At our Elm Street Headquarters, members of the C-Shift spent the morning practicing stabilization of a vehicle following a collision. Utilizing a vehicle that was donated to us specifically for these types of drills, these training evolutions centered on proper and efficient stabilization techniques with an extra emphasis on safety.
Last Thursday just before 2PM, West Haven Fire Dispatch received multiple calls reporting heavy fire showing from a garage in the 600 block of Third Avenue. Nearby, a West Haven Police Officer on patrol in the area confirmed a working fire, prompting a full response from the Center District. Responding on the assignment was Engine 21, Engine 25, Truck 22, and Car 68. Upon arrival, they made quick work of the fire, knocking it down and preventing any extension to other structures. Thankfully, no civilians or firefighters were injured and the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. We would like to thank our partners in the West Shore Fire District who responded mutual aid and also assisted at the scene.
Last week, members of the Center District paused to pay tribute and remember the life of a true public servant, Herbert “Herbie” Reed. A United States Navy veteran and retired 25-year veteran of the West Haven Police Department, Mr. Reed died on January 19th. He was 86 years old. From 1956-1960, his service in the Navy saw him serve as a Third-Class Petty Officer aboard the USS Aucilla AO-56. Joining the police department soon after, his quarter century spent keeping the citizens of West Haven safe, he distinguished himself as a respected and valued officer. After his retirement, his service continued as he worked as an investigator for the Connecticut State’s Attorney. His commitment to serving others is something he passed down to his family. His son Chris Reed, retired as a Deputy Chief in the City of West Haven-Allingtown Fire District, his granddaughter Brittany currently serves as a West Haven Police Officer, and his grandson Alec is currently a firefighter with the City of West Haven-Allingtown Fire District. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and thank him for everything he did for our city.
Scenes from last week as members of D-Shift were dispatched to a box alarm in the area of Park and Savin for a possible electrical fire in a home. Though members on scene investigated and thankfully determined this was not a fire but rather a minor electrical malfunction, we remain ready to spring into action whenever called upon.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Chief of Department James O’Brien. Chief O’Brien was hired by our department on February 16, 1993, after previous stints as a member of Hook and Ladder Company 1 and Chief of the Allingtown Volunteer Association. Serving as a firefighter for 8 years, his rank ascension began with his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant on July 11, 2001. Serving in that capacity for six years, he was then promoted to Chief of Department on December 11, 2007, exactly six years and five months following his original promotion. In addition to his service out in the field, Chief O’Brien previously served as Chairman of our Department’s annual Toy Drive from 1994-2005 and in 1998, was named firefighter of the year by the West Haven Elks Society.
Throughout last week, members of all four shifts partook in an advanced Ice Rescue Technician Course. Partnering with the great folks at Water Training Resources who provided us with this essential training, this class was made possible for the Center District through funding provided through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. We thank both Water Training Resources and FEMA for providing us with the opportunity to be better equipped to handle any ice/water rescue missions in the future. Photo Credit: Jon Drost
SPOTLIGHT ON: Firefighter Frank Paine. Hired by our department on September 3, 1996, he is the most senior firefighter in the Center District and one of the more senior firefighters serving citywide. A longtime member of the A-Shift, firefighting is something that has run in his family, with his father Mark Paine also serving the Center District, reaching the rank of Captain and his grandfather serving with the New Haven Fire Department, retiring with the rank of Deputy Chief. On June 28, 2023, Frank was awarded our department’s Badge number 1, cementing his status as our most veteran firefighter. Entering his 29th year, Firefighter Paine is still going strong, remaining a pivotal part of operations on the fireground and mentoring our newer members.
MOVING THE HOSE: One of the key aspects to firefighting is teamwork. If one thinks they can handle it alone, they’re sadly mistaken. While each individual possesses strengths that make them highly skilled at what they do, it’s when working together and combining those skills that we are truly at our best. Such is the case when it comes to moving hose. As demonstrated during this training session at the New Haven Fire School, while one firefighter handles putting out the fire with ample water supply, the other assists in making sure the line advances. This is key because it lessens the possibility of snags or the line getting stuck, compromising operations, while ensuring the line is always where it needs to be. It’s essential details in the fire service like these that we always make sure we train on.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Captain Andrew “Andy” Bennett. Joining our department on February 2, 2009, Captain Bennett has for nearly 16 years served the residents of West Haven as both a firefighter and fire officer. A paramedic and Center District’s IT liaison, he has brought his skillset to both emergency and technological operations. Previously the chairman of our department’s annual award ceremony, he was promoted to Lieutenant on May 7, 2020 and Captain on February 7, 2024 where he currently serves as Commander of the A-Shift.
