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  • Tri-District Blood & Airborne Disease Prevention Training

    A-Shift Firefighter Jeremiah Carrier throughout the week has been instructing a tri-district class meant to educate members of the dangers of blood and airborne diseases and the proper steps to keep safe when responding on medical alarms where patients may potentially be suffering from such diseases. In the fire service, we hold safety on the EMS ground in the same high regard we hold safety on the fire ground, making classes like these essential.

  • EVOC In Action!

    Led by B-Shift Captain Roy Sebas, members both in the classroom and out on the road have been training on the proper techniques of driving an emergency vehicle. Yes, we treat every emergency dispatch with urgency and strive to arrive to the scene as soon as possible, but it’s imperative we do safely. If we get into an accident en route, we unfortunately cannot complete our mission to help the public. Hence why refresher classes like these are so important from our newer members to our more veteran personnel, we all benefit and keep in line with our mission to ensure safety not only for the citizens we serve but ourselves as well.

  • New Recruits Participate in Live Burns

    Our three recruits, currently a part of Connecticut Fire Academy Class 74, had the opportunity to participate recently in a special live burn session held at the Litchfield Fire Academy. Gaining critical training in structure fire response tactics, this training will help sharpen their skill sets for their future careers in the fire service.

  • IN REMEMBRANCE: Lt. Joseph Hines (End of Watch: November 10, 1974)

    IN REMEMBRANCE: This past Sunday, November 10, marked 50 years since Lieutenant Joe Hines died in the line of duty. Sworn in to our department on June 8, 1957, he served for 14 years as a firefighter before his ascent to the rank of Lieutenant on September 3, 1971. Responding to a structure fire at the Armstrong Rubber Facility, Lieutenant Hines suffered severe effects of smoke inhalation and died as a result of those injuries. Half a century after his sacrifice we remember Lieutenant Hines for his service, selflessness, and the courage he demonstrated right until the end.

  • Griphoist Training at Engine 25

    At the quarters of Engine 25, C-Shift Lieutenant Gerald Barosy conducted a training session involving the use of griphoists. Used in cases of accident rescue, griphoists assist in lifting, pulling, and lowering vehicles and/or heavy machinery, to gain access to victims. With two steel chains, each chain is wrapped around the heavy load and using pulleys safely and quickly moved away to continue with the mission. One of several tools we have in our arsenal, it is another valuable asset to the Rescue component of our job as firefighters.

  • SPOTLIGHT ON: CAPT. MICHEL FARRELLY

    Joining our department on October 2, 2006, Captain Farrelly is a Windsor native who for the last 18 years has made West Haven his second home, working in the Center District. A firefighter for the first 14 years, he was promoted to Lieutenant on September 15, 2020 working primarily as the officer aboard Engine 21. On May 23, 2023, he was promoted once more, this time to the rank of Captain where he currently is the Commander of the C-Shift. His service extending beyond the fireground, Captain Farrelly is founding member of the West Haven Firemen’s Memorial Board of Trustees and for a time, served as its chairman.

  • Know Your Apparatus!

    KNOW YOUR APPARATUS:
    Knowing your tools as a firefighter is a major positive, and that certainly extends to our apparatus. Knowing both the capabilities and limitations of the engine, truck, or rescue enables us to make calculated and informed decisions under pressure. That starts on the training ground. B-Shift Firefighters Erik Stalzer, Steven Beckwith, and a member of the West Shore Fire District analyzed our Engine 21 during a joint training at the New Haven Fire School. Committed to deepening our knowledge, we study our fleet so that in actual emergencies, knowing where our equipment is second nature.

  • WHFD Marks Annual 2024 Firemen’s Memorial

    On Sunday, our members gathered on the West Haven Green for our annual Firemen’s Memorial. A time honored tradition in the Center District, this yearly event remembers those who came before us and have sadly since died. Through this annual event, we make sure to always remember them, their families, and the dedicated service they provided for our district and our city. As the ceremony neared its conclusion, a wreath was laid and one by one, members saluted. This year’s ceremony was dedicated to retired Deputy Chief John Patry, who died in 2019 and of whom served our department faithfully and with distinction for 30 years.

  • SPOTLIGHT ON: CAR 68

    SPOTLIGHT ON: CAR 68. Put into service in March 2024, Car 68 is our shift commander’s vehicle designated for the captains of each of our four shifts. Previously slotted in the front seat of Truck 22, 68 takes the shift captain out of 22 and for the first time in our department’s history sees them have their own command vehicle. A 2022 Ford F250, Car 68 carries the captain’s firefighting gear, a water extinguisher, gas meter, radios, flashlight, and a set of irons. A positive change, this new addition to our fleet provides greater flexibility for our captains particularly in establishing incident command as well the proper utilization of personnel at emergency scenes, most notably in providing early reports to other responding companies and quickly dictating the pace and flow of operations.

  • Remembering Vio

    The West Haven Fire Department mourns the loss of Michael “Vio” Violano who died suddenly on October 19. A staple of West Haven, Michael was a “Westie” through and through. A graduate of both West Haven High School and the University of New Haven, he for nearly 40 years owned and operated Vio’s Sports Plus, a store that has become a staple in our city. Additionally, he served as a highly respected hockey coach, leading Notre Dame-West Haven to four state championships, the last couple years serving as an assistant coach to the West Haven High School Boy’s Hockey team as well. These accolades amongst many others culminating in his 2011 induction into the West Haven Athletic Hall of Fame. Vio was a tremendous supporter to our department throughout the years supplying uniforms to our firefighters and we are forever grateful for his unwavering commitment to helping our mission however and whenever he could. We will miss you Vio and we send our deepest condolences to your family and friends.

  • Remembering Firefighter Robert Sharkevich Sr.

    The West Haven Fire Department sends its deepest condolences to the members of the Wethersfield Fire Department on the tragic loss of one of their firefighters in the line of duty. May they find comfort during this incredibly difficult time and may we never forget the heroic sacrifice made by Firefighter Robert Sharkevich Sr.

  • Center District Holds Annual EMT/CPR Refresher Course

    Members of all four shifts participated last week in a our annual CPR/EMT refresher course. Meant to ensure both competency and effectiveness in the field, A-Shift Firefighter/Paramedic Jeremiah Carrier instructed the course, providing skill stations and interactive lessons throughout the week.

  • Annual Live Burns at the New Haven Fire School

    Last week, members of all four shifts participated in our annual live burns done at the New Haven Regional Fire Academy. Meant to simulate responses to structural fires, these controlled burns served as a pivotal refresher on everything from interior fire attack operations to exterior aerial operations to command operations and the proper utilization of personnel. We never know when the alarm will sound next for a fire and that is why we dedicate as much time as we do to making sure we are wholly prepared to respond to them.

  • WHFD Announces New Grant For Rehab Unit

    Joined by Deputy Chiefs William Johnson and Ron Pisani, State Representative William Heffernan State Senator Richard Blumenthal visited our Center District Headquarters Monday for a press conference announcing the awarding of a grant to our department for the purchase of a new rehab unit. Meant to aid our members at the scenes of structure fires or other large scale emergencies, this new rehab unit will allow for members to receive proper heating during the winter, cooling during the summer and adequate medical care on-scene.
    Additional Footage Credit: FOX61/NBC Connecticut

  • Highlights From Our Annual Tri-District Expo

    We would like to thank all who attended our annual West Haven Public Safety Expo. Thanks to all of you, this tri-district event was once again an amazing success. We’re glad you came and look forward to seeing you all again next year!

  • Chief of Department James O’Brien on Command & The Importance of Calm Under Pressure

    Part 2 of our ongoing interview series on Facets of Fire Command features Chief of Department James O’Brien, who in his 31 years in the fire service, has been an officer for 23 of them. Serving as a Lieutenant from 2001-2007, and Chief of Department from 2007 until the present day. Here are some memorable moments and incidents he can recall from his lengthy career. Head to our department YouTube channel to hear his full story!

  • D/C William Johnson on Notable Emergencies He’s Responded to in His Near 40 Year Career

    We recently sat down and profiled Deputy Chief of Administration William Johnson, the current longest serving member of our department, as part of an ongoing project highlighting both command principles and the careers and experiences of our fire officers. In a near four-decade career, what are the fires and emergencies that most stand out? Head to our department YouTube channel to hear his full story!

  • SPOTLIGHT ON: Firefighter Brian Sweeney

    A-Shift Firefighter Brian Sweeney took the time to train fellow A-Shift member and rookie firefighter Deerick Arzola-Torres on proper ladder techniques. A third generation Center District firefighter, Brian is a 7-year veteran of our department. His father Edward, served 34 years, retiring as a Deputy Chief in 2021. His brother Kevin, has served with our department since 2012, and is currently a Lieutenant assigned to our B-Shift.

  • Interview with Retired FDNY Lieutenant and 9/11 Survivor Mickey Kross

    On September 11, 2001, Mickey Kross, was a 25-year veteran Lieutenant of the FDNY assigned to Engine Company 16 in Midtown Manhattan when his company would be dispatched to the World Trade Center. Responding to the North Tower, they’d ascended as high as the 20th floor when the adjacent South Tower collapsed, forcing all remaining emergency workers to evacuate. Descending, Lt. Kross had reached the 3rd floor when the North Tower began to collapse as well. In what’s since become known as the Miracle of Stairway B, Lt. Kross along with several other firefighters survived. Now a resident of West Haven, Lt. Kross sat down for an extended interview with Center District Digital Media Specialist Mike Colón. To view his story visit our YouTube channel.

  • Marine 4 Patrols The Waters!

    Our Marine 4 unit recently out on a patrol in West Haven. you’ve been by the marina here in the Center District, you may have noticed our boat, Marine 4. A Metal Craft Fire Interceptor 12 CBRN, our responses with this unit include but are not limited to Marine accidents / fires, distress calls, search and rescues, as well as medicals. Commissioned in 2019, this boat is named in memory of our fallen brother Firefighter James C. Woodman, who died in 2019 from line of duty injuries sustained in a 1999 motor vehicle accident. With each run we go on with Marine 4, we not only bear his name but honor his legacy.

  • 9/11 Tribute Ceremony at WHFD Headquarters

    In a ceremony held outside Center District headquarters, members of all 3 fire districts stood side by side to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. As all stood at attention, the names of the 343 firefighters who died saving others trapped in the World Trade Center towers were read aloud and the bell tolled in their memory as well. Though 23 years have passed since that awful day, the importance of remembering those killed has not diminished, not now, and not ever.

  • WHFD Remembers 9/11

    On September 11, 2001, a vicious attack occurred on America. The Pentagon in Washington, DC and the World Trade Center in New York City both struck by airliners hijacked by terrorists. The Pentagon heavily damaged, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center destroyed, collapsing as a result of their being struck by the hijacked aircraft. In the end 2,977 innocent people would perish in this attack. Among those killed, were over 400 emergency responders, including 71 police officers and federal agents and 343 firefighters. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, members of the West Haven Fire Department responded to the World Trade Center to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. We will never forget!

  • WHFD Receives New Cardiac Monitors

    As part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant provided to us via the Federal Emergency Management Agency otherwise known as FEMA, we have received LifePak 35 monitors. You may wonder what these may be for? Well, in the response to medical emergencies, these monitors are utilized to provide high quality high efficiency cardiac care anywhere at anytime. We strive to carry nothing less than state of the art medical equipment for our paramedic providers to provide the highest quality of aid to those in need.

  • A-Shift Lieutenant Drost Instructs on Ground Ladder Techniques

    A-Shift Lieutenant Jon Drost instructs Firefighters John Mongillo and Ryan Pickering on proper ground ladder techniques. A 20-year veteran, Lieutenant Drost’s career with our department began on March 15, 2004. Promoted to his current rank in 2021, he brings much experience from his decade a half of time on the line to his method of teaching as a Fire Officer. Something younger firefighters like Mr. Mongillo, Mr. Pickering, and many more have been able to benefit immensely from.

  • The West Haven Department Remembers Commissioner George Chambrelli Jr.

    Members of the Center District stood at attention Thursday as we honored the memory of the late George Chambrelli Jr. A former commissioner for the West Shore Fire Department, Commissioner Chambrelli died on August 22 at the age of 84. A New Haven native, Commissioner Chambrelli proudly established roots in West Haven as well, serving as an active member of the West Shore Lodge 2832 Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, volunteer for several committees, and coach for Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball, and Fundamental Basketball. We thank, honor, and remember Commissioner Chambrelli for his years of dedicated service and send our deepest condolences to his family

  • The West Haven Department Supports Paulie’s Push

    On Monday, September 2, 2024 we were honored to accompany Paul Veneto as part of his mission Paulie’s Push. Escorted by members of the Center and West Shore Districts as well as the West Haven Police Department, Paul with much support from our emergency response agencies and West Haven residents alike continued his 200-mile trek from his native Boston to the site of the World Trade Center in New York City. A former flight, Paul was an employee of United Airlines at the time of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks and had previously worked on United Airlines Flight 175 which tragically on 9/11 was hijacked by terrorists and subsequently flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Pushing the same cart he did as a flight attendant, his push aims to honor the memory of his friends and all those who lost their lives on 9/11.

  • Come Attend Our 3rd Annual Fire Expo!

    Please come join us for our 4th annual West Haven Fire Expo which will be taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Savin Rock Conference Center! This is a great chance for the whole to meet and learn from your public safety heroes!

    Address: 6 Rock Street, West Haven, CT, 06516

    Time: 11AM-4PM