Farewell, to a true Hub hero
AS YOU WERE SAYING . . .
The water is rising. People are in peril and need help. Neighbors and first responders from around the country have mobilized in Texas and beyond to do what we always seem to do when disaster strikes — we come together, find out what’s needed, and we deal with the situation. Hour by hour, day by day until the job is done.
But, something is different this time in Boston. The person we leaned on so many times to help respond to disasters near and far is no longer here. Boston EMS Captain Bob Haley — “Sarge” to those who knew him — will be laid to rest today.
You probably didn’t know his name, but he represented the heart and soul of Boston.
Bob Haley developed and would eventually lead Special Operations at Boston EMS. But anyone who knew Bob knew he didn’t care about his titles — or anybody else’s for that matter. He was a true leader and visionary, and yes, he would be cussing me right now for saying that. He was also someone who cared deeply about this city, state and country.
He was the architect of EMS response plans at special events in Boston, from the first Sail Boston to every one of the First Night celebrations, to the 500-plus special events in the city each year, and, of course, the Boston Marathon.
Bob laid the groundwork years ago for the marathon response in 2013 that saved countless lives. It was no accident that all the injured who left the scene alive survived the ordeal. It was no accident that they were evenly distributed to hospitals and no accident that every EMT was trained to respond when it mattered most. Once all the crews were accounted for and safe that terrible day Bob said to them, “You all ran the right way.” And that was no accident. He had planned and trained and practiced and drilled all of us, many times. That made all the difference that tragic day in April.
Bob’s expertise and logistical genius were called on beyond Boston. He responded to major disasters such as Hurricane Andrew, and Ground Zero after 9/11. He was specifically requested to help run logistics in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina struck.
As much as he has been recognized nationally he ALWAYS was there in the middle of the night, from East Boston to Roxbury and Hyde Park to Brighton and almost every block in between if anyone needed help.
He would show up at 3 a.m. if an elderly housing complex lost power to make sure its residents were treated with the respect and dignity they deserved. He would often be first on scene to care for and comfort someone badly injured in an accident, or a victim of violence. He was there after a coworker was burned out of his house after a fire, or to lend his considerable fund raising skills as an “auctioneer” at a benefit for someone in need.
He was always there for those who needed help, and I think that is why his passing hurts so much. Sarge was a Southie boy whose life became a gift to residents from every neighborhood of this city, and to people across the country who were in harm’s way who never knew him. He will be missed, never replaced and NEVER forgotten.
Rest in peace, brother.
Capt. Bob Haley developed and would eventually lead Special Operations at Boston EMS. But anyone who knew Bob knew he didn’t care about his titles — or anybody else’s for that matter.