We Remember Our Brothers
| World War II HFD Honor Roll
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| We Remember Our Brothers (2023 Update) - The next update will be posted sometime after the beginning of 2024. |
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| Hamden's World War II Honor Roll. It stood until 1951, when a new police headquarters and the original Miller Memorial Library were built at the site. |
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Hamden Fire Department
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We Remember
(*) Asterisk denotes those who died while still in active service
(**) Two asterisks denote LODD
Anthony Melillo
10/6/1945 – 10/19/2022
Guy White
7/10/1938 – 8/10/2022
John O'Hare
10/28/1926 – 7/24/2022
Raymond Dobbs
11/11/1946 – 6/20/2022
Richard Lostritto
9/6/1926 – 5/27/2022
Raymond Ramelli
8/10/1946 – 8/17/2020
John Laffin
12/27/1924 – 5/30/2020
Harold R. Prescher
7/1/1952 – 2/12/2020
Joseph T. Rahl
9/6/1924 – 12/23/2019
Joseph E. McDermott
9/9/1926 – 11/9/2019
Robert D. Chadwick
5/15/1944 – 4/24/2019
Ernest S. Braun
7/18/1936 – 10/31/2018
Milner L. Benham
3/19/1928 – 10/18/2018
Douglas A. Yocher
9/28/1939 – 9/30/2018
Edward C. Doiron
11/9/1938 – 10/4/2017
William Davin
10/9/1942 – 1/14/2017
Walter R. Vining
8/29/1939 – 12/24/2016
Robert E. Kelo
1/16/1939 – 8/19/2016
Samuel A. Jones
11/4/1925 – 10/29/2015
John Tramontano
7/8/1937 – 9/2/2015
Jerold Bradbury
12/24/1934 – 5/16/2015
Joseph J. Yoga , Jr.
12/18/1942 – 5/25/2014
Hugh McLean, Jr.
7/10/1924 – 2/10/2014
Howard Hurlburt, Jr.
8/24/1948 – 11/20/2013
Harry Cubbellotti
9/6/1928 – 10/23/2013
Gerald Wolf
6/25/1927 – 8/30/2013
Richard Kenyon
10/17/1944 – 5/16/2013
Charles Cargan
5/30/1941 – 3/17/2013
Burton Hillocks
4/21/1921 – 9/4/2012
Paul Reutenauer
1/29/1935 – 3/25/2012
Sid Trower
4/8/1915 – 4/12/2011
Frank Critchett
8/15/1950 – 10/10/2010
Warren Blake
12/31/1923 – 9/15/2009
Salvatore Ferraro
8/7/1915 – 8/11/2009
Edward Bevins
9/28/1926 - 5/22/2009
Arthur Heriot
10/20/1933 - 4/17/2009
Christopher Moreland*
11/30/1977 - 3/31//2009
Joseph Shields
2/4/1929 - 12/13/2008
Robert O'Donnell
5/9/1925 - 6/15/2008
Vincent Roth
1/29/1916 - 12/19/2007
Charles Esposito
3/12/1941 - 5/11/2007
John McKee
7/13/1920 - 10/4/2006
Gaetano Amarante
1/28/1933 - 6/11/2006
Russell Norman
4/30/1917 - 3/29/2006
Russell Smith
8/1/1940 - 11/28/2005
George Reutenauer
12/6/1919 - 6/20/2005
James Strain
8/10/1909 - 9/8/2004
Paul Rosadina
2/21/1920 - 10/6/2003
George Patten
2/22/1938 - 3/30/2003
Richard Greening
1/16/1952 - 12/6/2002
Francis Leddy
9/10/1921 - 2/22/2002
Raymond Vreeland
2/21/1925 - 1/19/2002
Mario Serafino
7/26/1909 - 2/14/2001
Francis Eitler
7/5/1917 - 9/27/2000
Wilbur Baker
9/2/1914 - 11/2/1998
Frederick Knudsen
5/9/1923 - 7/2/1998
David Herrmann
1/2/1916 - 5/11/1998
Eugene Maturo
12/2/1923 - 7/15/1997
Fiore Cubbellotti
5/6/1919 - 5/22/1997
Bernard Early
1/29/1929 - 3/21/1997
John Hoffman
9/12/1907 - 11/29/1995
Julius Norman
4/9/1893 - 4/24/1995
Walter T. Macdowall*
2/6/1943 - 3/17/1995
*Chief, La Grange [Illinois] Fire Department
Clement Wetmore
12/20/1903 - 3/9/1995
V. Paul Leddy
4/27/1919 - 4/29/1994
Stewart Keeler
11/11/1911 – 9/23/1993
Luke Tobin
2/4/1926 - 2/12/1993
Thayer Jones
11/12/1901 - 11/7/1992
Frederick Fletcher
8/5/1920 - 9/29/1992
Michael Cantarella
1/21/1916 - 7/6/1992
Thomas Cummins
11/27/1926 - 11/2/1991
Ronald Altieri**
10/27/1942 - 4/30/1991
Leslie Coe
1/22/1904 - 2/23/1991
Robert Williams
12/3/1926 - 12/5/1990
Daniel O'Connell
2/24/1924 - 11/13/1990
Richard Stacey
6/18/1921 - 7/2/1989
Lawrence Bellemore
10/9/1921 - 4/22/1989
Stanley Brown
3/19/1928 - 4/7/1989
David Howe
2/18/1926 - 1/12/1989
Raymond Bantz
4/1/1935 – 12/13/89
Kenneth Harrington
3/30/1919 - 10/6/1988
Raymond Reilly*
7/23/1943 - 8/12/1987
Joseph Hromadka
9/6/1907 - 11/2/1986
Edward Kromer
9/25/1897 - 8/23/1986
Gerald Dinneen*
7/10/45 - 12/25/1985
William Mulcahy*
2/15/1943 - 6/19/1985
Arthur F. Norman
3/29/1891 - 3/26/1985
Howard Hurlburt, Sr.
7/24/1924 - 3/5/1985
Raymond Carofano
7/1/1913 - 10/14/1984
Wayne Butterworth
6/6/1935 - 4/13/1984
Arthur Smith
4/5/1912 - 3/25/1983
Daniel Hume
1/6/1909 - 3/23/1983
Edward Charbonneau**
8/25/1939 - 12/4/1982
Robert Callahan
10/30/1925 - 11/28/1982
George Benton
9/2/1900 - 4/21/1981
Gregory Shammett*
11/19/1946 - 8/21/1980
William Hines*
11/25/1918 - 5/9/1979
Raymond C. Spencer
11/19/1895 - 12/14/1978
Albert Purce
8/21/1903 - 12/13/1978
John Reilly
3/5/1937 - 2/8/1978
Emil Strain
4/28/1911 - 3/22/1976
George Thatcher
12/16/1902 - 6/19/1975
Clement Kammerer
10/12/1894 - 6/15/1973
Everett Doherty
8/4/1901 - 8/9/1972
Ralph R. Rosson
12/17/1887 - 3/4/1972
Alfred Ramelli**
7/25/1921 - 1/1/1972
Joseph Dukat
3/11/1893 - 4/2/1971
Anthony Onofrio
4/6/1906 – 10/1970
Frank Nolan
5/22/1902 - 5/7/1968
Everett J. Mason
1/30/1902 - 4/9/1968
Walter Thomas
5/14/1903 - 6/20/1967
August A. Ball
12/27/1895 - 12/28/1964
Roland Ruwet
2/18/1891 - 10/3/1961
Robert Reutenauer
8/27/1889 - 3/17/1961
Charles Loller
11/4/1867 – 1/22/1961
David F. Howe
10/12/1878 - 9/16/1951
James J. Shea
12/13/1899 – 6/12/1951
Joseph A. Marchitto
4/19/1890 - 7/8/1950
Albert M. Molleur
3/7/1888 – 1/15/1948
Timothy S. Fennelly
12/12/1900 – 4/1/1945
John Vroman
1/1871 – 4/24/1940
Charles N. Coe
8/1880 – 2/20/1937
Earl Gussman
1/27/1897 – 11/1936
Rollin C. Horsfall
1865 – 1930
Edward D. Meegan**
8/1891 – 12/11/1927
Killed in the line of duty
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| Ff. Guy White - 1978 |
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Firefighter Guy White
(1938 - 2022)
We regret to report the passing in Florida last Wednesday, August 10th, of former Hamden Firefighter Guy White (83), who served as a career member of the department from 1971 to 1978, when he left to take a position in the insurance industry in Georgia.
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Guy had been a member of the West Woods Volunteer Fire Association before joining the career department in 1971 with the first wave of new personnel after the 42-hour workweek was instituted. He was assigned to Station 3, where he was assigned to both Engine 3 (Telesqurt) and Truck 2.
Guy leaves his wife Carolyn, a daughter Denise, and a son Guy Carl White III. His family reports that he will be cremated and interred at the National Military Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.
Please keep Guy's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Post 8/14/2022
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Firefighter John O'Hare
(1926 - 2022)
It is with deep regret that we report the passing yesterday evening, July 24th, of retired Hamden Firefighter John O'Hare (95). He died at home with his wife Rita by his side.
John came on the job in 1953 and served until he reached age 65 at the end of October 1991. He was an active member of both the HFRA and HGSRA and was a regular meeting attendee until his health began to deteriorate about two years ago.
Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 9am to 10am at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT 06460. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Holy Infant Church 450 Racebrook Rd., Orange, CT. Interment will follow at Orange Center Cemetery, Orange Center Rd., Orange. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hamden Fire Retirees Association, PO Box 185605, Hamden, CT 06518. To leave online condolences, please visit www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.
Please keep Rita and the rest of John's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Revised 7/27/2022 - 0937
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Firefighter Raymond Dobbs
(1946 - 2022)
We are deeply saddened to report the passing yesterday of HFRA and HGSRA member, retired Firefighter Raymond Dobbs, 75, beloved husband of 44 years of Niki Batter Dobbs of North Haven, after a brief illness.
Ray was born in New Haven Nov. 11, 1946 a son of the late Herman and Helen Kowalski Dobbs and had resided in Hamden before moving to North Haven. He proudly served as a Sergeant in the US Air Force from 1967-1971 and he was a firefighter with the Hamden Fire Department for 32 years prior to his retirement. He also worked for Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home for 10 years and was named the "Best Dressed". Together with Niki they enjoyed going to Florida every winter and also R.I. and several cruises.
He was predeceased by an infant son Daniel Raymond Dobbs. Survivors include nieces Janet Tragianese, Heather Munro, Sally Slade and Jennifer Slade, great nephew Michael Hugo, best friends Debbie and Dave Tremont, and canine companion Maggie. Special thanks to Joan Sotere for her loving care. Ray was predeceased by a sister Sandra Dobbs and a brother Harry Dobbs.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday June 23, at 10:00 am at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave. Hamden. Friends may visit with his family from 9:00- 10:00 am. Interment with Military Honors in Beaverdale Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516 Topeka Kansas, 66675-8516, www.wwp.org, or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN, 38105, www.stjude.org.
Please keep Niki and the rest of Ray's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Revised 6/22/2022 - 1531
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Superintendent Richard "Richie" Lostritto
(1926 - 2022)
It is with deep regret that we report the passing on Friday, May 27th of retired HFD Superintendent of Alarms & Apparatus Richard "Richie" Lostritto (95). He died peacefully at his home with his family beside him.
HFD's oldest living retiree at the time of his passing, Richie served his country faithfully in the US Army during WWII in the Pacific Theater. He joined the department in September 1950. He was appointed Asst. Supt. of Alarms and Apparatus in 1965, and Superintendent three years later. Richie retired in December 1985 with more than 35 years on the job.
Blessed with a heart of gold, Richie was a friend to all who knew him. Until a few years ago, he was a regular attendee at HFRA meetings. Although unable to attend more recently, Richie always remained interested in HFRA and HGSRA activities.
The Visiting Hours will be Tuesday, May 31st from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday morning, June 1st at 10 AM, in St. Barnabas Church, North Haven. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery in North Haven.
Please keep Marge Lostritto and the rest of Richie's family, including his nephew, retired HFD Firefighter Jim Koutsopolos, niece Judy Frodel, and his grand-nephew, retired Lieut. Jeff Pechmann, in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Posted 5/30/2022 - 2200 hrs.
CHECK OUT the tribute to Supt. Lostritto that appeared in our June 2022 edition.
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Firefighter Raymond Ramelli
(1946 - 2020)
We are deeply saddened to report the passing on August 17th of retired Hamden Firefighter Ray Ramelli, 74, who served on the department from January 1970 until his retirement on the last day of November 1999.
Ray was an outstanding and well respected firefighter, as was his dad, Hamden Firefighter Alfred Ramelli, who passed away New Year's Day 1972 after being stricken on the job.
Ray was appointed to the department in January 1970 and was an EMT on Rescue 1 on Platoon 1 most of his career. He retired the last day of November 1999. Ray and Tina were frequent attendees at the Local 2687 retirement dinners.
Calling hours at Sisk Brother's Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Avenue, Hamden are Sunday, August 23, from 2 to 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Monday at 10 a.m. Because the COVID pandemic has severely limited the number of people who can attend, the Funeral Mass will be private.
Please keep Tina, their children, Ray Jr., Roger, and Al, and their families in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
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| Jack Laffin in 1968 |
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Battalion Chief John "Jackie" Laffin
(1924 - 2020)
We are deeply saddened to report the passing in Provincetown, Massachusetts on Saturday, May 30th, of retired Battalion Chief John "Jackie" Laffin, 95, who served on the department from October 1949 until his retirement on the first day of January 1990.
Jack was born on December 27, 1924 and served at the U.S. Navy during World War II. He joined the Hamden Fire Department in October 1949, was promoted to Lieutenant in 1968, Captain in 1973, and Commander (Battalion Chief) in 1984, taking over Platoon 1 from retired D/C Paul Rosadina.
B/C Laffin was a valued firefighter and highly respected officer, who always had the backs of his officers and firefighters. Many of us retirees vividly recall the profound and painful loss endured by Jack, his wife Joyce, and their large family with the loss of their son, Officer Tim Laffin of the North Haven Police Department, who died from injuries on May 29, 1980, 40 years and one day before the death of his father, when his patrol car crashed while in pursuit of a wanted suspect.
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Private funeral services have been entrusted to The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The HFRA will advise our members of the date and time.
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Please keep Batt. Chief Laffin's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
CLICK HERE for a complete obituary for Batt.Chief Laffin as published in The New Haven Register.
Revised 6/5/2020 - 1330 hrs.
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| Firefighter Harold Prescher |
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Firefighter Harold Raymond Prescher
(1952 - 2020)
We are deeply saddened to report the passing in Littleton, New Hampshire on Wednesday, February 12th, of retired Firefighter Harold Prescher, 67, who served on the department from January 1981 until the progression of multiple sclerosis eventually forced his retirement in August 1998.
Harold was born in Southington, Connecticut on July 1, 1952, to Harold R. and Alice J. (Heywood) Prescher. He grew up in Southington and attended public schools while working at the IGA his parents owned. He went on to work for many years at Bristol Hospital as a Paramedic and later for the Hamden Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic until his retirement.
As a recruit firefighter in 1981, Firefighter/Paramedic Prescher was solely responsible for the introduction of the department's street map books that are still in use by all department members today. In the nearly forty years since their introduction, the map books that Harold created have undoubtedly made responses quicker, safer, and more effective.
Harold moved to New Hampshire in 2005, first in Haverhill and then to Littleton in 2008. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hiking in the White Mountains and fishing in the many ponds and streams in the area. He was a fan of NASCAR and enjoyed watching the races on TV.
Harold was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife Laurie (Davison) Prescher of Littleton, a son Dustin Prescher of East Hartford, CT, a sister Barbara Prescher of FL, and the mother of his son, Betty Bonnenfant.
Visiting hours will be Saturday, February 15, 2020, from 12-2 PM with a concluding memorial service at 2 at Ross Funeral Home, 282 West Main St. Littleton, NH. Interment will be at the South End Cemetery in Southington, CT at the convenience of the family.
An outstanding firefighter, and a joy to work with, Harold's humor and grace in the face of a debilitating illness endeared him to all of us. A tribute to Ff. Prescher will be posted on the HFRA website within the next day or so.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Harold's wife Laurie and his son Dustin at this sad time.
Posted 2/13/2020 - 1000 hrs.
Some of the above information was gleaned from Firefighter Prescher's obituary published by the Ross Funeral Home in Littleton, New Hampshire, the complete text of which may be read by CLICKING HERE.
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Firefighter Joseph Rahl
(1924 - 2019)
We have been notified and are deeply saddened to report the passing yesterday, December 23, 2019, of retired Firefighter Joseph Rahl, 95, who served on the department for 33 years. He was the department's oldest retiree.
Joe began his fire service career on March 12, 1942 as a volunteer firefighter with the Mt. Carmel Fire Volunteer Fire Co. He served as the company's captain from 1947-48, and again from 1954 to 1956, when he was appointed to the career department. He retired in November 1989.
Calling hours are Friday, December 27th, from 5-7 p.m. at Beecher and Bennett Funeral Parlor, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. As always, department retirees with dress blues are welcome to participate in standing Honor Guard. Services will be held Saturday morning at 11 at Beecher and Bennett, with interment to follow at Centerville Cemetery.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rahl family at this sad time.
Posting 12/26/2019
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| Dep. Chief Joseph McDermott |
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Deputy Chief Joseph E. McDermott
(1926 - 2019)
(November 9) - We have been notified and are deeply saddened to report the passing earlier today of retired Deputy Chief (Platoon Commander) Joseph McDermott, 93, who served on the department for 38 years.
Considered by many of his peers to be a "fireman's fireman," A veteran of World War II, Dep. Chief McDermott joined the department on May 11, 1953. He was one of the first driver's the department's first aerial ladder truck in 1958. In 1961, he was cited for saving the life of a one-year old toddler who had stopped breathing. He performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and revived the child, who had been brought to the fire station.
When a second lieutenant's position was added to each of the three platoons in 1963, McDermott was promoted to fill one of the three new slots and assigned to Platoon 1 on Engine 3 and Rescue 1 at old Station 3 on Putnam Avenue. With the 42-hour workweek in 1970, he was promoted to captain and assigned to Station 2 on the new Platoon 4. Three years later he was promoted to deputy chief and commanded Platoon 2 until his retirement. He received several commendations over the course of his career and was twice named Fireman of the Year.
Dep. Chief McDermott is survived by his loving wife Helen McDonough McDermott, a son Steven (Rita) McDermott of Middletown, grandchildren, Allison, Leah, Daniel, Rebecca and Emily and a great granddaughter Selma. He was predeceased by a daughter Patricia Pederson, a brother Vincent McDermott and his first wife Mildred Selmquist McDermott.
(November 12th) - A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated this morning at Church of the Ascension, 1040 Dunbar Hill Road, Hamden, with burial following at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Helen and the rest of the McDermott family at this sad time.
Revised 11/12/2019
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The Hamden Fire Retirees Assn. is grateful to our brothers in the Hamden Police Department for their outstanding assistance to the McDermott family while escorting the funeral procession for Dep. Chief McDermott
from Church of the Ascension to All Saints Cemetery. Thank you!
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Captain Robert Chadwick
(1944 - 2019)
We have been notified and are saddened to report the passing on April 24th of retired Captain Robert Chadwick, 74, who was a member of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association and the Hamden Guardian Services Retirees Association.
Besides his wife Margaret of 39 years, he leaves one son, Michael Chadwick and his wife, Beth, two sisters, Florence Sengstacken and Judy Kassack and her husband, Evan, his favorite sister-in-law, Katie Underwood and three grandchildren, Peyton, Hannah and Cate. He also leaves his brothers-in-law, John (Joanne) and Jeff.
Bob was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department in 1969. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1981, and captain in 1986. After his retirement in 1992, Bob spent a great deal of time in his second home in Puerto Rico, where his ashes will be laid to rest. There will be no funeral.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob's family at this sad time.
Posted 4/25/2019
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Firefighter Ernest "Ernie" Braun
(1936 - 2018)
We have been notified, and are saddened to report, of the passing on Wednesday, October 31st, of retired Firefighter Ernest "Ernie" Braun (82) in Branford, Connecticut.
Ernie joined the Hamden Fire Department in January 1970. With the new 42-hour workweek a few months later, he was assigned to Platoon 3 under Deputy Chief George Reutenauer. For most of his career, Ernie was assigned to truck companies at Station 3, Station 5 and Station 9.
Ernie had the unique distinction of being the only Hamden firefighter to drive the apparatus of a re-assigned engine or truck company from its former station to its new station - twice! In April 1976, he drove Truck 1 from Station 2, where the truck company had been assigned since 1951, to its new home at Station 5. In November 1984, he drove Truck 1 from Station 5 when it was re-assigned to Station 9.
Firefighter Ernie Braun retired on the last day of June 1993.
Posted 11/16/2018
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| Firefighter Milner Benham (1968) |
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Firefighter Milner Benham
(1928 - 2018)
We have been notified, and are saddened to report, of the passing on Thursday, October 18th, of retired Firefighter Milner Benham (90) in Middletown, Connecticut, where he had been residing since earlier this year. For the previous 36 years since his retirement, Milner and his wife Joan had resided in Canaan, New Hampshire.
Milner Benham joined the Hamden Fire Department in December 1956 and was assigned to Platoon 2 under Deputy Chief Everett Doherty. When all personnel were re-assigned for the 42-hour workweek in 1970, Milner went to Platoon 1, where he remained until his retirement on the last day of 1981. Throughout most of his career he was at Station 4 riding the rescue.
Firefighter Benham was among the first eight of the department's certified paramedics when advanced life support services were first offered in 1976.
Please keep Milner's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
October 26: We have been informed that a Memorial Service will be conducted for Milner at Dunbar United Church of Christ, 767 Benham Street, corner of Dunbar Hill Road, at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5th.
Revised 10/28/2018
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Lieutenant Douglas A. Yocher
(1939 - 2018)
We are deeply saddened to report the passing on September 30th of retired Hamden Fire Department Lieut. Douglas Yocher, at Yale-New Haven Hospital, following a long illness.
Doug served on the Hamden Fire Department from July 1969 until his retirement in June 2000. An excellent firefighter and fire officer, Doug was also a member of the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department all his adult life and served as Chief of Department from 1984 until 1987.
Calling hours are Thursday, October 4th, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main Street (Rt. 10), Cheshire. Services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, October 5th, starting at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors immediately following services at Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, 166 Wallingford Road, Cheshire.
Please keep Doug's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
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| Firefighter Edward Doiron |
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Firefighter Edward C. Doiron
(1938 - 2017)
We are deeply saddened to report the passing on October 4th of retired Hamden Firefighter Edward C. Doiron, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.
Ed served on the Hamden Fire Department from November 1964 until his retirement in June 1993. He was a charter member of the Hamden Professional Firefighters Association, Local 2687, I.A.F.F. and served as the local's first treasurer from 1979 to 1993. Ed also was a founding member of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc. in 2009.
Services conducted by HFD chaplain Rev. Owen Sanderson took place at Beecher and Bennett Funeral Home in Centerville on Friday, October 13th at 10 a.m.
Please keep Ed's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
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| Firefighter William P. Davin |
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Firefighter William P. Davin
(1942 - 2017)
We regret to report the passing of retired Hamden Firefighter William P. Davin on January 14, 2017, following a long illness. He was 74 years old.
Bill was a member of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association and the Hamden Guardian Services Retirees Association.
Bill began his fire service career in April 1959 as a member of the Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fire Company, No. 5, and was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department as a career member in October 1965, where he served for thirty years.
Sisk Brothers of Hamden was in charge of arrangements. Burial was private. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family.
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| Firefighter Walter Vining |
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Firefighter Walter R. Vining
(1939 - 2016)
We deeply regret to announce the passing on December 24, 2016 of former Hamden Firefighter Walter R. Vining of Wallingford, formerly of Hamden. Walt is survived by his wife, Barbara, six children, fifteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Walt joined the Hamden Fire Department in August 1966, and was assigned to Platoon 1. With the 42-hour workweek, he was assigned to Platoon 2 at Station 3. He left the department in 1971 for the private sector.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Walter's family at this sad time.
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| Lieutenant Kelo (1984) |
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Lieutenant Robert Edward Kelo
(1939 - 2016)
We deeply regret to announce the passing on August 19, 2016 of retired HFD Lieutenant and HFRA & HGSRA member Robert "Bob" E. Kelo in Chesterfield, Virginia. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jacqueline; and his children, Robert Jr. of Fort Myers, Fla., Michael (Susi) and Deborah, both of Chesterfield.
Bob joined the Hamden Fire Department in July 1970. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1984. Among his assignments was co-leader of the department's hazardous materials team. Bob also was a longtime member and past Chief of Citizen's Engine Co. 2 of Seymour before he and his wife Jackie moved to Virginia following his February 1, 1998 retirement.
Those of us who were fortunate to have worked with Bob remember him as a good friend, caring firefighter and a fine officer.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 23, at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, 8901 Winterpock Rd. Interment Sunset Memorial Park, Chester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Bon Secour's Hospice, 8580 Magellan Pkwy., Bldg. IV, Richmond, Va. 23227.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob's family at this sad time.
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| Firefighter Sam Jones |
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Firefighter Sam Jones
(1925 - 2015)
We deeply regret to announce the passing of our brother retiree and HFRA member Sam Jones on Thursday, October 29th, in Knoxville, Tennessse, with his wife, Elaine, and son, Ken, by his side. Sam's 90th birthday would have been two days ago, on November 4th.
Samuel Augustus Jones joined the Hamden Fire Department in May 1961, the department's first African-American career member. Following his appointment, Sam was assigned on old Platoon 3. When the 42-hour work-week was adopted in 1970, Sam was assigned to Platoon 4 until his retirement twenty-five years ago this month. Sam will be remembered as a fine firefighter - and an amazing chess player.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam's wife, Elaine, his son, East Point [Georgia] Firefighter Ken Jones, and the rest of Sam's family.
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| Chief John Tramontano |
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Chief John Tramontano
(1937 - 2015)
It is with deep regret that we announce the sudden passing of retired Hamden Fire Chief John R. Tramontano last Wednesday, September 2nd, at his home in Gilford, New Hampshire.
Active and retired Hamden fire and police personnel and all other fire service colleagues and friends of Chief Tramontano's met for a Memorial Service, conducted by members of the Hamden Fire Department in cooperation with the Tramontano family, at Hamden's Memorial Town Hall on the morning of Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
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Firefighter Jerold Bradbury
(1934 - 2015)
May 18 - We regret to announce the passing on Saturday, May 16th of former Hamden Firefighter Jerold "Jerry" Bradbury, father of retired Hamden Firefighter John Bradbury. Funeral was Wednesday, May 20th.
Our thoughts and prayers are with John and the rest of the Bradbury family.
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| Ff. Joe Yoga |
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Firefighter Joseph Yoga
(1942 - 2014)
May 27 - We deeply regret to announce the passing of our brother retiree Joe Yoga last Sunday morning at Connecticut Hospice in Branford.
Funeral Mass was held on Friday morning, May 30th, at St. Thomas Becket Church in Cheshire.
Joe started his fire service career in 1959 as a member of the Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fire Co. No. 5, and was appointed to the career department in 1965. While attempting the rescue of a young woman from an apartment fire above the Merryfield Veterinary Hospital on Shepard Avenue, Joe suffered a severe back injury that forced his retirement from the department in 1980.
Following his retirement, Joe served as a dispatcher for the Cheshire Police Department for twenty-two years. Joe was an active member of the HFRA and regularly attended meetings during the past five years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's wife, Lillian, and the rest of the Yoga family.
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| Ff. Hugh McLean |
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Firefighter Hugh McLean
(1924 - 2014)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing on February 10th of retired Hamden Firefighter Hugh McLean, Jr.
A World War II and D-Day Veteran, Hugh proudly served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1945 in North Africa and in the Allied invasions of Sicily and Normandy.
Hugh joined the Department in October 1949 and served with distinction for 38 years until his retirement in 1987. In 1973, Hugh received the Department's Alfred Ramelli Award, and in 1982 he was named Fireman of the Year by Hamden's Civitan Club.
Hugh is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeanne, and sons Hugh Scott McLean (Susan) of Pennsylvania, and Brian McLean (Judi) of Clinton. He is also survived by his three grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hugh's family.
CLICK HERE: View Hugh McLean's obituary in The New Haven Register
Some of the above information was excerpted from The New Haven Register obituary for Hugh McLean.
Revised 2/14/14
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| Lt. Howard Hurlburt, Jr. (1948-2013) |
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Lieutenant Howard Hurlburt, Jr.
(1948 - 2013)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden Fire Department Lieutenant/Paramedic Howard "Howie" Hurlburt, Jr. on Wednesday, November 20th in Arkansas, where he resided for the last several years.
Howie's fire service career began when he joined the Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fire Co. in 1965. Howie became a member of the career department in 1970 and was one of Hamden's first EMTs the following year. In 1976, Howie was among the first eight Hamden paramedics to be certified. Following a brief stint as the Department's first Mechanic in 1984, Howie was promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to Platoons 3 and 4 until his retirement in 1993
Howie was from a family with deep roots in Hamden public service. His brother, Clark, a 30-year veteran of the Department, is a retired Deputy Chief. Howie's father, the late Howard Hurlburt, Sr., served on the Hamden Fire Department from 1948 until his retirement in 1981, and later served on the Hamden Legislative Council. His mother, Nancy, also served on the Council and was Hamden Town Clerk for several years during the 1980s and 90s.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy, Clark and the rest of the Hurlburt family.
Revised 11/26/13
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| Ff. Harry Cubbellotti |
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Firefighter Harry Cubbellotti
(1928 - 2013)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden firefighter and HFRA member Harry Cubbellotti on October 23rd. Harry served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a proud and dedicated member of the Hamden Fire Department from 1957 until his retirement in 1993.
Harry was the husband of the late AnnMarie Rose Martone Cubbellotti. He was the father of Dawn (Daniel) Farricielli, Joseph J. (Karen) Cubbellotti, and the late Lisa Marie Cubbellotti; and the grandfather of five. Harry's brothers, Fiore (Frank) and Albert Cubbellotti, were also career firefighters with Hamden and West Haven, respectively.
Calling hours are Friday (today), October 25th, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue (corner of Clintonville Rd.) in No. Haven. Harry's funeral procession will leave the funeral home Saturday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Avenue, North Haven at 10:00. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery.
Contributions in Harry's memory may be sent to Ali's Angels Fund, c/o Yale-New Haven Hospital Office of Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-1849.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Harry's family.
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| Firefighter Gerald R. Wolf (1927-2013) |
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Firefighter Gerald R. Wolf
(1927 - 2013)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden firefighter and HFRA member Gerald "Jerry" Wolf on August 30th. Jerry served on the Hamden Fire Department from 1957 until his retirement in 1991.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Laura Wetmore Wolf, his son John Wolf of Hamden, and his daughter Linda Campagna and husband Thomas of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, and five grandchildren.
Jerry's Funeral Service took place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, at Beecher and Bennett followed by burial with military honors at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Contributions in Jerry's memory may be sent to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry's family.
Revised 8/31/13
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| Ff. Richard Kenyon |
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Firefighter Richard W. Kenyon
(1944 - 2013)
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of our brother retiree, Richard "Ricky" Kenyon, husband of Luciana Maio Kenyon. Ricky passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Florida, where he and his wife were residing. Rick was the father of Kimberly (Mark) Rapela and Nicole (Raymond) Phelan. Stepfather of John (Diana) Kusmit and Jeffrey (Amy) Kusmit. Loving grandfather of Lauren, Victoria, Brendan, Olivia, Tyler, Connor and Alexander. He also leaves behind his one sister Nancy Stanish.
Ricky served in the U.S. Army for four years. He joined the Hamden Fire Department in July 1969 and served until his retirement in April 1993. Ricky was a dedicated firefighter and was for many years a tireless negotiator for our three bargaining units, the Hamden Paid Firemen's Sick Benefit Association, the Hamden Firefighters Association and the Hamden Professional Firefighters Association, Local 2687, IAFF. In recent years, Ricky was a frequent contributor to the website, emailing links to online stories about labor issues concerning retirees.
Funeral services were held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Hamden. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky's wife Lucy and the rest of the Kenyon family.
Revised 5/24/13
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| Ff. Charles Cargan |
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Firefighter Charles "Chaz" Cargan
(1941 - 2013)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing on March 17th of our brother retiree, Charles "Chaz" Cargan. He was 71.
Charlie was a United States Army veteran, serving in the 225th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War era. He joined the Hamden Fire Department on October 8, 1968 and served for 33 years. Charlie was a dedicated and hard-working firefighter. A frequent attendee at HFRA meetings, he was well liked by all.
Funeral service with Military Honors took place at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue (Rt. 5) at the corner of Clintonville Road (Rt. 22), on Friday, March 22nd at 7 p.m.
The members of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association extend their condolences to Charlie's wife, Bonnie; his children, Chris, Keith and Reid; and the rest of the Cargan family.
Posted 3/20/13
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| Captain Burton Hillocks |
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Captain Burton C. Hillocks
(1921 - 2012)
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of brother fire retiree Burton C. Hillocks early Tuesday morning, September 4, 2012, in Vero Beach, Florida. He was 91. Burt's grandson, Franklin Wetmore, also of Vero Beach, reports that no funeral is planned.
Burt Hillocks was born on April 21, 1921 in Dundee, Scotland and came to the U.S. as a young boy. Burt served with distinction during World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps 8th AF, where he flew on 30 missions in a B-17 in various E.T.O. campaigns, including Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe.
Burt joined the Hamden Fire Department on September 11, 1950. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1966, and captain in 1974. Burt retired on February 18, 1981, and had resided in Florida most of the time since his retirement. Survivors include his son Bruce Hillocks of Meriden, CT; grandchildren Melissa Wetmore of Sebastian, FL and Franklin Wetmore of Vero Beach, FL.
The members of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association extend condolences to the Hillocks and Wetmore families.
Posted 9/4/12
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| Ff. Paul Reutenauer |
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Firefighter Paul Reutenauer
(1935 - 2012)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of brother retired Hamden firefighter, Paul Reutenauer, on Sunday, March 25, 2012 in Florida.
Paul's fire service career began when he joined the Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fire Co. in 1951. He became a member of the career department in December 1957 and was assigned to old Platoon 2 under Deputy Chief Everett Doherty. From the start of the 42-hour workweek in 1970 until his retirement in March 1993, Paul served at Station 4 on Platoon 3. A great guy with a wonderful sense of humor, Paul will be missed by all who knew him.
A Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. on Friday morning, March 30, 2012, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Hamden. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul's family.
Revised 3/30/12
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| CLICK to read Sid's obituary in The New Haven Register |
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| Firefighter Sidney Trower
(1915 - 2011)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden firefighter Sidney Trower on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, four days after his 96th birthday.Sid was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department on May 1, 1947. He retired after 33 years of service on February 24, 1980. He had been a member of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association and was a charter member of the Hamden Professional Firefighters, Local 2687, I.A.F.F.Sid is survived by his two daughters, Sylvia Bontatibus of Meriden and Barbara Wysopal of North Haven, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Sid was married 63 years to the late Eileen Blanchard Trower.
Originally posted April 14, 2011
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| Lieut. Frank Critchett |
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| The New Haven Register - 10/12/10 |
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Lieutenant Frank Critchett
(1950 - 2010)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing this past weekend of retired Hamden fire lieutenant Frank Critchett. He was 60 years old.
Frank was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department in April 1981, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1987. He retired in the mid '00s. Frank was also an active member in the Seymour Fire Department, having once served as Chief.
The funeral service was conducted Thursday morning by Hamden Fire Department Chaplain, Rev. Owen Sanderson.
The members of the Hamden Fire Retirees' Association wish to express our sincere condolences to Frank's family.
Updated 10/14/10 - 1100 hrs.
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| Firefighter Warren Blake (1923-2009) |
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Firefighter Warren Blake
(1923 - 2009)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden Firefighter Warren Edward Blake in Williamsburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. Warren had been a resident of Jefferson, Maine since his retirement in April 1979.
Warren served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician's Mate for ten years, and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a firefighter with the Hamden Fire Department from April 16, 1949 until his retirement on April 20, 1979.
Warren was predeceased by his wife, Jane. He is survived by his sons, Robert, Bradford, David, and several grandchildren.
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Firefighter Sal "Cookie" Ferraro
(1915 - 2009)
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Salvatore "Cookie" Ferraro at home on Tuesday, August 11, 2009. Cookie's 94th birthday was only a few days earlier.
Following service in the U.S. Army during World War II, Cookie was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department as a substitute on December 15, 1947, and became a fulltime firefighter the following October. He retired on June 11, 1979.
Cookie is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughter, Judith; two sons, Mark and Richard; and five grandchildren.
Sal Ferraro will always be remembered as a great guy with a cheerful disposition who was a friend to all. He will be missed.
Posted 8/12/09
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| Published in The New Haven Register, August 12, 2009 |
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| Ff. Art Heriot |
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Firefighter Arthur Heriot
(1933 - 2009)
April 17, 2009 - ASHFORD - Arthur Joseph Heriot, 75, of Ashford passed away April 17 of cancer. Born in New Haven, CT to the late Arthur and Alice (Lawlor) Heriot, he served in the Army during the Korean War. He married Noreen Baker in 1956; Noreen survives him. He retired from the Hamden, CT Fire Department after 36 year of service.
During his retirement years, Art could be found at the Plainfield Dog Track or Mohegan Sun's Race Book Room where he indulged his love of racing. He also loved gardening, the Boston Red Sox and UCONN Basketball, boy's night out with his sons and attending his grandsons' concerts.
He is survived by his children: Arthur and Joyce Heriot of Hebron, David and Marybeth March of Griswold and Michael and Paula Heriot of Columbia and his much loved grandsons Jonathan and Seth March. He also leaves his sister Judy Dwyer of Hamden and many nieces and nephews. A brother, Paul Heriot, predeceased him. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family on April 20 from 6-8 at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street (Route 195), Willimantic.
The funeral will be private at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ashford Fire Department. For online memorial guestbook and directions to the funeral home please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com
From the Norwich Bulletin, Sunday, April 19, 2009.
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