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.
At the quarters of Engine 25, Lieutenant Gerald Barosy led a drill centered on hose line stretches and different tactics to utilize when battling structure fires. The first order of business at any fire before other critical operations can be done is getting water on the flames as soon as possible. This drill, conducted with Firefighters Tim Clark, Steve Roberts, and Joe Mauro, served as a valuable refresher.
We once again would like to thank our friends at Mission Barbecue for their generous donation of food to our firehouse. For years, their mission has been to give back to first responders and today was their latest demonstration of how that. We thank staff member Maddie Swan for taking the time to prepare and bring the food and the rest of the staff at Mission who contributed to making a very delicious spread!
The newest recruits for both the Center and City of West Haven-Allingtown districts participated in their first live burn post-fire academy at New Haven’s Regional Fire School. These evolutions were aimed as both a refresher of what they have learned and a familiarization with how our departments operate at working fires. Within this burn as well, Chief of Department James O’Brien tested out a Cairns XF1 fighter pilot styled fire helmet with modernized features and technology aimed at providing greater protection for firefighters and improving both safety and efficiency for prolonged operations. A productive training on multiple fronts, these live burn trainings are a great way for newer firefighters to learn and be better equipped to serve you!
We at the West Haven Fire Department send our very best wishes on a speedy recovery to the West Haven Police Officer injured in the line of duty during a recent auto collision. Our partners in the West Haven Police Department risk their lives daily as well in our joint mission to keep the community we all serve safe. We are grateful the officer will recover and ask that you keep them and their family in your prayers.
