(NECN) - On the streets of Boston and across New England, people offered their condolences to the family and friends of two firefighters killed in the line of duty on Wednesday.
"Two great firefighters," Rich Paris, president of Firefighters Local Union 718, said of Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy.
"We lost two heroes today," added Mayor Marty Walsh. "It's a sad day for the City of Boston."
Others offered their thoughts and prayers online via social media.
"My heart and my condolences go out to the families of the firefighters lost in the line of duty today as well as to the entire Boston Fire Department," Gov. Deval Patrick tweeted. "This terrible tragedy reinforces how we must be grateful every single day for the brave men and women who put themselves in danger day in and day out to keep us safe."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to @BostonFire and all first responders involved in today's #beaconfire in #BackBay," Massachusetts State Police said on Twitter.
"Thoughts and prayers with @BostonFire during this difficult time," the Cambridge Fire Department said.
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"@BostonFire Your ultimate sacrifice won't be forgotten," added Dic Donohue, the MBTA officer injured in a shoot-out with the Boston Marathon bombers a year ago.
"Thoughts and prayers for two public safety brothers from Boston Fire and for our @SalemMAFire colleagues during this terrible time," Salem Police Chief Paul Tucker said.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all @BostonFire and their families," the Lawrence Police Department said.
"God has called them home to serve on the front lines of Heaven's Fire Brigade," Tweeted the Portland, Maine Fire Department. "RIP Brothers - we will take it from here :-("
