Chief O'Hearn, as he was known to countless thousands of persons, is survived by his wife, the former Agnes T. McKenney and by several nieces and nephews. He was born in the East End on September 16, 1873, the son of the late William and Hannah (Whelan) O'Hearn. He learned the trade of a plumber and when the engine house was next to the old Town Hall, on Church Street, he was operating a plumbing shop on Main Street across from Church Street.

His service began as a substitute on Ladder 1. On June 1, 1896, he was made a call hoseman on Engine 1. He became a call lieutenant on May 1, 1900 and one year later was appointed a call captain, an office he filled until May 1, 1911, when he was appointed assistant chief. Exactly one year later he was appointed chief, as a permanent member of the department, and served in that capacity until his retirement by the Board of Selectmen on November 29, 1944. He had reached the compulsory retirement age on September 15, 1943, and was immediately re-employed by the Selectmen under the emergency law in effect during the second world war. Following his retirement in 1944, he became interested in politics and in the town election of March, 1945, running as an independent, he achieved election to the Board of Selectmen for a three-year term.

Jack O'Hearn was instrumental in organizing the New England Association of Fire Chiefs in 1922. He was chosen as secretary and treasurer of the organization and was reelected annually until this year. When the annual meeting was held last June he tendered his resignation because of his illness. A special committee considered the case and recommended his election for the 37th time. This was done, then his resignation was accepted and he was elected Secretary-Treasurer emeritus. Over the years he had guided the association through troublesome times and had done much to make it a successful organization.

He was a past president of the Watertown Rotary Club; a 50-year member of both the Watertown Council, K. of C., and Watertown Division, A.O.H. He was a corporator of the Watertown Savings Bank, had served on many town committees and at the time of his death was a member of the Incinerator Committee. He held membership in the Holy Name Society of St. Patrick's Parish, the St. Patrick's Alumni Association and Watertown Lodge of Elks. Although not a veteran, he was one of two honorary members of Watertown Post 99, American Legion, and honor that was bestowed upon him in recognition of his service to the community.