VIDEO: A retired Revere police officer died Tuesday after he was pulled from a burning home in the Massachusetts city. Richard Serino, 77, who was the homeowner, was pulled from the second floor of the Washington Avenue home by firefighters who carried him from the residence. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. โThis is a very sad day for the Revere Fire Department and the city of Revere,โ said acting Revere fire Chief James E. Cullen. โMr. Serino was beloved in our community. He served as a U.S. Marine and a Revere police officer for many years, and his son is a Revere firefighter. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and many loved ones.โ
Serino served the Revere Police Department for 34 years, from 1979 to 2013, Revere police interim Chief Maria A. LaVita said. “He was quick-witted and always smiling. We will miss him immensely,” LaVita said. “A well-known guy, a stand-up officer,” said Lou Agri, a friend of the victim who arrived at the scene after hearing about the fire. โCared about the community, cared about his family first. loved his wife, loved his kids, loved his job, and whatever he could do for you — heโd do for you,โ said Revere City Councilor Chris Giannino, Serinoโs former partner on the police force. Giannino was Serinoโs partner on the motorcycle unit for years. โItโs been tough. Itโs tough to watch someone who as a kid, you grew up watching and trying to follow, and then follow him on the job — work alongside him,โ he said. Serino was also a proud Marine Corps veteran and was honored last month at the State House. Condolences poured in from across the city. โRichie Serino was a community staple, who took pride in his home and his family. He comes from a lineage of Reverians with a rich history in public service, and we are grateful for his, and his familyโs, contributions to the betterment of our city. We will all miss driving by his legendary holiday decorations, of which he dedicated so much time and care,โ Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe Jr. said.
Fire crews responded to a 911 call from a passerby at 4:39 p.m. On arrival, firefighters saw heavy smoke and fire at the back of the multi-family home. “You could feel the heat from across the street immediately,” neighbor Kevin O’Connell said. Several Revere firefighters also suffered minor injuries while fighting the fire; however, Cullen says that they did not leave the scene and continued to work. A number of other residents inside the home were able to safely get out on their own. “It’s a real shame. They’ve been there for 70 years,” O’Connell said. Due to the volume of fire inside the home and the humidity, firefighters were ordered out of the building and transitioned to exterior operations for safety reasons. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
