Cape Cod Times
Daniel “Flippy” O’Connell’s life was one of public service. The Marine Corps veteran, firefighter, paramedic and cancer crusader died Feb. 27 just as the light of the full snow moon peaked.
He was 53.
He was a member of the dive team and honor guard, and was promoted to Dennis Fire Department lieutenant before his retirement in October 2019 due to the effects of occupational cancer.
“He was a firefighter’s firefighter,” Dennis Fire Chief Mark Dellner said of O Connell, who was with the department for 23 years.
“He was a true Jake,” Dellner said, using a term that signals respect for a firefighter in how they carry themselves, their leadership and command presence.