Roof operations though daunting, represent a pivotal part of fire response. From rescue work to ventilation, there are many ways the roof can serve as an asset to a firefighter. How does that come to be better understood? Training of course!
Congratulations to Firefighter Frank Paine on his assignment of the prestigious department badge number one. Badge number one is assigned to the most tenured firefighter in the department. Firefighter Paine was hired on September 3, 1996, and 27 years later remains an integral member of our department. He takes over for Joseph Bruneau who was recently promoted to Lieutenant. Lieutenant Bruneau held badge number one from December 28, 2022, to May 23, 2023.
A hydrant painting in the Center District as done here by Captain Roy Sebas and Firefighter Nick Amendola. Since 2002, hydrants in our district have been painted red, white, and blue in remembrance of the 343 New York City firefighters who heroically lost their lives saving others at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Today we trained on low angle rope rescue utilizing a 3:1 haul system. Low angle rope rescues can occur under a number of circumstances such as a car down an embankment for example. Run by Lt. Kevin Sweeney, this drill was done to ensure our members are prepared for such a scenario.
Special thanks to both Vince Santamauro and Ryan Handerhan of MES Shipments for stopping by West Haven Fire Headquarters for a demonstration on the use of Makita battery powered saws which can be utilized for a variety of emergencies including debris removal and extrication. At the West Haven Fire Department, we’re always operating on the cutting edge (pun intended 
), to make sure we’re not only at our best, but have the best equipment available to better serve our residents!
The West Haven Fire Department would like to congratulate Lieutenant John Perry on his promotion to the rank of Captain. Captain Perry was hired by our department on October 1, 1999. He was promoted to Lieutenant on April 15, 2020 and currently served as president of the West Haven Professional Firefighters Local 1198. Congratulations John and thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for both our department and our city!
Special thanks to the Savin Rock School for hosting us for a highly enjoyable morning of public education! We hope to see these little ones grow up to be members of the fire service themselves some day!
A view like no other: B-Shift firefighters conducting training the other evening on Marine Unit 4. Not only is our department prepared to respond to emergencies on land but also at sea.
Photo Credit: Captain Michel Farrelly
We thank the New York City Fire Department for their warm hospitality at their Randalls Island training quarters yesterday. Special thanks to Chief of Safety Frank Leeb, Captain Jerry Perillo, Firefighter Joe Wisz, and Firefighter Dave Bashears for providing us with a tour of the facility and a first-hand look at the extensive training the department does.
Members of North End Hose Company #3 assembled in front of their original station on May 30, 1899. North End was organized in 1895. The horse drawn hose carriage, pictured behind the men, has been lost to history. What ever happened to this beautiful parade piece? We welcome any information about its history or current whereabouts.
