Local News

Fallen firefighter’s body escorted to medical examiner

Boston firefighters lined Albany Street as they saluted the body of fallen Watertown firefighter Joseph Toscano, who is escorted by Watertown Fire Trucks, as the hearse in the procession arrives Saturday at the State Medical Examiners Office. John Tlumacki / The Boston Globe

By Associated Press

WATERTOWN, Mass. (AP) — The body of a fallen Massachusetts firefighter has been escorted to the medical examiner’s office with a solemn procession.

Joseph Toscano.

Watertown firefighters on Saturday morning saluted and walked alongside the vehicle transporting the body of Joseph Toscano at points as it made the journey from a Cambridge hospital to the office in Boston.

The 54-year-old Randolph resident collapsed and died after responding to a house fire Friday.

Officials say Toscano suffered a medical emergency. The medical examiner’s office will determine the exact cause of death.

Colleagues remembered Toscano as a 21-year veteran of the department and a married father of five children.

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Toscano is the first Massachusetts firefighter to die in the line of duty since 2014, when two Boston firefighters were killed battling a fast-moving blaze. Funeral arrangements are pending.