Fallen Firefighter Michael Kennedy Receives Posthumous 'Big of the Year' Award

Fallen Boston Firefighter Michael Kennedy, who died while battling a massive fire in Back Bay in March, was honored posthumously Thursday by the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. 

Kennedy, who spent seven years in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, was named "Big of the Year" at the Big of the Year Gala this week, according to WHDH. 

Kennedy, a native of West Roxbury and Roslindale, served as a firefighter of Boston Ladder 15, and as part of BBBSMB's program, he mentored 14-year-old Alex, whom he took to sporting events and amusement parks, among other activities, according to Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

"In choosing Michael Kennedy as our Big of the Year, we celebrate seven years of friendship," Wendy Foster, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, said in a statement. "Like many of our incredible Bigs, Michael inspired his Little to reach higher, walk taller, dream bigger and grow stronger. We are humbled and privileged to be part of the friendship he and Alex shared."

For more, visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay.