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From: Jeffrey Naples
Date: December 26, 2022 at 4:21:00 PM EST
To: All Fire Department Personnel
Subject: North Haven LODD
As you are all most likely aware of at this point, early this morning the North Haven Fire Department responded to a two alarm fire on 27 Quinnipiac Avenue. During this emergency brother Firefighter Matthias Wirtz was overcome by what seems to be a medical event where he was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital, and later pronounce deceased. This line of duty fatality is a tragic loss to the family, department, community and entire fire service. I cannot thank everyone of you for your support and compassion to our neighbors and brothers as they begin the process of laying FF. Wirtz to his final resting place.
Any and all line of duty fatalities in the fire service are beyond heartbreaking and deafening to our profession. This has an even larger impact on all of us with our relationship, partnership, and bond with a neighboring department. I know that many of you knew Matt very well, and some even had the privilege of calling him a classmate and friend. No words can ease this pain, and nothing will replace his loss. Now is the time for us to remain united and support one another, both internally and reaching out to those suffering in North Haven.
The Hamden Fire Departments Peer Support Team was tremendous in today’s efforts to lend comfort and assistance, and I am confident they will continue as the days and weeks lead out. As we all grieve in our own ways, please remember you are never alone. Reach out to one another, be an open ear and a voice of compassion.
Thank you for your immediate, and overwhelming response to backfilling both an extra Truck and Engine company today, so all of NoHFD could be with their brothers. As the next steps unfold we will be continuing to provide coverage to North Haven on an as needed bases. Your assistance and support is greatly appreciated by all.
Please Stay Safe and continue to be there for each other.
Respectfully,
Jeffrey G. Naples
Fire Chief / EMD
Hamden Fire Department
2372 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
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