Community mourns local firefighter Ryan Ferreira

On Monday, May 2, firefighters and community members from across the state gathered at St. Mary's Church on Dartmouth Street to mourn the death of Dartmouth native and third-generation firefighter Ryan Ferreira.

“Our whole family wishes to thank the Walpole Fire Department, the Dartmouth Police Department, the Dartmouth Fire Department, the Dartmouth school department, and the International Association of Firefighters and all its members for the outpour of support,” said Richard Ferreira, father of the deceased.

The 31-year-old passed at Charlton Memorial Hospital on April 25. The death was a medical emergency, and Ferreira was not working at the time, said Walpole fire chief Timothy Bailey.

Ryan Ferreira served full-time as a Walpole firefighter and part-time as a Dartmouth volunteer firefighter, said District 1 Dartmouth fire chief Brad Ellis. “You’re losing one of your young and dedicated firefighters. It’s a loss,” said Ellis.

Ferreira was one of four children. He graduated from Dartmouth High (2004) and attended Bristol Community College for Fire Science (2007). He continued a familial line of firefighters with twin brother Rob, who currently serves New Bedford. His father Richard is retired deputy chief from Dartmouth’s Fire District 1, and his grandfather Manuel Ferreira also served District 1.

Monday's procession included two ladders hoisting an American flag, bagpipers and drummers leading the casket, and a full-capacity church, with more friends, family, and fellow firefighters flowing out into the street.

Ferreira leaves behind three-year-old daughter Isabella and her mother Leticia. Donations can be sent to Dartmouth Fire District 1 at 10 Bridge St., South Dartmouth, MA 02748, C/O Ryan Ferreira.