By Laurel J. Sweet

The Boston Herald



BOSTON — A Boston firefighter is mending from what could have been deadly stab wounds he suffered early yesterday morning when he was allegedly jumped in East Boston while off duty by a group of Hispanic males who told him they "don't want any gringo here."

Though police are not classifying the incident as racially fueled, the Boston Police Department's Community Disorders Unit is investigating. The 32-year-old jake, whose name officials were not releasing, is white.

Ironically, the firefighter's life was likely saved because he sought refuge from his alleged assailants at Engine 5 on Saratoga Street - the station house he's assigned to.

"Fortunately, those firefighters were not out on a call," said Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald.

MacDonald said the firefighter had gone to Chivas Restaurant in Day Square to grab takeout when "six guys started exchanging words with him. He indicated he was just there to get a sandwich and that he was a firefighter. They pushed him."

Hoping to avoid a confrontation, MacDonald said the firefighter got into his car and headed for his station for safety's sake, but the pack followed him on foot. It was shortly before 2:45 a.m.

"As soon as he got out of his car, six guys jumped him and started kicking and punching him," MacDonald said. "He felt two sharp pains in his chest and knew he had been stabbed."

The firefighter summoned the help of fellow jakes by ringing the station doorbell and his alleged attackers fled. MacDonald said his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

"He's more upset about the fact that he's going to miss several shifts," MacDonald said.

Police found no suspects in the area, but urge anyone with information to call 1-800-494-TIPS.

Copyright 2007 Boston Herald Inc.