Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc.

Plenty of retirees were on hand as the Hamden Professional Firefighters Association, Local 2687, I.A.F.F. honored three veteran firefighters at the local's annual Retirement Dinner, held on Saturday evening, March 5th, at the Laurel View Country Club.

Local 2687 Vice President Dave Beaton emceed the event, which honored Batt. Chief Dave Strawhince (32 years of service), Deputy Chief Clark Hurlburt (30 years of service), and Firefighter/Paramedic Kerry Castracane (23 years of service).

Batt. Chief Don LaBanca, the most senior department member, received a standing ovation after being honored with the local's Jake Award for his outstanding dedication to the fire service in a career that is in its 33rd year and still going strong.