Francis Murphy Rink

March 5, 2017

State and local officials gathered at a South Boston skating rink Saturday to rededicate a plaque for a firefighter who died in the line of duty decades ago and who was a local hockey legend.

Francis L. Murphy, a South Boston native, was killed on Oct. 1, 1964, while battling a fire at a toy factory on Trumball Street in the South End when a wall collapsed. Five other firefighters and a photographer also died in the tragedy.

Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn said that more than 50 years later Murphy continues to be a role model for the community and remembering his accomplishments helps younger generations “understand dedication.”

Murphy graduated from South Boston High School and was attending Boston College when he left to join the Marines and serve in World War II. After he returned home, he earned his degree and in 1949, his senior year, led the BC hockey team to a national championship.