Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc.

Last Monday, February 10th was a special day for the Hamden Fire Department, with the swearing-in of the department's two newest fire inspectors, Firefighters Paul Turn and Raymond Pouncey, and the swearing-in of four new recruits, all of whom having deep roots in the fire service.

Fire Inspectors Turner and Pouncey fill vacancies created by Nelson Hwang, who moved up to Deputy Marshal following the retirement of Tim Lunn, and Inspector Ralph Difonzo, who retired several months ago.

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In his remarks, Chief Merwede noted, "Today, HFD Firefighters Paul Turner, a USAF veteran with 24 years on-the-job, and Raymonmd Pouncey, a certified Juvenile Fire Setter Preventionist with 22-1/2 years on-the-job, will take their considerable skill and experience as firefighters working on the operational side of the department, and begin to serve in the Marshal's Office as Fire Inspectors on the prevention side of the department.  Through their energies and education, countless lives may be saved, including the Hamden firefighters who will respond to any structure fire in Hamden."

The four recruits fill personnel vacancies created by retirements since August 2018.  Recruit Firefighter Terrance Gould, an active longtime Hamden volunteer firefighter with Dunbar Hill Company 8, recently completed recruit school with the New Haven Fire Department. Company 8 has a long history of inspiring volunteer firefighters to seek a career in the fire service, including his father, retired NHFD Deputy Chief Billy Gould. Terry’s mom, firefighter Cara Gould is still on the job in New Haven and operates Engine 9

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Recruit William Fitzmaurice, a Hamden and collegiate lacrosse player with Western New England, also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from SCSU and comes to us after six months with the New London Fire Department. William is the son of retired HFD Battalion Chief Bill Fitzmaurice and his wife Cindy.

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Public service often runs in families.  Recruit Firefighter Timothy Deskin Jr. holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from SCSU and is a member of Hamden Mix District Company 7.  Tim graduated with CFA Recruit Class 64. He is the grandson of retired HFD Fire Chief Paul Wetmore Sr. and Chief Merwede's step-son.  He becomes a 5th generation Hamden firefighter.

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Recruit Firefighter Harley Pretty, a United States Armed Services veteran serving two tours abroad, comes to the department after working for the past year with the Naugatuck Fire Department. Harley was also member of the Hamden Hockey program, playing all the way through high school.

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The members of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association wish our new active brothers all the very best for a long, happy, fulfilling, and safe career with the Hamden Fire Department.  Godspeed.

Monday's gathering also recognized Quinnipiac University graduate student Courtney Vander May, who stepped in to assist HFD first responders last January 19th when she witnessed a 63-year old male go into cardiac arrest while in a local restaurant.

Chief Merwede remarked, "A graduate student in the Quinnipiac University PT program, Ms. Vander May had received training and certification in CPR through the American Heart Association, while she was an undergraduate at Quinnipiac.  She activated the 911 system and went directly to work assisting the patient with chest compressions.  Courtney had the forethought to use her smart wrist watch to record the time of the witnessed arrest, and the time that CPR was initiated, giving a full report to Engine 5 officer Lieut. Rob Madigosky, who arrived on the scene with his crew."

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After the arrival of Rescue 1 and AMR, and following ALS protocols, palpable pulses were restored.  The patient was transported to the hospital with Paramedic Tim Doyle assisting.  Also assisting were Firefighters Kevin Martin, Jaime Bonet, and Larry Bowden.

The swearing-in ceremony brought an impressive assemblage of Dunbar Hill Co. 8 members and alumni, most of whom serve or have served as career firefighters.  Great group!

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Left to right are, Kyle Medillo, Poquonnock Bridge F.D., New London; Matt Panterra, Scarborough [ME] F.D.; Steve Sorrentino, HFD; Anthony Avitable, NHFD; Deputy Chief William Gould, NHFD (Ret.); Terry Gould, HFD (newly sworn); Capt. George Hindinger, Dunbar Hill Co. 8, HFD; Chief Gary Merwede, HFD; Deputy Chief Kyle Krupa, Hartford F.D.; Pete Callan, NHFD; Ronnie Desroches, Dunbar Hill Co. 8, HFD; Chris Gamelin, Dunbar Hill Co. 8, HFD; John Hopkins, South District F.D., Middletown, Battalion Chief Ronald Desroches, HFD.  Also sworn in but not pictured is Billy Fitzmaurice, Dunbar Hill Co. 8, HFD.

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