Month: October 2024

October 30, 2024 in What We're Up To

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.

October 30, 2024 in Announcements What We're Up To

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.

October 23, 2024 in Announcements

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.

October 22, 2024 in What We're Up To

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.

October 16, 2024 in What We're Up To

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.

October 15, 2024 in Announcements What We're Up To

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

October 9, 2024 in Announcements

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!

October 2, 2024 in What We're Up To History

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.