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Last update: Saturday, October 18, 2025 - 1518 hrs
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Each year our Autumn Meeting takes place during the second week of October to coincide with National Fire Prevention Week, when we present memorial plaques to the families of those HFRA members who have passed since last October. This year we delayed the meeting one week so that it could take place on what would have been retired Commander Gilbert "Gilly" Spencer's 90th birthday, on October 15th. Gil passed away on January 16th following a very long illness. Unfortunately the Elk's Hall was not available for that day, but we were able to get the hall for the day before.
A record number of 32 members attended our 61st meeting for the presentation of memorial plaques to Gil's wife, Helen, as well as for Barbara Corbett and Sylvia Longo, who were unable to attend owing to the lengthy required travel distance. The meeting was followed by an Old Timers Day held upstairs at the Elks, featuring a large buffet and refreshments, presented by the department to honor the service of all Hamden paid and volunteer firefighters over the past 100 years. More on that later.
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| BACK: Mordecai, J., Pechmann, Buechele, LaBanca, DeBurra, Mangler, Leddy, Coppola, Lunn, Petrillo, Doherty, Vogt, Tortora, Spencer and Harrison. MIDDLE: Murray, Williams, Murphy (behind Williams), Fitzmaurice, Kenney (behind Fitz), Baker, Viglione, Berardesca, Surprise, Castracane and Anthony. SEATED: Johnson, Manware, Mordecai, R., Turner, Helen Spencer and Shields. (32) CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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| Ret. B/C John Spencer, Retired B/C Tom Doherty and Helen Spencer |
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Gilbert Spencer's lifelong friend, retired B/C Tom Doherty (center), presented Gil's memorial plaque to Gil's widow Helen, who was unanimously elected to Honorary Membership at the meeting. Gil's son, retired B/C John Spencer (left) retired in late 2021 after 34 years on the job. The Spencer family, including Gilbert, son John, Gil's dad Raymond K. Spencer and his grandfather Robbin Spencer, contributed over 180 years years' volunteer and career service to the HFD.
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| Local 2687 past presidents Kurt Vogt and Bob Anthony accept John Corbett's memorial plaque from Bob Mordecai on behalf of John's widow Barbara. |
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HFRA Prez. Bob Mordecai presented John Corbett's memorial plaque to past Local 2687 presidents Kurt Vogt (2013-21) and Bob Anthony (1993-2005), who accepted John's plaque on behalf of John's widow, Barbara. John was president of Hamden’s Local 2687 of the IAFF from its formation in March 1979 until the end of 1992. John was a no-nonsense negotiator, who protected the guaranteed rights of the rank and file with class and with the respect of both sides of the negotiating table. He retired in June 1993. Barbara Corbett was also elected to Honorary Membership in the HFRA at Tuesdsay's meeting.
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HFRA Prez. Bob Mordecai presented John Longo's memorial plaque to retired Capt. Dave Johnson, his longtime company officer, who accepted it on behalf of John's widow, Sylvia. John Longo contributed a potentially life-extending idea when dispatch procedures were being revised for the introduction of Central Communications in 1981. Longo suggested that the sounding of all station alert gongs on dispatches be preceded by a PA announcement, "Attention! Stand by for a dispatch," thus providing ample warning to all station personnel, and reducing the resulting soaring pulse rates. Over the years, John Longo’s suggestion very likely reduced the risk of, or prevented strokes and other heart issues among personnel.
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L to R: Paul Petrillo, Chick Manware, Bob Kenney, Harold Mangler, Bob Viglione, Augie Williams, Dennis Baker, Mike Murray, Bob Surprise and Donny Buechele. CLICK TO ENLARGE
| L to R: Tim Lunn, Don LaBanca, Sam DeBurra, Clark Hurlburt (standing), Dave Berardesca, Kevin Shields, Tom Doherty, Dennis Harrison, Ralph Tortora, Bob Anthony, John Spencer, Helen Spencer and Barb Johnson - CLICK TO ENLARGE
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Hamden Fire Dept. Centennial
1925 - 2025
Old Timers Day Gathering
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To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the legislation that created the Hamden Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire Chief Shelly Carter and fellow members of the HFD held an "Old Timers Day" gathering at the Elks immediately following the HFRA's 61st meeting.
The gathering, attended by scores of past and present department members, honored those career & volunteer officers and firefighters who served in the department over the past century. Plenty of food and refreshments were provided for HFRA members and other guests.
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The HFRA thanks Chief Carter and their other present-day colleagues for hosting this centennial gathering to honor their past service.
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Hamden Fire Department Centennial
HALL of F[L]AME
When planning the event, Chief Carter asked the HFRA to compile a list of those past department members whose contributions, in their eras, played a significant role in the future of the department.
The HFRA E-Board and the History Committee checked the department records that are in the association's archives. For this gathering they issued a booklet featuring their choices of those career and volunteer department members, and their contributions, that met the desired criteria. These choices were the opinions of only a few late-20th-century veterans. Undoubtedly there are others. We'd like to hear from you.
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STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
There are some retirements, promotions and a retirement dinner
that have yet to be featured on this website - as well as other past events.
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TO BE CONTINUED ON
SUNDAY OCTOBER 19th
Keep checking back . . .
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Capt. Dan Such's Last Shift
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After a full career going back to '06, Capt. Dan Such worked his final shift on Friday, August 18th.
Over three dozen active, off-duty and retired firefighters were on hand at Station 3 to thank Dan for his years of service in the HFD, and to wish him well as he turns another page.
There was cake and refreshments, a few presentations from admiring co-workers and the retirees, as well as lots of anecdotes that convinced many of us "old timers" that, contrary to our fears that this generation of Hamden firefighters could never achieve our level of skills at pranks and general ball-breaking, nothing at all has changed.
Posted 8/18/2025
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The 2024-25 Edition of the Association's "We Remember" video has been posted.
Check it out.
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Watch "We Remember" (2024-25 Ed.)
Since 1918, over 325 career firefighters have served on the Hamden Fire Department. In this video, we remember the 129 known career members, including the pre-1942 volunteer chief officers and “paid drivers,” who have answered their last alarm.
The retired members of the Hamden Fire Department will always remember those who served with us - and before us. This annual video update of "We Remember" for 2024-25 is dedicated to our friends and colleagues who are no longer with us - and to all firefighters everywhere.
Revised and reposted 8/17/2025
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Retired Firefighter John A. Longo
1952 - 2025
We are deeply saddened to report the passing on June 28th of retired firefighter and HFRA member John Longo in Georgia following a long illness. John began his fire service career as a member of the Woodmont (Milford) Fire Co., where he served as the company captain until his appointment to the Hamden Fire Department in 1981. He retired in August 2005.
John was enthusiastic about the job and his enthusiasm was contagious. He influenced many contributions to the department. Perhaps his most significant contribution was a suggestion he made in 1981 when new training officer and future chief John Tramontano was revamping the dispatch protocol for the introduction of Central Communications.
Until then every dispatch was preceded by the clanging of a very loud 12” alarm bell in each station, which tended to elevate pulse rates, especially at night. John suggested that prior to activating the alarm bell the dispatchers should simply announce, “Attention, stand by for a dispatch” on the inter-station PA. The announcement would prepare personnel for the loud gong that would follow.
This minor change to the dispatch procedure, which lasted for decades, was inspired by his previous experience as a volunteer officer and it undoubtedly extended many a life span. God only knows how many MIs and strokes were averted over time.
John leaves behind his loving wife, Sylvia; daughter, Julie (Bill) of Southington, Connecticut; granddaughter, Alexandria; great granddaughter, Aurora; stepson, Edward Henning, Jr. (Dixie); grandson, Edward Henning, III; great granddaughter, Elliot Grace Henning; brothers and sisters in law in Connecticut, Virginia and sister-in-law, Diane from Massachusetts.
He loved his family and friends and will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, sense of duty, and the warmth he brought to those around him.
The funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with visitation being held one hour prior.
Following the service, John will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.Please keep Sylvia and the rest of John's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
CLICK HERE to read John's complete obituary.
Posted 7/1/2025
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CHIEF CARTER TO BE SWORN IN ON FRIDAY
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Chief Shelley Carter will be officially sworn in as Hamden's 11th fire chief this coming Friday morning, July 18th at 11:00, in the Legislative Council Chambers at Memorial Town Hall
The former Chief of the Southbury Training School F.D. and a former captain of Hartford Engine 10, Chief Carter, was named Hamden's Assistant Fire Chief in January 2024, the first female member of color in the history of the department.
Chief Carter has been serving as the department's interim fire chief since the retirement of Chief Jeffrey Naples this past April, following his appointment as Asst. Chief of the North Haven Fire Department.
On May 15th, Mayor Lauren Garrett appointed Asst. Chief Carter as the next chief of the Hamden Fire Department. Her appointment was subsequently approved last month by Hamden's Legislative Council.
HFRA members are encouraged to attend Chief Carter's swearing-in on Friday, in what will be an historic event in the history of the Hamden Fire Department.
The HFRA congratulates Chief Carter in her new role and wish her best of luck for a successful and fulfilling career going forward as Hamden's 11th fire chief.
July 15, 2025
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June 2, 2025
Kobbe promoted to Battalion Chief
Anderson recognized as Senior Firefighter
Ortiz Joins the Department
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Capt. Paul Kobbe is now Battalion Chief Paul Kobbe, filling the vacancy created when Batt. Chief Brion Tierney rertired last September.
The Hamden Board of Fire Commissioners never explained the reason for leaving the vacancy unfilled for the past nine months despite the fact that Kobbe, a 25-year department veteran, was the only name on the eligibility list.
B/C Kobbe will assume command of Platoon 4 with the next shift. The members of the HFRA wish him success and best of luck in his new department role.
Firefighter Paul Anderson became the most senior firefighter on the department when previous Badge No. 1 holder Don Paczowski was promoted to lieutenant back in 2022. Anderson had been laid up following a severe shoulder injury at the time, and the formal recognition fell through the cracks until this partciular swearing-in ceremony. He was presented with Badge No. 1 by Chief Carter who praised Anderson's nearly 27 years of department service.
Recruit Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Ortiz was sworn-in. Ff. Ortiz comes to the department with extensive experience and will be assigned to Station 4 on Platoon 4.
Posted 8/17/2025
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| Recruit Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Ortiz is sworn in by a member of the Town Clerk's staff (CLICK to enlarge) |
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| Most Senior Firefighter Paul Anderson salutes Chief Carter as he is about to receive HFD Badge No. 1 (CLICK to enlarge) |
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Joseph Marchitto (Beginning - c. 1945)
Frank Nolan (c. 1945 - 1959)
Clem Kammerer (1959)
Walt Thomas (1959 - 1967)
Mario "Bucky" Serafino (1967 - 1973)
Wilbur Baker (1973 - 1977)
Art Smith (1977)
Fred Fletcher (1977 - 1980)
David Howe (1980 - 1984)
Hugh McLean (1984 - 1987)
John O'Hare (1987 - 1991)
Numbered Badges Discontinued 1991
| They would have had Badge #1
Art Heriot (1991 - 1993)
Harry Cubbellotti (1993)
George Patten (1993 - 1995)
Harold Mangler (1995 - 2005)
Rich "Rambo" Maybury (2005)
Bob Anthony (2005)
Jay Connolly (2005 -2016 )
Paul Anderson (2022 - present)
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Governor Lamont Directs Flags To Half-Staff Sunday for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
Posted on May 3, 2025
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, an annual ceremony hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation that serves as the official national tribute honoring all firefighters in the U.S. who have died in the line of duty.
U.S. Code (4 U.S.C. § 7m) requires the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff for a period of 30 days following the death of a president or former president. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time.
To read the Governor's complete proclamation, click here.
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HFRA's 60th Meeting
April 9, 2025
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Standing (L-R): Mike DeLine Sr., Dennis Harrison, Clark Hurlburt, Don LaBanca, Dan Murphy, Sam DeBurra, Harold Mangler, Tom Doherty, Bob Surprise, Paul "Froggy" Frodel, Jack Mordecai, Dennis Baker, Dave Johnson and Mike Murray. Seated (L-R) Kerry Castracane, Bob Mordecai, Paul Turner, Chick Manware and Jim Leddy. Photo taken by Mary Turner.
CLICK TO ENLARGE
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HFRA's 59th Meeting
February 11, 2025
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Standing (L-R): Chick Manware, Ralph Tortora, Augie Williams, Jim Koutsopolos, Paul "Froggy" Frodel, Ralph Dievert, Jim Leddy and Dennis Harrison. Seated (L-R): Jeff Pechmann, Dave Johnson, John Spencer and Tom Doherty. Not pictured: Dan Murphy. Photo taken by Vic Mitchell.
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| Ff. John Corbett - 1988 |
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Retired Firefighter John R. Corbett
President Emeritus Local 2687, I.A.F.F.
1937 - 2025
We are deeply saddened to report the passing on February 4th of our brother retired Firefighter John R. Corbett, President Emeritus of the Hamden Professional Firefighters Local 2687, I.A.F.F. in Florida, where he and his wife Barbara lived for over 30 years.
John joined the Hamden Fire Department in July 1970 and became an EMT in 1976. He spent his entire career on Platoon 1, retiring in June 1993. In early 1979, John was elected the first president of the newly organized Hamden Professional Firefighters, Local 2687 of the I.A.F.F., and served until December 31, 1992.
The Hamden firefighters' union made enormous strides in working conditions, salaries and benefits during John's long tenure, for which we grateful retirees and active members now benefit.
John is lovingly survived his wife of 69 years, Barbara Yocher Corbett, his daughter Deborah Corbett, his son James Corbett, and seven grandchildren. Also mourning his loss is his brother-in-law Robert Yocher and wife Jodie. John was predeceased in death by his dear son, John (Bear) Corbett, whose memory remained a guiding light in his life.
John's bravery and commitment to the safety of others earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community he protected.
Services are planned to take place in Connecticut sometime in the Spring. We will let our members know when the plans are finalized. A website tribute to John will be published at the time of his services.
CLICK HERE to read John's complete obituary as published on the Kays-Ponger & Uselton website.
Please keep Barbara and the rest of John's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Posted 2/12/2025
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Condolence letter to Barbara Corbett
from Local 2687 presidents
We would like to share a thoughtful letter of condolence to Barbara Corbett, signed by the men who have served as president of the Hamden Professional Firefighters Association, Local 2687, IAFF. Barbara is the widow of Local 2687 President Emeritus John Corbett, who passed away February 5th. John was elected at our organizational meeting in March 1979 and served until December 31, 1992.
The H.F.R.A. website will be posting a tribute to John in conjunction with the planned memorial service sometime this coming Spring.
Posted 2/22/2025
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Retired Commander (B/C) Gilbert J. Spencer
1935 - 2025
We are deeply saddened to report the peaceful passing early Thursday morning, January 16, 2025, of retired Commander (B/C) Gilbert Spencer following a long illness.
Gilbert J. Spencer was born on October 15, 1935, son of the late Raymond K, Spencer and Mildred Delsole Spencer. Gil began his fire service career in 1951 as a member of the Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fie Company, where he remained a member for the rest of his life.
Gil joined the career department in 1957, rising to the rank of lieutenant in 1970 with the addition of a fourth platoon. His was promoted to captain in 1981 and Commander (now B/C) in 1986, and commanded the 4th Platoon until his retirement in 1992.
Gil is survived his wife of 63 years Helen Eamons Spencer, his son retired HFD B/C John (Susan) Spencer of North Haven, his daughter Kathleen (Paul) May of Forest Va, and seven grandchildren, John, Kristen, Lauren, and Kevin Spencer, and Jesse, Jamie, and John May. He is also survived by his sister Roberta Warfield of Cheshire, nieces and nephews and many friends.
A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Centerville Cemetery, Washington Avenue, Hamden. At 12 noon, all are welcome to the Mt. Carmel Congregational Church Parish House, 3284 Whitney Avenue following his burial for a Celebration of Gil's Life.
CLICK HERE to read Gil's complete obituary as published on the Beecher and Bennett website.
Please keep Helen and the rest of Gil's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Posted 1/18/2025
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Governor Lamont Issues Executive Order Honoring President Jimmy Carter, Calls for Statewide Minute of Silence on Thursday at 10AM
Posted 1/6/2025
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Perhaps the Worst Fire to Ever Hit So. California
Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica Fires video taken at 1200 hours (EST), 8 Jan. 2025. Sent to HFRA website by Santa Monica resident Denise Johnson.
Posted 1/8/2025
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January 8, 2025 at 1200 EST - This video was shot by Denise Johnson from the roof of her apartment building at 14th Street and Michigan in Santa Monica, California. The immense smoke generated by the rapidly moving fires in the Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades areas fill the sky. She reports that the Ralph & Gelson's grocery store where she shops in Pacific Palisades is now gone. She has yet to be told to evacuate but is preparing to do so.
News reports suggest that this fire, or series of fires, may be the worst in the history of the state of California. Please pray for the residents, the firefighters and other first responders.
Posted 1/8/2025
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| January 8, 2025 - 1200 (EST) - This panoramic photo clearly shows the breadth of the fire that are devastating several areas of Los Angeles. (Photo by Denise Johnson) CLICK to enlarge |
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Winter Meeting Delayed - WEP Repealed - Dues are Due
1) The Winter meeting of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association has been rescheduled due to the National Day of Mourning for President Jimmy Carter, which takes place this Thursday, the date originally scheduled for the meeting.
The Winter meeting of the HFRA will be on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11th, at 9:00 AM at the Hamden Elks Hall, 175 School Street. Note the change from Thursday to Tuesday. A continental breakfast of doughnuts, Danish, coffee and juice will be on tap.
Our brother Frank Kafka, who was resuscitated by off-duty HFD personnel last St. Patrick's Day in New Haven, is also expected to attend.
Postcard meeting reminders to in-state members, as well as emails to all members, will be sent 10 to 14 days before the February 11th meeting. Active HFD members are always welcome to attend. Hoping to see you there!
2) The delay of the winter meeting gives the Benefits Committee further time to investigate and report on the recent enactment of the Social Security Fairness Act, passed by Congress and signed yesterday by President Biden. The Act repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) laws, enacted in the 1980s, which offset Social Security Benefits earned by public sector retirees and surviving spouses who are also collecting government pensions. Below is a link to provide more details:
3) 2025 DUES: Regular members who have yet to pay their 2025 dues may pay by check, by PayPal (see link below), or at the February meeting. If paying by mail, your $20 should be mailed to HFRA, P.O. Box 185605, Hamden, CT 06518-0605. NOTE: Honorary Members do not pay dues.
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Governor Lamont Directs Flags To Half-Staff
in Honor of President Jimmy Carter
Posted on December 29, 2024 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that pursuant to federal law, he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff effective immediately until sunset on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in honor of the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. U.S. Code (4 U.S.C. § 7m) requires the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff for a period of 30 days following the death of a president or former president. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time. Flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. To read statements that were issued earlier today from Governor Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz regarding the passing of President Carter, click here.
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- 2025 Dues Due -
To All Regular Members: Your 2025 dues of $20 are due as of January 1. If you have already paid, you are all set and you will receive your 2025 dues card shortly (if you haven't already received it).
If you still owe, you may remit by mail to HFRA, P.O. Box 185605, Hamden, CT 06518, or by using PayPal (see link below), or at the February 11th meeting.
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| Our Agent from the Baseball Bat Collection Agency, Inc. |
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To HFRA Regular Members:
Your 2025 dues are due
Dues are considered "Donations"
Use PayPal and save 73-cent postage
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2025 HFRA DUES
Please Note: Honorary Members are exempt.
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January 6, 1988
Youngest Hamden Firefighter "Baptized" by Fire
Firefighter-Paramedic John Spencer, assigned to Rescue 2 on Platoon 1, sustained second degrees burns to his face during a valiant attempt by first due firefighters to rescue a 14-year old youth believed to be trapped on the second floor of a Bradley Avenue house in January 1988. It turned out that the youth was actually at school. Firefighter Spencer, now Battalion Chief Spencer, was at the time the youngest member of the department, having been appointed a year earlier. Spencer's helmet is graphic evidence of the intense heat to which he was exposed.
Originally Posted 1/2/15
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| The New Haven Register, January 7, 1988 |
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NEVER FORGET!
We will always remember our brother firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice, and the thousands of other innocent victims who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Always keep them, their families and the FDNY in your thoughts and prayers.
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| We Remember (2024-25 Ed.) |
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HOME PAGE UPDATES
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| CLICK HERE: Official Local 2687 Website |
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