Barrington's Ann Stopfel is keeping her son's legacy alive.

The longtime resident recently made a large donation to the Pawtucket Fireman's Relief Association in honor of her late son, Michael J. Kean, who served as a firefighter in Pawtucket for nearly 30 years.

"He was in the business of helping people," said Pawtucket Fire Department Lt. Stephen Small. "Mrs. Stopfel is keeping that alive."

Ms. Stopfel's donation will be used to establish a scholarship fund. Early plans call for the Pawtucket Fireman's Relief Association to award two $500 scholarships each year.

"We appreciate the fact that she's keeping Michael's memory alive," said Lt. Small. 

Mrs. Stopfel's son served at Pawtucket's Cottage Street Station for most of his career — working on Rescue 2, Engine 4 and Ladder 2. He was a 28-year veteran of the department and retired in 2016. He passed away suddenly in 2017. Firefighter Kean's name had already been added to a special monument that is located in front of the station. 

Mrs. Stopfel said she was very happy that she was able to honor her late son and the work he did for so many years. There was a special ceremony held on Fireman's Memorial Sunday. Mrs. Stopfel attended the ceremony and shared a few words about her son.