Crime & Safety
Peabody Firefighter Remembered For Humor, Family
Five years after James Rice's death, Peabody firefighters still think of him every day.
PEABODY, MA – Remembering James Rice puts a smile on Chris Dowling's face. Dowling, the Fire Inspector, knew Rice all his life, but really got to know him when they went to the fire academy together.
"I think of the funny things, because he was a funny guy, always joking around a lot," said Dowling. "When I think about Ricey it kind of puts a smile on my face. Anytime we start to remember some of the experiences we had with Ricey, it’s always about a moment on a call or even when we’re watching a movie together how he could pick up on everything and repeat the lines."
Rice died in December 2011 from injuries sustained while battling a fire. The five year anniversary of his death is this month.
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Rice is an everyday presence at the Peabody Fire Department. Chief Steve Pasdon said he thinks about him every day, and remembers preparing his eulogy. Pasdon said that because Rice was such a good man, preparing his remarks was simple.
"His spirit is very much alive in the city of Peabody," said Mayor Ted Bettencourt, who grew up with Rice. "He touched many people’s lives." Bettencourt said he remembers Rice as a family man with a great sense of humor.
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Peabody Fire Captain John Hosman said a group of firefighters goes to every graduation for Rice's kids, and the department loves to see them around town.
"When the kids graduate from Higgins, we’ll be there. When they graduate from high school, we’ll be there," said Hosman who knew Rice from childhood.
"We tell a lot of stories about him, some of the funny stories we had. It’s one of those things, we’ll never forget him," said Hosman.
In addition to his humor, Bettencourt said he remembers Rice through sports. Hosman said growing up, Rice always wanted to be busy with football, basketball, and baseball. He played in a men's softball league in adulthood. His athleticism is remembered in the annual Jim Rice 5K and the annual summer softball tournament in August.
"He’ll always be remembered," said Bettencourt.
Images via the Peabody Fire Department
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