendous health challenges, Matthew’s spirit remained strong, inspiring all who knew him.
Throughout his illness, the community rallied around Matthew, organizing numerous fundraisers to support him in his fight against cancer. His passing has left a profound impact on those he touched, including the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation, which recognized him as a compassionate individual who cared deeply for his fellow firefighters.
Jason Burns, District 8 Vice President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and a firefighter from Fall River, has been a staunch advocate for eliminating toxic PFAS chemicals from firefighters’ protective gear. Matthew Troy’s story underscores the urgent need to address the health risks faced by firefighters, highlighting the documentary “BURNED: Protecting Our Protectors,” where such issues are brought to the forefront.
