Honorees

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Year Honored
2009
Honoree
Barry M. Bennett
Agency
Cambridge Fire Department
Agency City
Cambridge
Agency State
MA
Last Call
11/2/03
Cause of Death
Infectious Disease Exposure
Biography
Barry was a man who believed only the big stuff in life mattered. He had a great personality and used his wit and safety skills while performing his duties. He would size up a situation and make a quick, safe decision.<br /> <br /> Barry M. Bennett, 49, of Maynard, Massachusetts, died in the line of duty on November 2, 2003. He was inadvertently punctured by a needle while rendering assistance during a medical call in 1987. He tested positive for Hepatitis-C and began aggressive treatment. He continued his work until 2003, received a new liver in late 2003, however, after a courageous battle, he succumbed to his injury.<br /> <br /> Bennett was an 18-year veteran for the Cambridge Fire Department. There he had logged in 10,000 responses to emergency calls during that time. He served the department as lieutenant until his death. He served in the US Army where he was an aircraft repairman and a crewman aboard nighttime helicopter missions in Vietnam.<br /> <br /> Barry had a great love for his family; his three sons were the light of his life. He always made time for fishing and movies. When he had time for himself, you could find him tinkering with his 1976 Porsche. He used to say, "worrying is for the important times and the big stuff, the rest of life is for living."<br /> <br /> Honored 2009