New Bedford firefighter dies while on duty

NEW BEDFORD, R.I. (WLNE) — New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Krueger said that a firefighter died while on-duty.

45-year-old Matthew Forand suffered a “medical emergency” at Fire Station 9 and died.

Forand had been a member of the department since 2006, and received the Medal of Valor in 2014 for rescuing an unconscious occupant from the second floor of a burning building, as well as a Unit Citation in 2023 for battling a fire at the Royal Crown Apartment.

On behalf of the New Bedford Fire Department and all our members, I want to express our most heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family and loved ones, especially his two children,” Krueger said.

Mayor Jon Mitchell released the following statement about Forand’s death:

Matt Forand was an exemplary firefighter, thoroughly committed to serve the residents of the city he loved. His untimely death is deeply saddening to all who loved and served with him. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Matt’s family and his fellow firefighters.