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Author: Mike Colon

October 6, 2025 in AnnouncementsWhat We're Up To

Highlights from our annual Public Safety Expo

Our Fourth Annual Public Safety Expo was a great success!

We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to our partners across the City of West Haven — including the Allingtown and West Shore Fire Districts, West Haven Police Department, Public Safety Dispatch, Health Department, Emergency Management Office, Civilian Emergency Response Team, Public Works Department, as well as the UNH Fire Science and EMS Clubs — for helping make this an enjoyable and engaging experience for all.

We also wish to thank Mayor Dorinda Borer, Beth Sabo, and all members of the West Haven Mayor’s Office for their continued support and collaboration.

Finally, to all the residents who joined us, thank you for being part of this special day. We truly hope this year’s Expo was as memorable and meaningful for you as it was for us.

October 6, 2025 in What We're Up ToHistory

WHFD Honors Three at 2025 Charles N. Davidson Awards

Last night, we had the great opportunity to honor three wonderful contributors to our department at our annual Charles N. Davidson awards ceremony. Lieutenant Joseph Bruneau, retired firefighter Louis Faugno, and longtime Center Volunteer Firefighter Peter Carew. Between them, these men have exemplified what it has meant to serve their city as not just firefighters but proud residents of our city. We thank them for all they’ve done and continue to do for our city and we also thank the staff at Lorenzo’s for their wonderful hospitality in allowing us to host this time honored tradition.

October 3, 2025 in What We're Up To

Hero-To-Hero Presentation in the Center District

For the past week, the Center District has hosted retired Navy SEAL and Firefighter Chris Shea of the Hero To Hero Program. Designed to help those serving in the United States Military transition into jobs primarily as first responders, Mr. Shea have been able to help many individuals realize their civil service dreams and overcome what is often a difficult transition back into private life. Following a week of successful and engaging presentations given to all four of of our shifts, Digital Media Specialist Mike Colón sat down with Mr. Shea to discuss in depth what his program accomplishes and why its mission is so important.

September 8, 2025 in AnnouncementsWhat We're Up To

WHFD 2025 Appreciation Dinner

The West Haven Fire Department is honored to continue our proud tradition of hosting the annual Appreciation Dinner.

This evening is dedicated to recognizing the service and sacrifice of our members, both past and present. It’s a night to reflect on our department’s rich history while bringing together the generations who have built and sustained it.

This year, we are privileged to honor three remarkable members:

• Firefighter/Lieutenant Joseph Bruneau,

• Louis Faugno, Retired Career Firefighter

• Firefighter Peter Carew, Volunteer

We look forward to another meaningful evening — one filled with gratitude, camaraderie, and celebration of those who have given so much to both the City of West Haven and the West Haven Fire Department.

September 8, 2025 in What We're Up ToHistory

Honoring Those Lost on 9/11

As the 24th anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 approaches, we in the Center District continued what has become an annual tradition of the laying of American flags. With the laying of these flags, we remember each life lost on that terrible day. The 343 firefighters of the FDNY, 37 Port Authority Police Officers, 23 NYPD Officers, 3 Court Officers, and 2 Federal Agents who courageously rushed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center to rescue those trapped, but also the many more first responders who’ve died since of illnesses related to their work at the sight in the months that followed. Laying the first flag was retired FDNY Lieutenant Mickey Cross, who responded with his Engine Company that day and miraculously, survived the collapse of the North Tower. Though nearly a quarter century has passed since 9/11, the memory of those lost and the mission to honor them has not and never will fade. We mean what we say when we say we will Never Forget.

September 8, 2025 in What We're Up To

A Joint Effort in Flag Fixing

Recently, West Haven Fire Department Lieutenant Joseph Bruneau and Superintendent of Apparatus Tony Capuano were alerted and requested to help repair a damaged flagpole at our nearby veterans memorial. Working alongside City of West Haven contractors, they ensured that the flag will continue to fly proudly in honor of those we remember.

A special thank you to all involved for your teamwork and dedication to keeping our memorials maintained with the respect they deserve.

February 5, 2025 in History

SPOTLIGHT ON: Captain John Perry

SPOTLIGHT ON: Captain John Perry

Hired by our department on October 1, 1999, Captain Perry recently celebrated 25 years of service to the Center District. Working as first a firefighter for 21 years, he served on multiple different shifts before his promotion to Lieutenant on April 15, 2020. Upon the retirement of Captain Jeffrey Testut, Perry would be promoted again on July 25, 2023, this time to Captain, replacing Testut as commander of our department’s D-Shift. When not on shift, the Captain remains on call, helping his fellow firefighters as Union President for Local 1198.

January 29, 2025 in What We're Up To

Vehicle Stabilization Training at Headquarters

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.

January 28, 2025 in What We're Up To

Members Respond To A Garage Fire

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.

January 28, 2025 in What We're Up To

Honoring a True West Haven Hero

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.