NOTICE: Due to the numerous problems we have experienced with recent website updates, we are discontinuing all password protected pages for all members and website visitors, except those reserved "For Members Only."
|
 |
| CLICK here for daily flag status |
|
| 2024
.
Important updates will be posted immediately.
.
Last update: Sunday, August 18, 2024 - 1920 hrs
|
 |
| CLICK to monitor HFD radio |
|
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
 |
| Sue Reilly |
|
Honorary Member Suzanne Hadley Reilly
1941 - 2024
We deeply regret to announce the passing on Wednesday, August 14th, of HFRA Honorary Member Suzanne Hadley Reilly, widow of our brother, Captain Raymond Reilly (1943-1987), who served on the department from February 15, 1971 until his untimely passing on August 12, 1987.
Following Suzanne's wishes there will be no wake or funeral. Gifts to honor Sue's legacy may be sent to The American Red Cross or your local animal shelter.
CLICK HERE to view Sue's obituary in The New Haven Register.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue's family.
Posted 8/18/2024
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
REPEAL THE
WINDFALL ELIMINATION PROVISION
CLICK HERE to visit the FaceBook page to join the effort to the repeal of the Social Security Administration's WINDFALL ELIMINATION PROVISION (WEP), which offsets your Social Security benefits if you receive a government pension.
The WEP is grossly unfair to those of us receiving a pension for our service as municipal firefighters who also worked jobs on the outside for which we paid FICA taxes.
The WEP does not apply to those receiving pensions from private industry - only to US!
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
H.F.D. Welcomes a New Firefighter
Tap any photo to enlarge it.
|
 |
| Town Clerk Karimah Mickens swears in Recruit Firefighter Luis Velez |
|
On a perfect weather Friday afternoon, Chief Jeff Naples welcomed dozens of active and retired department members for the swearing in of Hamden's newest firefighter. Chief Naples opened the ceremony by asking those present to observe a moment of silence in memory of fallen Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who lost his life yesterday in the line of duty.
Chief Naples' address: "It was about a year ago when I first had the opportunity to meet Luis at our first-ever CPAT prep session. With the help of Lieutenant Peter Lynch, Firefighter Paramedic Matt Kellick and Wilson Rodriguez, we partnered with the Bridgeport Fire Department and Fire Combat Fitness to help prepare students for the CPAT. It was there that Luis entered with curiosity and what seemed to be a few nerves.
"I remember speaking with him as he told me a little about himself. After our conversation I knew right then that he was not only going to pass, but that he would be the perfect fit for our department.
Luis has an extensive background in emergency medical care starting with his service in the United States Amry. I would like to take this moment to thank him and all our veterans for serving our country.
"Luis began as a paramedic in the Army, serving overseas in Iraq and then returning home to serve not only as a paramedic but a nurse and flight medic. He has worked in hospitals, urgent care centers and ambulance services as both a paramedic and nurse practitioner.
"We are excited to have Luis join our ranks to provide this high level of care and compassion to our community. His wealth of knowledge and experience will help fortify our membership while building on our services daily. Luis will lend aid in the advance life support provided by our small contingent of paramedics as not only in Hamden but across the fire service there remains a shortage of paramedics.
"All firefighters and paramedics are faced with challenging situations that weigh heavily, both physically and mentally. It is only together that we can overcome this stress and as of today you have become a part of our fire family, that is always there to support one another.
"As you will find, we are a very diverse group of leaders, coming together for a common goal, to provide the highest level of service to our community.
"We are extremely excited to have Luis joining us today and the ability for him to help shape the future of the fire department. Luis will be joining the second platoon under the command of Battalion Chief Ron Desroches and Lieutenant Larry DeBurra.
"Remember to never stop learning, stay safe, and remain steadfast to our Mission. Congratulations! And Welcome Aboard!"
Posted 5/31/24
|
 |
| Pinning the badge |
|
|
 |
| Warm welcome from his new colleagues |
|
|
 |
| L-R: Town Clerk Karimah Mickens, Asst. Chief Shelly Carter, Ff. Velez, Chief Naples and Mayor Lauren Garrett |
|
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
Governor Lamont Directs Flags To Half-Staff in Honor of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier
Posted on May 30, 2024
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff effective immediately in honor of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed this afternoon when he was on duty and struck by a motor vehicle while on a traffic stop on I-84 in Southington.
Flags shall remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined. The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full staff.
June 4, 2024 - The Governor's Office has announced that flags may be returned to full staff on Wednesday, June 5th.
“I am devastated to learn about the loss of Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier, who was killed today in the line of duty while serving the people of Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “This is a tragic reminder about the dangers law enforcement face every day when they leave their homes and go to work. Trooper Pelletier served Connecticut with honor, integrity, and commitment, and he embodies the definition of public service. His courage and bravery will never be forgotten. On behalf of the State of Connecticut, my condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends, and brothers and sisters with the Connecticut State Police. I ask the people of Connecticut to keep Trooper Pelletier in their prayers.”
Posted 5/30/24
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
Memorial Day 2024
Unfortunately, an accurate forecast of rain due at the starting time of the parade resulted in its cancellation. But this slight speed bump did not prevent a long planned photo op at Fire Headquarters, an idea the Capt. Mike Dowling has envisioned for the past few years. Nearly 30 past and present alumni of Station 4 gathered at 0900 for a historic photo shoot.
|
 |
| Past and Present Station 4 alumni gathered at Fire Headquarters last Monday morning. |
|
|
 |
| Retired members Ff. Kevin Shields (Honor Guard), B/C Don LaBanca, Lt. Robert Mordecai, Capt. Dave Johnson, Asst. Supt. Harold Mangler |
|
|
 |
| Ret. Ff. Kevin Shields, Ret. B/C Don LaBanca, Ret. Capt. Dave Johnson, Ff. Dave Beaton (Local 2687 Pres. Emeritus, Chief Jeff Naples, B/C Jason Blythe, and Lieut. Kevin Martin |
|
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
Asst. Chief Carter Sworn In
|
 |
| April 25, 2024 - Asst. Chief Shelly Carter is sworn in by Hamden Town Clerk Karimah Mickens |
|
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
 |
| Standing (L-R): Chick Manware, Clark Hurlburt, Harold Mangler, Jeff Pechmann, Bill Fitzmaurice, Don LaBanca, Sam DeBurra, Dave Berardesca, Vic Mitchell, and Augie Williams. Seated (L-R): Dave Johnson, Jim Leddy, Bob Mordecai, and Ralph Tortora - Photo by Barb Johnson |
|
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
 |
| Wendy Vining |
|
Honorary Member Wendy Vining
1939 - 2024
We deeply regret to announce the passing on Monday, March 25th, of HFRA Honorary Member Wendy Vining, twin sister of our brother, Firefighter Walter Vining (1939-2016), who served on the department in the 1960s and 70s.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 N. Colony Street, Wallingford. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Hamden. No calling hours were listed.
Gifts in Wendy's memory may be sent to the Sarah Foundation, 246 Goose Ln., Guilford, CT 06473 (www.sarahfoundation.org).
CLICK HERE to view Wendy's obituary in The New Haven Register.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy's family.
Posted 3/28/2024
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
St. Patrick's Day Save of Fellow HFD Retiree
Being in the right place at the right time
|
 |
| Trinity Bar & Restaurant |
|
Very reminiscent of the fortuitous 1961 save by Joe McDermott of the two-year old future chief of the West Haven Fire Department, several active and retired Hamden Fire Department members experienced a similar encounter before marching in last Sunday's St. Patrick's Day Parade in New Haven.
While enjoying some pre-parade libations at New Haven's Trinity Bar & Restaurant at 157 Orange Street, the group of Hamden firefighters witnessed the collapse of a patron at another table.
According to retired Hamden B/C Bill Fitzmaurice Sr., within seconds they were there evaluating the patient and administering CPR. After several compressions he started breathing and woke up.
|
 |
| Ff. Frank Kafka - Dec. 1980 |
|
The patient turned out to be none other than retired Hamden Firefighter Frank Kafka, who served on the department from 1967 to 1995. Bill said Frank actually looked ok when the ambulance came and took him to the hospital. Ironic that a bunch of HFD guys saved a retired fellow HFD guy. Bill added, "I guess we were in the right place at the right time."
In addition to B/C Fitzmaurice, who served for many years as a paramedic, the group included Capt. Mike Dowling, Lieut. Kevin Martin, Lieut. Eddie Hilbert, Lieut. Pete Lynch, Firefighter Billy Fitzmaurice (Bill's son), Firefighter Chris Parmalee, Firefighter Chris Dosin, and Lieut. Lynch's nephew, Firefighter Aedan Lynch from Naugatuck Fire Department.
HFRA Pres. Bob Mordecai spoke with Frank Tuesday night and he said he felt good. Frank was very grateful to have received such great care and concern from the people there with him. Frank went home on Wednesday and he is doing well.
The website congratulates our guys for their quick actions to help the stranger at the other table who turned out to be a fellow brother. We wish Frank a speedy and complete recovery.
Posted 3/15/2024
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
Corey's Wayside Market
Sunday, March 17, 1957
It was a hot St. Patrick's Day in 1957 for Hamden firefighters when Corey's Wayside Market caught fire. The building was located at 2381 Dixwell Avenue, corner of Skiff Street, approximately where Town Fair Tire is today. Twenty-two years later fire gutted the nearby Corey Lumber Company, up the street at 2419 Dixwell, on a crazy night that culminated in another nasty fire at the Howard Johnson's Restaurant (now Hamden Town House) on Whitney Avenue. CLICK HERE: Corey Lumber Co. Fire - April 20-21, 1979
|
 |
| Postcard image from the collection of Mary Jane McGaffin, Hamden, CT |
|
|
 |
| Courtesy of Chan Brainard |
|
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
 |
| Luciana Kenyon |
|
Honorary Member Luciana (Luci) Kenyon
1948 - 2024
We deeply regret to announce the passing on Thursday, February 8th, of HFRA Honorary Member Luciana (Luci) Kenyon, widow of our deceased brother, Firefighter Richard Kenyon (1944-2013), who served with the Hamden Fire Department from July 8, 1969 until his retirement on April 1, 1993.
Luci was born March 2, 1948 to the late John and Mary (DiCaprio) Maio in Alife, Italy. She then grew up in the New Haven area, and graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1966.
A Celebration of Luci's Life was held at Liberty Community Church in North Haven on February 19, 2024. Donations may be made in Luci's name to Liberty Community Church (libertycommunity.com/donate).
CLICK HERE to view Luci's obituary.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Luci's family.
Posted 2/17/2024
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
 |
| (L-R) - Augie Williams, Danny Murphy, Carl Backus, Jim Leddy, Harold Mangler, Chick Manware, Jeff Pechmann, Ed Evers, Bob Mordecai, Don Buechele, Bob Viglione, Ralph Tortora, Jack Mordecai, Paul Frodel, Dave Johnson, Tom Doherty and Jim Koustopolos. (Photo by Barb Johnson) CLICK TO ENLARGE |
|
|
The Association's Winter meeting was held on Thursday morning, January 11th, with 17 members and one guest.
This was Jeff Pechmann's first meeting in the association's new position of Recording Secretary. His duties will be to take the minutes, transcribe them, and submit them to the Corresponding Secretary for posting on the website. Dave Johnson, HFRA Secretary since the Association was organized in 2009, will continue to serve in the new position of Corresponding Secretary and will handle all other secretarial duties.
2024 dues cards have been printed and issued to those members who paid their 2024 dues at the meeting. The members voted at the January and April meetings to change the by-laws to raise the annual dues rate to $20 beginning with 2024.
A password-protected minutes for the Autumn Meeting minutes may be viewed by clicking HERE.
The Spring meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10th at 1:00 p.m.
Posted 2/9/2024
|
 |
| * |
|
| Governor Lamont Directs Flags To Half-Staff on Friday
in Honor of Former U.S. Senator Joseph I. Lieberman
Posted on March 28, 2024
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that as a mark of solemn respect for the memory and longstanding service of former U.S. Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of the former senator’s funeral, which has been scheduled for Friday, March 29, 2024.
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.
The funeral service will be held at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford.
CLICK HERE to read the Governor's entire proclamation.
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
********
For your convenience, and to save you the 66-cent* postage cost,
we are providing this PayPal button →
for remitting your $20 annual HFRA dues for 2024.
2024 dues cards will be given to paid-up members at the January 11th HFRA meeting, or mailed to them afterward.
|
To HFRA Regular Members:
Your 2024 dues are due
Dues are considered "Donations"
|
|
|
2024 HFRA DUES
Please Note: Only for retired or former career
members of the Hamden Fire Department.
Honorary Members are exempt.
|
Meeting & Dues Notice!
The Winter Meeting of the HFRA will be held at the Hamden Elks, 175 School Street, Thursday morning, January 11th starting at 9:00 a.m.
Agenda:
Financial Report for 2023
History Committee
Sunshine Committee
Report on "Edward Meegan Bridge" Progress
Anything for the Good of the Asssociation
Menu:
FREE "Continental Breakfast"
of Danish, donuts, juices, milk & coffee will be served.
Dues:
Your $20 dues may be paid by check, PayPal, or in-person
Applies only to Regular Members, not to Honorary Members.
(Disregard if you've already paid your $20 for 2024.)
All retired and active HFD welcome!
Hope you can be there.
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
 |
| * |
|
|
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.
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
 |
| We Remember (2023 Ed.) |
|
|
HOME PAGE UPDATES
|
 |
| CLICK HERE: Official Local 2687 Website |
|
|
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
|
