Mother to Name Newborn After Firefighter Who Died While Trying to Save Their Home
- Posted on January 8, 2012 at 8:39pm by
Christopher Santarelli
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Two nights before Christmas, firefighter James M. Rice perished in a burning apartment in Peabody, Massachusetts, home to 38 weeks pregnant Lisa Jaber and her 8-year-old daughter Jayla. After giving birth to a second daughter this week, Jaber has decided to name the newborn in honor of the brave firefighter who left the world shortly before her baby entered it.
The mother told The Boston Globe Friday that she has named her 7-pound, 9-ounce baby girl Bella Rice Jaber, “because he risked his life to save our house, and it just felt right, so I dedicated her name toward him and his family.’’
Lisa was at a doctor’s appointment when the fire broke out, and did not learn of the tragic news about Rice until hours later. On December 29, more than a thousand mourners waited outside a funeral home in the cold before they had the opportunity to pay their respects at the wake for the 42-year-old father of three young children. Lisa tells Fox 25 that it was at Rice’s funeral where she first got the idea of how to honor the fallen firefighter:
Jaber told The Globe that she saw Rice’s family at his funeral, but did not speak to them.
“I didn’t want to impose on them to say ‘Hey it’s me.’ (The funeral) was very touching. I cried a lot. My heart went out for his family — especially his children.”
The building where the Jaber family lived has been called a total loss by inspectors, and The Globe reports that 13 people were displaced by the fatal fire. The Jabers lost nearly everything they had, and spent Christmas in a hotel room with hundreds of donated gifts to replace the ones lost in the fire.
Fox 25 reports that investigators believe the fire was the result of an electrical issue.
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KangarooJack
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 7:45pmPrayers for the family of the Fallen Firefighter and what a beautiful tribute from the woman to include his name in her daughter’s.
Report Post »bjornskis
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 6:57pmGod speed James Rice
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 7:32pm.
Report Post »God bless them all.
bronco83
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 3:40pmHe was a union government worker so we on the Blaze are anti government union so tough luck pal you and the rest of the union thugs can all burn!
Harvey1
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 4:43pmThe article only said he was a fire fighter. It did not say if he was a paid or volunteer firefighter. Not all fire fighters are paid and unionized.
Report Post »On the other side not all Blaze readers are ash holes like you. Cold heated bastards like you probably voted for Odumba also. Thank GOD not all people are like you!
Skrewedretiree
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 9:06pmNice try, Commie Liberal! I hope my flagging your insensitive, hateful and lying post will be removed! God help you and keep you. I suspect, however, you are an Atheist and will be comfortable in Hell.
Report Post »Vickie Dhaene
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 1:48pmAn American Super Hero is finally at rest. I pray for the Love of God be passed through these families.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 12:56pmGod bless the fireman’s family & friends & the new baby!
Report Post »Sheepdog69
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 12:28pmWell done. Human kindness and respect.
Report Post »bigfatslob
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 9:30amThank God for a feel good story w/ all the doom & gloom. God bless your soul Firefighter Rice !
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 3:05amR.I.P to the firefighter .
Report Post »sillyfreshness
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 2:30amA fitting tribute.
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