REVERE, Mass. — A retired police officer who died after being pulled from a raging fire that ripped through a house on the North Shore of Massachusetts on Tuesday is being remembered as a “community staple.”
Firefighters responding to a report of a blaze at a multi-family home at 661 Washington Street in Revere around 4:40 p.m. found flames engulfing the house, according to the Revere Fire Department.
Retired Revere motorcycle officer Richie Serino, 77, was pulled from the burning home, according to the Revere Police Department. The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office told Boston 25 News on Wednesday morning that he ultimately died from his injuries.
Cellphone video captured by a passing motorist and shared with Boston 25 News showed the fire burning out of control as smoke consumed the neighborhood.
Fire officials said everyone else in the home made it out to safety.
Acting Revere Fire Chief James E. Cullen said Serino served as a proud member of the Revere Police Department for 34 years, from 1979 to 2013.
“This is a very sad day for the Revere Fire Department and the City of Revere,” Cullen said in a statement. “Mr. Serino was beloved in our community. He served as a US Marine and a Revere Police officer for many years, and his son is a Revere firefighter. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and many loved ones.”
Cullen added, “He was quick-witted and always smiling. We will miss him immensely.”
Serino had lived at the home for decades and took great pride in his family and decorating his front yard for festive occasions, according to Revere Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr.
“Richie Serino was a community staple who took pride in his home and his family. He comes from a lineage of Reverians with a rich history in public service, and we are grateful for his and his family’s contributions to the betterment of our city,” Keefe Jr. said in a statement. “We will all miss driving by his legendary holiday decorations, of which he dedicated so much time and care.
Lou Agri, a friend of Serino’s, said he was a “great guy” and an “outstanding cop.”
Neighborhood resident Kevin O’Connell added, “Belongings can be replaced, but you can’t replace a life. You can’t replace a dad or a grandfather or any of that.”
O’Connell, who lives across the street, credited the passing driver for calling 911 and alerting residents of the home to the intensifying flames.
“[The driver] pulled over and started knocking on all the windows, all the doors, trying to get out as many people as possible,” O’Connell recalled.
Several firefighters suffered minor muscle-related injuries while battling the blaze. They were eventually ordered out of the building because of the escalating danger from stubborn flames and thick smoke.
“The humidity doesn’t help. It bangs down a lot of smoke. The members took a beating here with the smoke,” Cullen said.
The fire went to two alarms, drawing mutual aid from several area departments. Firefighters had the bulk of the heavy flames knocked down in about 20 minutes, but the structure sustained significant damage, and all residents were displaced.
Officials said it’s too early to determine a cause, but they believe the fire started somewhere in the back of the home.
The Red Cross is now assisting neighbors who lost everything.
The Revere Fire Department, the Revere Police Department, state police fire officials assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and state police troopers assigned to the Suffolk DA’s office are investigating.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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