by Brian Keaney

A “bittersweet celebration” was held at the East Dedham firehouse Friday night as the community said goodbye to one firefighter and honored another.  The station was packed as friends, family, and community members turned out to wish Nick Spada well in his retirement, and to dedicate the new Engine 3 to James “Jimbo” McInnis, a firefighter who died in a motorcycle accident this summer.

“This is a celebration of Jimbo and Nick’s dedication and commitment to their families, the Fire Department, and the people of the town of Dedham,” Chief Bill Cullinane said.

Spada, who Cullinane called “everybody’s friend” and “Dedham’s favorite firefighter,” was honored first. 

“They broke the mold when he was born,” Cullinane said of Spada.  “There will never be another one.  He’s the one and only.”

Without missing a beat, Spada’s wife Jackie jumped in and yelled out, “Thank God.”

Cullinane continued by calling Spada “a big part of Dedham,” but quickly added that there would finally be “peace at last” with his retirement.

“His loyalty, commitment, and support for his family, the Fire Department, and the Town of Dedham is unquestionable,” said Cullinane.  It won’t be the same without him.”

Spada was presented with a shillelagh, which Cullinane said could be used either to help with his distressed ankle or on the golf course. 

Spada thanked the crowds for attending, and said he was pleased so many people, particularly children, were able to see the new engine before it was put into service.  Throughout the evening children were climbing in and on it.

His philosophy, Spada said, was to emulate the firefighters who came before him by “doing good things, but have a little bad in you.  You know, have fun doing it.”  He proceeded to thank by name each of the four chiefs he had worked under, all of whom were present, and his family.  He also presented Jackie with a large bouquet of flowers.

“It’s been a pleasure,” Spada said. 

Also during the ceremony, the new Engine 3 was dedicated in memory of Jimbo McInnis, who died in a motorcycle accident this summer.  Deputy Chief John Fontaine said it wasn’t the idea of a single person to make the dedication, the first in the department’s history, but that many firefighters approached him suggesting it.

The East Dedham firehouse is a center of the community, Fontaine said, that deals with everything from marital disputes to slipped chains on a child’s bike, in addition to fighting fires.  Fontaine said McInnis, Engine 3’s driver, “thrived on being a neighborhood firefighter.” 

Three years ago, McInnis was transferred to Group One, which Fontaine oversees.  Fontaine said both of the lieutenants in the group independently approached him to say how pleased they were McInnis was now working under them.  Shortly before his death, Fontaine said he relayed that information to McInnis, adding that he was glad he was able to while he had the chance.

Fontaine then removed a photo of McInnis that had been taped to the engine, revealing a decal painted on to the side.  He said they had sent it back for multiple revisions before they finally were pleased with it.

McInnis’ longtime companion, Joan Begin, said he would have been “blown away” by “this touching gesture.”  “He loved his job,” she said.

In order to accommodate the new engine, the doors to the firehouse, which is over 100 years old, had to be enlarged and the floors reinforced.  New siding was also placed on the exterior, and the firefighters assigned to the station painted the interior.  The party last night was also an opportunity to show off the work that had been done.

Steve MacDougal, the president of the firefighters’ union, said “the dedication is a testament to Jimbo himself.  He was so selfless.” 

“This was a fitting tribute to two great guys,” said MacDougal.