‘Little Brother’ Remembers Firefighter Kennedy

BOSTON- For the past seven years, Kennedy was the Big Brother to Alex Beauzile, 14, through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay.

“When Mike came in, he kind of changed my life,” Alex said. “He was always there to encourage us to do better — me and my sister.”

Kennedy and the Milton teen have been snowboarding, attended Celtics games and spent a lot of time just hanging out.

“We lost a hero, a soldier, everything. We are going to be strong. We are going to be there for the family,” said Alex’s mother, Genie Morelus.

They consider Kennedy part of their family, and his photos are all over their Milton home.
“I’m so thankful that he gave us the opportunity to be part of his life, part of his heart. Since last night, I felt like he was smiling down,” Morelus said.

Kennedy’s death is also devastating for Alex’s 13-year-old sister, Gabby.

“He’s an awesome guy. I still can’t believe he’s gone. He helped my family a lot, and that’s something most people wouldn’t do for anybody else. But Mike did that,” Gabby said.

Kennedy and his family have supported the single mother and her kids in ways they never expected.

“Doorbell rings and here comes Mike — with that big old smile,” Morelus said. “It was like he was Santa Claus. Like you just won the lottery.”

Through tears, Morelus said when Alex receives his high school diploma, it will really belong to Kennedy.

When asked what his best memory of Kennedy, Alex recalled a trip to Six Flags New England in Agawam.

“At the end, he told me he loved me and I said, ‘I love you, too,'” Alex said.
Kennedy was helping Alex fulfill his dream of someday becoming a police officer, the family said.

Some of Kennedy’s friends have contacted Big Brothers Big Sisters to volunteer in his memory.

“We are obviously very saddened today,” BBBS president and CEO Wendy Foster said.
Kennedy and Lt. Ed Walsh died Wednesday after becoming trapped by a wind-driven nine-alarm fire in a brownstone at 298 Beacon St.

Watch the touching full report here: http://www.wcvb.com/news/little-brother-remembers-firefighter-kennedy/25196212#ixzz2xGYwjQod

There are over 800 boys in the Massachusetts Bay area looking for a Big Brother. Volunteer today.

For more clips on Big Brother Michael Kennedy and his Little Alex click below:

Firefighter was rock for teen
Boston Herald
March 29, 2014

In Boston fire, local residents lost son, Milton teen lost Big Brother
The Herald News
March 30, 2014
Note: pick-up from Patriot Ledger article

Kennedy’s ‘little brother’ reflects on his time with the firefighter
My Fox Boston
March 29, 2014
*Includes clip

Fallen firefighter’s mother tells of caring son who loved life
WCVB
March 30, 2014
*Includes clip

Michael Kennedy honored as hero of marathon bombing, Big Brother
WSVN (Miami)
March 28, 2014
*Includes clip

Michael Kennedy a quiet community presence
The Boston Globe
March 28, 2014

In Boston fire, Cohasset mom lost son, Milton teen lost Big Brother
The Patriot Ledger
March 28, 2014

Fallen Firefighter was Big Brother to Milton Teen
Patch.com
March 27, 2014

Little Brother remembers firefighter Kennedy
Wicked Local Allston
March 27, 2014

Lt. Ed Walsh, Michael Kennedy help community on and off-duty
WHDH
March, 28, 2014
*Includes clip

Michael Kennedy honored as hero of marathon bombing, Big Brother
WHDH
March 27, 28, 2014

‘Little Brother’ remembers firefighter Kennedy
WCVB
March 27, 2014
*Includes clip of Little, Alex

Remembering Boston Firefighter Mike Kennedy: ‘Citizens Were Saved’
CBS Boston
March 27, 2014

Fallen Firefighter inspired teen boy to serve
WPRI (Rhode Island)
March 28, 2014
*Includes clip of Little, Alex

Fallen Firefighter Kennedy Remembered as Charitable “Big Brother”
Fox6 Springfield
March 28, 2014
*Includes clip of Little, Alex