Decorated New Bedford Firefighter Matthew Forand, father of two, dies while on duty

NEW BEDFORD — Matthew E. Forand, a decorated 45-year-old New Bedford firefighter and father of two, died overnight while on duty at Fire Station 9.

Fire Chief Scott Kruger stated Thursday, "It is with great sadness that I must report the line-of-duty death of New Bedford Firefighter Matthew E. Forand."

He said, "Preliminary information suggests that Matt suffered a medical emergency and passed away during the night while on duty at Fire Station 9."

Kruger added, "On behalf of the New Bedford Fire Department and all our members, I want to express our most heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family and loved ones, especially his two children."

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Kruger said, "I also want to pledge the Department’s support for them in a time of sadness. This is an unspeakable loss for them, for his brother and sister firefighters, and for our community."

Forand completed the New Bedford Firefighting Academy in 2006, and was most recently assigned to Engine Co. 9.He was recognized repeatedly for his commitment to the residents of New Bedford.

He received the Medal of Valor at the 2014 Firefighter of the Year Awards for rescuing an unconscious occupant from the second floor of a burning building on Dartmouth Street.

He also received a Unit Citation as a member of Engine Co. 6 for his efforts battling the Royal Crown Apartment fire in March 2023.

Hundreds of expressions of sadness were posted on the New Bedford Fire Department's Facebook page within only 30 minutes after the sad news was posted.

“Matt Forand was an exemplary firefighter, thoroughly committed to serve the residents of the city he loved,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “His untimely death is deeply saddening to all who loved and served with him. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family and his fellow firefighters.”

Information on the services will be announced when it becomes available.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Decorated New Bedford Firefighter Matthew Forand, father of two, dies while on duty