08/21/2026
Please pause to remember these brave souls ♥️
Today, the Ashland Fire Department pauses to remember Fire Chief Charles Moran, Lieutenant Norman E. Barry, and Firefighter John Rebenacker, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on August 21, 1963.
On that evening, Ashland firefighters responded on mutual aid to a fire at the Central Coal Company on Route 9 in Framingham. The fire began shortly before 7 p.m. in a coal shed and spread to a nearby oil tank. The tank exploded while firefighters were battling the blaze, tragically taking the lives of Chief Moran, Lt. Barry, and Firefighter Rebenacker.
They became the first Ashland firefighters to lose their lives in the line of duty in our department's history.
Fire departments from across the region responded that evening, including Framingham, Natick, Wayland, Weston, Sudbury, Southborough, Holliston, Wellesley, Walpole, Hudson, and Marlborough.
63 years later, we continue to honor their courage, service, and sacrifice. Their names and their legacy will never be forgotten.
Fire Chief Charles Moran
Lieutenant Norman E. Barry
Firefighter John Rebenacker
End of Watch: August 21, 1963
May we always remember those who answered the call and never returned home.
