As memorial grows, questions remain in Worcester tragedy

WORCESTER, Mass. -- Fire officials were set to meet with the Worcester County District Attorney, Monday, to discuss their investigation into the cause of the fire that killed a veteran firefighter.

A memorial outside the Worcester Fire Department continued to grow Sunday night. Many people dropped by over the weekend to bring flowers and to pay their respects to veteran Firefighter Jon Davies.

Friends of Firefighter Davies expressed their sadness and commented on the community support that his family was receiving after the fire that took his life.

“Overwhelming, I mean she has so many friends out there that just want to be there for her and help support and everything,” said Dawn Tomaszewicz, a family friend of Firefighter Davies’ fiance.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire that killed Davies last Thursday. He was looking for survivors when the building collapsed.

“He was just a great man, just his personality was great. Everyone loved him,” said Tomaszewicz.

Davies’ partner Brian Carroll was also injured but was released from the hospital.

The block in front of the Arlington Street home where the fire occurred was still blocked off Sunday night. Building inspectors said the building was the site of numerous violations.

Investigators questioned the realty company that managed the property for the owner.

“No one should live like that, it’s just disgusting. It’s in the kitchen, you know, that’s where you prepare your meals every day,” said Mally Moore, a tenant of another building owned by the same woman that owned the property on Arlington Street.

Tenants said they fear for their safety and said they have been living in disrepair with rodents and roaches infesting their apartments.

Another one of the owner’s buildings has a list of violations that span 57 pages.

Firefighter Davies will be laid to rest Thursday.

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