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.
The West Haven Fire Department had the honor and privilege today of accepting Firefighters Clayton Jerzyk, Dana Lewis, and Brendan Carew into our firefighting family as successful graduates of Connecticut Fire Academy Class #74. Bagpipes were played, certificates were made, and today was the official introduction into the start of a career for the “Best Job in the World…” The only limits to your success will be yourselves… and sometimes your cooking skills. We can not wait to see how you lead the fire service into the future…
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.
In what was a tri-district HazMat Awareness and Operational class, Naugatuck Fire Department Assistant Chief Walter Seaman instructed Center, West Shore, and City of West Haven-Allingtown members on proper procedures to safely handle any emergencies involving dangerous and/or hazardous materials. Chief Seaman, a 36-year fire service veteran discussed both past incidents and scenarios to consider. From high risk chemicals to explosive materials, there are several dangers to keep in mind and we are glad to have Chief Seaman on hand throughout the week to provide a key refresher to all of our respective shifts.
We sincerely thank all who have donated to this point to our annual toy drive. We extend a heartfelt thanks as well to the staff down at PetSmart including Store Leader Leonardo Molina and Assistant Store Leader Stephanie Schork for their generous contribution of stuffed animals that will be gifted to local children in need. Without these essential community partnerships, drives like this one would not be possible. If you wish to drop off a toy or stuffed animal please do so by placing one in our drop box located at our Headquarters of 366 Elm Street, West Haven, CT, 06516. The drop off all toys will be held this Friday, December 6, at the Savin Rock Conference Center located at the intersection of Captain Thomas and Kelsey Avenue.
Friday, November 22, 2024 marked a major turning point for the Center District as we gathered at our Elm Street Headquarters to celebrate the promotion of four of our own to their new respective ranks of Lieutenant. Honored in this ceremony were Joe Giaquinto, Brian Sweeney, Nick Amendola, and Chris DeCrescenzo. Each taking the oath as their family and colleagues looked on, they’ll assume their new responsibilities across our A, B, C, and D Shifts. With a combined 42 years of experience, each man will bring an invaluable perspective and veteran presence to their role, and continue to do what they were already doing: being leaders and setting a positive example. Congratulations to all and we wish each of you all the best in your new chapters.
