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Author: Mike Colon

March 21, 2024 in AnnouncementsWhat We're Up To

Congratulations to Deputy Chief William Johnson on Completing 39 Years

We’d like to congratulate Deputy Chief of Administration William Johnson on completing his 39th year with our department.

Chief Johnson began his career with us on March 14, 1985, and has served in several roles over the years including Lieutenant of which he was promoted to on November 7, 2001, Day Captain on May 5, 2020, and his current rank of Deputy Chief on March 23, 2021.

Chief Johnson is one of 8 members to complete 35 years with our department and stands to soon surpass the amount of time his father, late Chief of Department William Johnson Sr. (shown in the second photograph and on the left in the first photograph), served in the Center District at 40 years and 7 months (July 1, 1966 through February 22, 2007)

February 1, 2024 in What We're Up To

How We Respond

Driving through the streets with a purpose THIS is how our members respond when dispatched. Eager and prepared to help, we always drive through these streets responsibly and cautiously, but with a never wavering commitment to arrive and aid those who’ve called us.

January 25, 2024 in What We're Up To

What We’re Up To: Low Angle Rescue

You’ve heard of high angle rescues perhaps but equal in importance is low angle rescues. In situations where victims are trapped in vehicles, ditches, as well as embankments. Though challenging, our rope system provides critical balance to both ourselves and those we are aiding by having the ground bare most of the weight.

January 19, 2024 in Announcements

After 32 Years, Captain Jim Mcnulty Retires

The West Haven Fire Department would like to congratulate Captain James “Jim” McNulty on his retirement after 32 years of dedicated service to our great city. Captain McNulty was appointed to our department on July 22, 1991, and worked as a firefighter for 17 years before his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant on September 14, 2008.

After the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Captain McNulty was one of several members of the Center District to head down to the site of the World Trade Center in New York City, where he would assist in the rescue and recovery efforts, extending his service beyond just our city.

Promoted again this time to the rank of Captain on April 15, 2020, he has for the last three years led the department’s “A” shift, offering a respected veteran presence and helping train our newer members. We salute him for a truly outstanding career and exemplary record of service and wish him all the best in his retirement. Thank you and once more congratulations, Captain!

December 19, 2023 in What We're Up To

How We Slide Our Polls

Believe it or not, how to slide the pole is something we practice in the firehouse. Why? Because, as our 8 recruits were taught, when seconds count, it helps get us to emergency calls much quicker! And yes, it’s as fun as it looks!

December 13, 2023 in What We're Up To

Day 1 For Our Recruits!

Day one is in the books! Our 8 recruits received an extensive education on and introduction to our department thanks to key instruction from several of our members including Training, Safety, and Wellness Division Captain Jacob Urban and Lieutenant Jon Drost. One day down, many more to go!

December 11, 2023 in Announcements

Welcome To Our 8 New Recruits!

They’ve done it! Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Class 72 has pushed on through and with that, we at the West Haven Fire Department have gained 8 new members. Welcome additions to a rapidly expanding family!

December 8, 2023 in History

Flashback Friday: Our Old Truck 2 in 1989

The old Truck 2 in all its glory out in front of quarters. On the left is Paul Rapanault who served our department and city for 25 years as a firefighter and later Lieutenant from 1974 to 1999. Recently we were able to rescue him from the boredom of retirement and bring him aboard as our business manager.

December 6, 2023 in What We're Up To

Overturn Rescue Training

Often at scenes of auto accidents, we may encounter overturned vehicles. At our headquarters, we simulated victim removal and factors to keep in mind at these scenes to ensure a safe rescue of any potential trapped victims.