What We’re Up To
Annual Live Burns at the New Haven Fire School
Last week, members of all four shifts participated in our annual live burns done at the New Haven Regional Fire Academy. Meant to simulate responses to structural fires, these controlled burns served as a pivotal refresher on everything from interior fire attack operations to exterior aerial operations to command operations and the proper utilization of personnel. We never know when the alarm will sound next for a fire and that is why we dedicate as much time as we do to making sure we are wholly prepared to respond to them.
WHFD Announces New Grant For Rehab Unit
Joined by Deputy Chiefs William Johnson and Ron Pisani, State Representative William Heffernan State Senator Richard Blumenthal visited our Center District Headquarters Monday for a press conference announcing the awarding of a grant to our department for the purchase of a new rehab unit. Meant to aid our members at the scenes of structure fires or other large scale emergencies, this new rehab unit will allow for members to receive proper heating during the winter, cooling during the summer and adequate medical care on-scene.
Additional Footage Credit: FOX61/NBC Connecticut
Highlights From Our Annual Tri-District Expo
We would like to thank all who attended our annual West Haven Public Safety Expo. Thanks to all of you, this tri-district event was once again an amazing success. We’re glad you came and look forward to seeing you all again next year!
Chief of Department James O’Brien on Command & The Importance of Calm Under Pressure
Part 2 of our ongoing interview series on Facets of Fire Command features Chief of Department James O’Brien, who in his 31 years in the fire service, has been an officer for 23 of them. Serving as a Lieutenant from 2001-2007, and Chief of Department from 2007 until the present day. Here are some memorable moments and incidents he can recall from his lengthy career.
D/C William Johnson on Notable Emergencies He’s Responded to in His Near 40 Year Career
We recently sat down and profiled Deputy Chief of Administration William Johnson, the current longest serving member of our department, as part of an ongoing project highlighting both command principles and the careers and experiences of our fire officers. In a near four decade career, what are the fires and emergencies that most stand out? Listen here as he shares.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Firefighter Brian Sweeney
A-Shift Firefighter Brian Sweeney took the time to train fellow A-Shift member and rookie firefighter Deerick Arzola-Torres on proper ladder techniques. A third generation Center District firefighter, Brian is a 7-year veteran of our department. His father Edward, served 34 years, retiring as a Deputy Chief in 2021. His brother Kevin, has served with our department since 2012, and is currently a Lieutenant assigned to our B-Shift.
Interview with Retired FDNY Lieutenant and 9/11 Survivor Mickey Kross
On September 11, 2001, Mickey Kross, was a 25-year veteran Lieutenant of the FDNY assigned to Engine Company 16 in Midtown Manhattan when his company would be dispatched to the World Trade Center. Responding to the North Tower, they’d ascended as high as the 20th floor when the adjacent South Tower collapsed, forcing all remaining emergency workers to evacuate. Descending, Lt. Kross had reached the 3rd floor when the North Tower began to collapse as well. In what’s since become known as the Miracle of Stairway B, Lt. Kross along with several other firefighters survived. Now a resident of West Haven, Lt. Kross sat down for an extended interview with Center District Digital Media Specialist Mike Colón. This is his story.
Marine 4 Patrols the Waters!
Our Marine 4 unit recently out on a patrol in West Haven. you’ve been by the marina here in the Center District, you may have noticed our boat, Marine 4. A Metal Craft Fire Interceptor 12 CBRN, our responses with this unit include but are not limited to Marine accidents / fires, distress calls, search and rescues, as well as medicals. Commissioned in 2019, this boat is named in memory of our fallen brother Firefighter James C. Woodman, who died in 2019 from line of duty injuries sustained in a 1999 motor vehicle accident. With each run we go on with Marine 4, we not only bear his name but honor his legacy.
9/11 Tribute Ceremony at WHFD Headquarters
In a ceremony held outside Center District headquarters, members of all 3 fire districts stood side by side to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. As all stood at attention, the names of the 343 firefighters who died saving others trapped in the World Trade Center towers were read aloud and the bell tolled in their memory as well. Though 23 years have passed since that awful day, the importance of remembering those killed has not diminished, not now, and not ever.