A-Shift Lieutenant Jon Drost instructs Firefighters John Mongillo and Ryan Pickering on proper ground ladder techniques. A 20-year veteran, Lieutenant Drost’s career with our department began on March 15, 2004. Promoted to his current rank in 2021, he brings much experience from his decade a half of time on the line to his method of teaching as a Fire Officer. Something younger firefighters like Mr. Mongillo, Mr. Pickering, and many more have been able to benefit immensely from.
Please come join us for our 4th annual West Haven Fire Expo which will be taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Savin Rock Conference Center! This is a great chance for the whole to meet and learn from your public safety heroes!
On Monday, September 2, 2024 we were honored to accompany Paul Veneto as part of his mission Paulie’s Push. Escorted by members of the Center and West Shore Districts as well as the West Haven Police Department, Paul with much support from our emergency response agencies and West Haven residents alike continued his 200-mile trek from his native Boston to the site of the World Trade Center in New York City. A former flight, Paul was an employee of United Airlines at the time of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks and had previously worked on United Airlines Flight 175 which tragically on 9/11 was hijacked by terrorists and subsequently flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Pushing the same cart he did as a flight attendant, his push aims to honor the memory of his friends and all those who lost their lives on 9/11.
Members of the Center District stood at attention Thursday as we honored the memory of the late George Chambrelli Jr. A former commissioner for the West Shore Fire Department, Commissioner Chambrelli died on August 22 at the age of 84. A New Haven native, Commissioner Chambrelli proudly established roots in West Haven as well, serving as an active member of the West Shore Lodge 2832 Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, volunteer for several committees, and coach for Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball, and Fundamental Basketball. We thank, honor, and remember Commissioner Chambrelli for his years of dedicated service and send our deepest condolences to his family
Your West Haven Fire Department is honored to support Paulie’s Push. Founded by Paul Veneto, who on September 10, 2001 was a flight attendant aboard United Airlines Flight 175, tragically hijacked the next day on 9/11 and flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center, his push aims to honor the memories of his colleagues lost on that flight as well as all victims through a 200-mile push of a beverage cart, the same he used to push as a flight attendant, from his native Boston to Ground Zero. We had the good fortune to have Paulie walk through town for his push in 2021, now join us for his final push as he walks again through West Haven. While we do not have an exact date for when Paul will be in West Haven, we anticipate his arrival sometime over the Labor Day holiday weekend as he completes his goal of reaching Ground Zero on 9/11. If you would like to learn more about Paul’s mission and track him on a live interactive map you can follow him pauliespush or visit his website at www.pauliespush.com
We’d like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Clayton Jerzyk, Dana Lewis, and Brendan Carew, each of whom were sworn in last Thursday at Center District headquarters. Three of the newest members of our department, they have begun an intensive 4-month training at the Connecticut State Fire Academy during which they will learn the key skills and methods of firefighting before ultimately graduating in December. We look forward to seeing them on shift in 4 months and warmly welcome them to our ranks.
Members of the Center and West Shore Districts joined forces Tuesday for an interdistrict training session focused on both hose line and aerial operations. Though two completely separate departments, we often work side by side with West Shore members as part of a mutual aid agreement and frequently assist one another either on medical emergencies or box alarms. With today’s training, we sought to further an already strong working partnership through both good teamwork and communication and healthy discussion of proper tactics for the different emergencies that can arise in our city.
Aboard our Truck 22 is a ventilation fan seen in use here by C-Shift Firefighter Richard Decker. Deployed with regularity, it helps to clear smoke, heat, and toxic gases from burning or smoky structures, improving visibility and air quality for both firefighters and potential victims. By creating a controlled airflow, these fans can also help to prevent the spread of fire by redirecting smoke away from unburned areas. This process is known as positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and allows for safer and more methodical operations.
Reliance on veteran personnel in any profession is essential to growing within and better understanding one’s role. In firefighting, senior personnel are indispensable and invaluable.
Among our more experienced personnel is Deputy Chief of Operations Ron Pisani and Lieutenant Joseph Bruneau, both seen here discussing operations at the scene of a recent structure fire.
Between these two men is over 60 years of firefighting experience. Chief Pisani is a 31-year fire service veteran as well as Navy veteran, joining our department in 1993. Among his previous experience includes serving as a Lieutenant for nearly 20 years as well as commander of our department’s B-Shift.
Lieutenant Bruneau, a 29-year fire service veteran, joined our department in 1995, following in the footsteps of his father, of whom served the Center District for 31 years until his retirement in 2000. A longtime B-Shift firefighter, Lieutenant Bruneau at one point held our prestigious Badge 1, signifying his position at the time as the most senior firefighter in the department before his promotion to Lieutenant in May 2023.
The emergencies these two have been to, stories they can tell, and knowledge they can and have shared are endless. They are both two of several continuing guiding forces in molding our firefighters for the better. One drill, story, and advice session at a time.
Members of the Center District were on hand at our Elm Street headquarters Monday, August 5, for a press conference announcing the awarding of a FEMA Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant which will help enhance both our operations and training. This grant will see us received specialized emergency medical equipment such as cardiac monitors and Automatic External Defibrillators, which will better equip our members to render aid at any medical call we receive. Additionally, this grant will allow members further opportunities to participate in training classes such as Fire Officer and general tactical operations that will serve to further refine our skill set. Amongst the officials present to celebrate the awarding of this grant was Connecticut State Senator Richard Blumenthal
