Medford Reacts to the Death of Bin Laden

Paul Doyon, an Air Force Reserve and Medford Firefighter, woke to about five text messages Monday morning with the news -- Osama bin Laden is dead.

"It's a little bit of closure, but I know there's probably another 1,000 guys like him out there," Doyon said Monday at Medford Fire Headquarters. "I think it's very symbolic, he's really one guy in a huge mess. I hope people stay vigilant."

Doyon served as a Technical Sergeant at an air base in Afghanistan from January to June, 2009. The texts he received were from people he served with. It was news he thought he might never hear.

"I thought it may have already happened and they were keeping it from us," he said. "I'm glad we got him instead of him dying a natural death."

In the weeks and months following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, firefighters from Medford and Malden flocked to the New York area for memorial services.

"Every week there was a bus leaving full of guys," Medford fire Lt. Jeff Breen said Monday.

"It's reassuring they got him and in an up close and personal manner," Breen said. "The military certainly deserves a 'that-a-boy.'"

Deputy chief Steve Howe went with Breen and many others area firefighters to to services in New York City and Connecticut about a month after 9/11 attack.

"For guys who have been on the job since 9/11 it's not a conclusion but it's a great thing to have happen," Howe said.

Drinking a cup of coffee outside Colleen's in Medford Square Monday morning, Nancy Dennis, a Peabody resident with Medford ties, said she was pleased with the news, but concerned with potential ramifications.

"I just hope it doesn't get worse," Dennis said.

At Logan International Airport, threat levels were not raised, but security and police presence was increased Monday, officials said.

Rep. Ed Markey, a Democrat serving Massachusetts' 7th District, said Sunday night's announcement was an enormous Milestone.

"It is a testament to the courageous and relentless work of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe overseas and here at home," Markey said in a written statement. "As our nation moves forward, we must remain vigilant and continue our efforts to detect and deter attacks from al Qaeda and its affiliates around the world.”