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Wake for Lt. Ed Walsh held in Watertown

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A wake for fallen fire Lt. Ed Walsh took place Tuesday in Watertown.

Walsh and firefighter Michael Kennedy were killed in the Beacon Street fire last week.

Approximately 5,000 first responders arrived at Saint Patrick's Church in Watertown. Calling hours began at 3 p.m., and firefighters began lining up at around 1:30 p.m. to wait to head into the church.

The first responders entered the church first to pay their respects, and by around 5:15 p.m., friends and family entered the church, some waiting in line for three hours to speak to Walsh's family members.

Family friend Dennis Duff attended the service and was shocked at how long the line was.

"Look at the line, look at it," he said. "I've been here since 1:30."

He went on to say that Walsh had a "heart as big as all outdoors."

An estimated 10,000 firefighters from around the globe are expected to travel to Boston for services honoring both men. Several local hotels are even offering discounted or free rooms to the visiting firefighters.

Firefighter James Prince attended the wake and said it was extremely difficult for him.

"I've been on this job, you know, almost 30 years on this job and this is the worst feeling I've ever had," he said.

It is a brotherhood firefighters will tell you, you can't fully understand unless you are one of them.

Walsh's funeral will be held at the same church in Watertown on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

A wake for Kennedy will be held at the P.E. Murray Funeral home in West Roxbury from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Holy Name Church.

Both men worked for Engine 33/Ladder 15 in Boston. Vehicles from that firehouse will carry the caskets and flowers.

Walsh and Kennedy will be posthumously awarded medals of valor.

FOX 25 will broadcast both funeral services.