What We’re Up To

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.

Under the tutelage of C-Shift Firefighter Bret Newport, our three recruits were taught the ins and outs of forcible entry. A key step to know in the event of encountering locked doors during emergencies, mainly structure fires, forcible entry focuses on quick and safe methods to gain entry into a room or building. A 7-year veteran of our department and driver of Truck 22, Firefighter Newport is always willing to share his knowledge with any of our members, especially those like our newest three, as they embark on their careers.

Our three recruits are off and running for two weeks of in-house training before their assignments to their permanent shifts. Captain Mike Farrelly, Lieutenant Joe Wendland, and Firefighter Rich Decker took the time to go over the importance of properly making a hydrant during a structure fire. One of several steps in their training, it is this tutelage by our veteran staff that will help them excel as they begin their new careers.

Chief of Department James O’Brien, Captain Jacob Urban, and Danny The Fire Dog were on hand yesterday at Savin Rock School along with City of West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer and Frosty The Snowman to hand out stuffed animals to our students and give the little ones a chance to meet and pet Danny! We thank the staff at Savin Rock School for both their warm hospitality and collaboration in helping make this event a resounding success. Once again we would

Like to thank the staff down at PetSmart including Store Leader Leonardo Molina and Assistant Store Leader Stephanie Schork for their generous contribution of stuffed animals. Without these essential community partnerships, great days like yesterday would drives not be possible. If you wish to drop off a toy or stuffed animal join us TODAY between 9am and dusk at the intersection of Captain Thomas and Kelsey Avenue with members of Local 1198 for our annual toy drive collection.